The park was a setting for passive recreation in surroundings that evoked an ideal rural world. A rolling meadow dotted with trees and surrounded by woods formed the eastern portion. “There is no more beautiful picture than that of a beautiful meadow, over which level-armed sheltering trees cast broad shadows,” thought Olmsted. Visitors would find refreshment in simply contemplating its broad expanse of green space, strolling its rolling surface, or spreading a blanket on the ground to enjoy a picnic. Walking paths, a carriage drive, and bridle paths offered other possibilities to commune with nature. West of Delaware Avenue, Olmsted and Vaux created a picturesque lake for boating in summer and skating in winter by damning Scajaquada Creek that flowed through the site.

Although today’s park still offers much in the way of original features, many others have yet to be restored. These include Spire Head House (an exotic gazebo designed by Vaux), a quarry garden, bridle paths, and pedestrian pathways.

Olmsted had predicted that Delaware Park was destined to take a “distinguished position among the parks of the world.” Known as many Buffalonians’ favorite Olmsted park, it is also nationally recognized; it was named one of the Great Places in America by the American Planning Association in 2014 and one of the top 10 parks in the world by The Guardian in 2015.

Explore Hoyt Lake on a row boat!

Self-Guided Mobile Audio Tours 

Enjoy your historic Olmsted Parks with the free self-guided mobile audio tours of Delaware Park’s lake, meadow and Japanese Garden.

Delaware Park Audio Tour presented by M&T Bank

Japanese Garden Audio Tour presented by Wegmans

Salsa in the Park 

The 2023 season will be June 5 & 19 July 3 & 17 August 7 & 21.  Starting at 6:30 PM, a 30-minute beginner dance lesson is offered at each event in either Salsa, Bachata, or Merengue. From 7-9 PM, enjoy open social dancing to merengue, bachata, salsa, timba (Cuban salsa), cha cha cha and kizomba. No partner necessary.  Beginners welcomed and encouraged.

Tickets are sold online and will be released the day of each event at 4 PM.  Purchase your ticket here: www.sarahhaykel.com/salsainthepark2023/

The event may be cancelled due to inclement weather. This park activity is facilitated by Salsa for the Soul.  To reach us, please email Sarah at sarah@sarahhaykel.com or call 716-980-7851. 

Buffalo Croquet Club 

The 2023 season is from May 15th to October 15th, Monday, Wednesdays and Thursdays at the Delaware Park Croquet Courts next to Parkside Lodge. Mondays are 6 wick and 9 wicket leagues, Wednesday is open to all players and Thursday is the golf croquet league.

For more information please visit https://instagram.com/buffalo_croquet_club?igshid=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==

Or email buffalocroquet@gmail.com

Resurgence in the Park

The 2023 season will be from May 24th to September 16th. Hours: Wednesday – Friday’s 4pm to 9pm, Saturday 11am to 9pm, Sundays 12pm to 5pm.

For more information please visit: https://www.resurgencebrewing.com/locations

Shakespeare in the Park

The 2023 season will be ‘Measure for Measure’ from June 22nd to July 16th and ‘Romeo and Juliet’ from July 27th to August 20th.  Performances begin at 7:15PM, Tuesday-Sunday evenings. All performances are FREE, non-ticketed and open to the public. Guests are encouraged to bring a blanket or chaired seating.

Please visit https://shakespeareindelawarepark.org/mainstage/ for more information

The Terrace and Rose Garden

Open year-round, The Terrace is a full-service restaurant, bar and catering facility overlooking Hoyt Lake. The Rose Garden can be booked for weddings by contacting info@terracebuffalo.com

For more information please visit: https://www.terracebuffalo.com/