Hoyt Lake is the main attraction in Olmsted's Park System. People flock to Hoyt Lake and the surrounding park no matter what time of year. In the winter, locals can often be found at Shakespeare Hill sledding down what is undoubtably one of the best sledding locations in the city. In the summer, any range of activities keep a lively buzz going on around the lake. Historical walks and tours are available for anyone intereseted in learning more about the park and row boats rentals for those who want to get out on the water. Recently the historic fountain in the middle of the lake was put restored and is now visible from the nearby Scajaquada Expressway that snakes through the park.
The Albright Knox just steps away from the lake and the Historical Museum both feature impressive architecture vistas from Hoyt Lake. Before the Scajaquada Expressway split Delaware Park in two, it was possible to walk from Hoyt Lake directly to the History Museum and Japanese Gardens without needing to traverse the pedestrian bridge.