For most people, “snow” is the first image that might pop into their minds if they hear about Buffalo, New York. And yes, while snow is usually on the radar for a portion of the year, Buffalo also has a lot to offer.
It’s no surprise this is one of the most up, and coming cities in America for Millennials turns out Buffalo is pretty cool!
In this post, we’re going to cover one of the most popular of Buffalo’s hot spots, the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens.
This garden is one of the most historic and prettiest in the country. So, you’re going to want to check it out.
In the meantime, here’s what you need to know before you plan your visit.
History
The park was first opened in 1900. However, the idea was generated about thirty years earlier when America’s most famous landscape architect at the time, Fredrick Law Olmstead, was asked to conceive of a design for a park in Buffalo. The land where the garden now stands, over 150 acres, was once rural farmland.
After the opening of the park, its first real showcase was during the 1901 Pan American Exposition. The exposition was essentially a World’s Fair that sought to highlight and celebrate the cultures of the Western Hemisphere. Since the botanical gardens were a special highlight of the event, they soon became one of the most famous gardens in the country.
Things to See
Today, quite a bit of the original design and structure of the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens still stands.
The centerpiece of the gardens is the three domed glass and steel conservatory building. At the time it was built, it was one of the most expensive in the world. Today is it one of less than a dozen buildings of its kind in the country. So you certainly don’t want to miss exploring this historic building.
Visitors can also take tours of the gardens as well. There are a few options to choose from. There is a general guided tour of the twelve greenhouses on the property, and a historical tour that highlights Buffalo’s history and development with the gardens as a beautiful backdrop.
Also, take the time to stop by the Arcangel Gallery too. This gallery is full of images and artwork dedicated to both the beauty of the botanical gardens and also horticultural life in and around Western New York. The exhibits are open daily and continuously changing throughout the year.
Getting There
The Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens is located right off Interstate 90. Interstate 90 runs completely across the northern part of the United States, which makes it easy to get to for people aiming for a road trip!
Buffalo is a 6-hour drive from New York City and is just about 4 hours from Pittsburgh, Cleveland, and Albany. Once there, schedule in plenty of time to explore the rest of the city. Buffalo has plenty to offer.
