Overlooking the Niagara River, Riverside Park filled the missing piece in the park system by providing access to the river that, together with Lake Erie, is Buffalo’s other outstanding natural feature. Designed by Olmsted’s sons and successors after his retirement in 1895, it once had a landing on the river where boats from downtown would load and unload passengers. Restored in 2014, the River Rock Garden is a reinterpretation of the original Minnow Pool. This rain garden restored the original planting plan to the north end of the park.

Inside the park, visitors might enjoy a variety of diversions, including listening to concerts, playing baseball or other sports, strolling along a meandering pool shaded by old forest trees, or simply watching the great river roll by. Other prominent features of Riverside Park include a Lighthouse, World War I memorial and the Niagara River outlook. Learn more about your Buffalo Olmsted Park System at the official map & guide.