Bushnell Park Conservancy, Greater Hartford Travel Guide

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Discover Hartford's historic green space: Bushnell Park, a vibrant oasis with attractions, events, and natural beauty in the heart of the city.

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Bushnell Park Conservancy

Bushnell Park, established in 1854, is the oldest publicly funded park in the United States. Conceived by Reverend Horace Bushnell, the 50-acre park offers a green oasis in the heart of downtown Hartford, featuring walking paths, monuments, a carousel, and a pond.

A brief summary to Bushnell Park Conservancy

99 Trinity St, Hartford, Downtown, Connecticut, 06123, US
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From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Bushnell Park Conservancy.

Visit the Bushnell Park Carousel, a beautifully restored 1914 carousel, for a nostalgic ride (seasonal operation, check schedule).
Explore the park's diverse collection of trees, with over 150 species to discover.
Take a free tour of the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Arch on Thursdays (May-October) for panoramic views and a glimpse into Civil War history.
Enjoy a picnic or relax by the pond, taking in the park's peaceful atmosphere.

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Other nearby places you may find interesting

The closest places of the same kind, if this one is not quite what you had in mind.

Connecticut Science Center

Elizabeth Park Conservancy

Bushnell Park Carousel

The Children's Museum

Connecticut's Old State House

Explore Bushnell Park Conservancy on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Bushnell Park Conservancy, mapped for you.

Getting There

Walking

From the Hartford Union Station, walk north on Union Place, then turn right onto Asylum Street. Continue onto Ford Street, and Bushnell Park will be on your left. The walk is approximately 10 minutes.
Public Transport

From Hartford Union Station, take the CT Transit bus route 38 towards Pearl Street @ Ann Uccello St. The bus ride is approximately 3 minutes, and several bus stops are within a short walking distance of the park. A single fare costs $1.75.
Taxi/Ride-share

From anywhere in downtown Hartford, a taxi or ride-share to Bushnell Park will typically cost between $8 and $15, depending on the distance and demand.
Parking

Metered parking is available along the perimeter of Bushnell Park, costing around $1.50 per hour, and is enforced Monday-Friday from 8 AM to 6 PM. Parking is free on weekends and outside of these hours. Several parking garages are also located near the park, with hourly rates ranging from $5 to $10.

Discover more about Bushnell Park Conservancy

Bushnell Park, a verdant expanse in the center of Hartford, Connecticut, holds the distinction of being the oldest publicly funded park in the United States. Its origins trace back to the mid-1850s when Reverend Horace Bushnell, recognizing the need for open public spaces, championed the idea of creating a park for the city's residents.Bushnell Park's design was initially shaped by Jacob Weidenmann, a Swiss-born landscape architect recommended by Frederick Law Olmsted. Weidenmann's plan included winding paths and clusters of trees, enhancing the natural beauty of the Park River that flowed through it. Over the years, the park has been further refined by the Olmsted Brothers firm.Today, Bushnell Park welcomes over a million visitors annually. Among its attractions are the historic Bushnell Park Carousel, a 1914 carousel with 48 hand-carved wooden horses , and the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Arch, dedicated in 1886 to commemorate Hartford residents who fought in the Civil War. Visitors can also explore the Corning Fountain, admire statues of notable figures like Horace Wells, and enjoy various events and festivals throughout the year. The park's pond, created in the 1940s, adds to the serene atmosphere.