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Free things to do in Rochester
3 genuinely free places in and around Rochester, New York — each with an honest receipt for what the day really costs once parking and lunch are counted.
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Showing 3 of 3 places
ParkVerifiedHighland Park
An Olmsted-designed 150-acre arboretum famous for 1,200+ lilac shrubs in May, plus magnolias, rhododendrons and a pansy bed — always free to wander.
Parking uncheckedDetails +
Highland Park
An Olmsted-designed 150-acre arboretum famous for 1,200+ lilac shrubs in May, plus magnolias, rhododendrons and a pansy bed — always free to wander.
Highland Park
Rochester, New York
An Olmsted-designed 150-acre arboretum famous for 1,200+ lilac shrubs in May, plus magnolias, rhododendrons and a pansy bed — always free to wander. The small Lamberton Conservatory inside the park charges a few dollars; skip it and you've spent nothing.
Street parking along Highland and Reservoir Aves; expect paid event lots during the Lilac Festival
Parking price not checked yet — view parking nearby.
ViewpointVerifiedPont de Rennes Bridge & High Falls
A freshly renovated 858-foot pedestrian bridge hanging 114 feet over the Genesee River, with the best free view of the 96-foot High Falls pouring…
Parking uncheckedDetails +
Pont de Rennes Bridge & High Falls
A freshly renovated 858-foot pedestrian bridge hanging 114 feet over the Genesee River, with the best free view of the 96-foot High Falls pouring…
Pont de Rennes Bridge & High Falls
Rochester, New York
A freshly renovated 858-foot pedestrian bridge hanging 114 feet over the Genesee River, with the best free view of the 96-foot High Falls pouring through downtown. Go after rain for maximum thunder.
Metered street parking and paid lots in the High Falls district
Parking price not checked yet — view parking nearby.
Historic siteVerifiedMount Hope Cemetery
America's first municipal rural cemetery (1838) and the resting place of Frederick Douglass and Susan B.
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Mount Hope Cemetery
America's first municipal rural cemetery (1838) and the resting place of Frederick Douglass and Susan B.
Mount Hope Cemetery
Rochester, New York
America's first municipal rural cemetery (1838) and the resting place of Frederick Douglass and Susan B. Anthony, with signposted routes to both graves through 196 acres of Victorian landscape. Free entry daily from 7:30 a.m. to dusk.
Street parking on Mount Hope Ave; limited parking inside the gates
Parking price not checked yet — view parking nearby.
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