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Elizabeth Park: A Victorian Horticultural Gem

Discover a historic Victorian park with stunning gardens, recreational activities, and tranquil beauty in the heart of West Hartford, Connecticut.

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Escape to Elizabeth Park, a 102-acre oasis straddling Hartford and West Hartford, CT. This National Register of Historic Places site boasts America's oldest public rose garden, diverse gardens, recreational facilities, and the charming Pond House Café.

A brief summary to Elizabeth Park Conservancy

Local tips

  • Visit during the late spring or summer months to experience the rose garden in full bloom.
  • Check the Elizabeth Park Conservancy's event calendar for concerts, tours, and workshops.
  • Enjoy a picnic on the grounds, but note that grills, alcohol, and portable radios are not allowed.
  • Wear comfortable shoes for walking and exploring the gardens.
  • Parking can be challenging during events; consider arriving early or using alternative transportation.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    If you're in West Hartford Center, head east on South Main Street until you reach Asylum Avenue. Turn left onto Asylum and continue for about 0.5 miles. Elizabeth Park Conservancy will be on your right at 1561 Asylum Ave.

  • Public Transport

    From downtown Hartford, take CTtransit bus route 41 or 42 from Hartford Union Station. Ride the bus until you reach the 'Asylum Ave & Elizabeth Park' stop. The park is a short walk south on Asylum Avenue. The bus fare is approximately $1.75.

  • Taxi

    From West Hartford Center, a taxi ride to Elizabeth Park is approximately 3 miles and costs around $12, plus tip. Taxi and ride-sharing services are readily available in West Hartford.

  • Driving

    If driving, enter '1561 Asylum Ave, West Hartford, CT 06117' into your GPS. From I-84 West, take Exit 48 for Asylum Avenue and drive 2 miles. Turn left into the Park. There is ample free parking at Elizabeth Park, though it fills up quickly during events.

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Discover more about Elizabeth Park Conservancy

Elizabeth Park, gracing the border of Hartford and West Hartford, Connecticut, is a 102-acre testament to Victorian landscape design and horticultural passion. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the park offers a serene escape with its formal gardens, open green spaces, and diverse recreational facilities. Originally a 19th-century farm owned by businessman Charles Pond, the land was bequeathed to the City of Hartford in 1894, with the stipulation that it be named in honor of his late wife, Elizabeth. The park officially opened in 1897 and quickly became a beloved destination for locals and tourists alike. The highlight of Elizabeth Park is undoubtedly the Helen S. Kaman Rose Garden, established in 1904. As the oldest public rose garden in the United States, it showcases over 15,000 rose bushes representing some 800 varieties. The garden's iconic rose arches, a legacy of Theodore Wirth, Hartford’s Superintendent of Parks, create an ethereal and fragrant experience. Beyond the roses, visitors can explore a variety of other gardens, including the Perennial Garden, the Julian and Edith Eddy Rock Garden, the Annual and Tulip Garden, the Heritage Rose Garden, and the Hosta Garden. Each garden offers a unique display of colors and textures throughout the growing season. Elizabeth Park also provides ample opportunities for recreation and relaxation. Walking paths wind through the grounds, offering scenic views of the gardens and the naturalistic pond. Sports enthusiasts can enjoy tennis and basketball courts, ball fields, and lawn bowling greens. The Pond House Café offers dining options, and the Garmany Visitor Center provides information, restrooms, and a gift shop. The park hosts various events throughout the year, including concerts, garden workshops, and tours.

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