Built as one of Frederick Law Olmsted’s original Buffalo parks by the early 1870s, Front Park’s extant carriage concourse was situated to command a spectacular view of Lake Erie. The tour celebrates this site near the water, the former grounds of Fort Porter, and the park’s popularity and many uses in its 150-plus year military and recreational history.
The entrance to Front Park is located at 123 Porter Avenue, at the intersection of Lakeview Avenue. Follow the park drive to the Oliver Hazard Perry statue at the carriage concourse, where there is free parking and where the tour starts. This tour is approximately one hour in length and one mile of walking, mainly on level sidewalks with several curbs to step up or down (curb cuts are available).
Tour Admission:
- In partnership with the Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy, tour admission for Olmsted Park Walking Tours is free for the 2023 Tour Season.
Tour Procedures & Policies:
- Reservations are required for all tours, including for Explorer Pass members. Walk-ups without reservations cannot be accommodated. Walking tours are generally limited to a maximum of 18 people per group.
- Reservations close two hours before the tour’s scheduled start time (for example, reservations close at 8am for a 10am tour).
- Reservations can be made online; please email explore@explorebuffalo.org or call (716) 245-3032 if you need assistance.
- If you have an Explore Buffalo walking pass (orange or blue), please email explore@explorebuffalo.org to reserve your tour.
- The Explore Buffalo docent for your tour will have a list of tour reservations for their tour; you do not need to print or bring any tour confirmation.
- Children & Student Admission is for children ages 6-18 or college students with a valid student ID. Children ages 5 and under are free and do not require a reservation.
- Accessibility: Please contact us at explore@explorebuffalo.org or (716) 245-3032 if you plan to attend this tour and will require accommodations or if you have questions about accessibility.
- If you feel ill or suspect you may be experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, please do not attend any Explore Buffalo tours. We will be happy to refund your reservation or welcome you to join us at a later date.
- Please wear comfortable walking shoes and dress for the weather. Tours generally proceed rain or shine. In the event of weather that requires a tour cancellation, we will contact registered tour guests in advance of the tour.
- See our FAQs page for our refund policy and answers to other questions.
- By confirming your reservation for any Explore Buffalo tour, you acknowledge and accept Explore Buffalo’s tour policies.
