Bushnell Park Carousel: A Whimsical Ride Through History

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Experience a timeless ride on a beautifully restored 1914 carousel in Hartford's historic Bushnell Park. A treasured landmark for all ages.

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Bushnell Park Carousel

The Bushnell Park Carousel, a meticulously restored 1914 Stein & Goldstein creation, offers a nostalgic and affordable amusement for all ages. Located in Hartford's Bushnell Park, it's one of only three Stein & Goldstein carousels still operating in the U.S., featuring hand-carved horses and a Wurlitzer band organ.

A brief summary to Bushnell Park Carousel

1 Jewell St, Hartford, Downtown, Connecticut, 06103, US
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Saturday 12 pm-5 pm
Sunday 12 pm-5 pm

Local tips

Visit on weekends when the carousel is typically open to the public.
Check the weather forecast before heading out for a more enjoyable experience in Bushnell Park.
Pack a picnic to enjoy in Bushnell Park before or after your carousel ride.
Note that parking around the park is metered on weekdays but free on weekends.

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Bushnell Park

Explore the Serene Beauty of Bushnell Park

Getting There

Walking

If you're in Downtown Hartford, the Bushnell Park Carousel is easily accessible on foot. From the Hartford Courant building, walk south on Main Street, then turn left onto Jewell Street. The carousel will be on your right, a short 10-minute walk away.
Public Transport

To reach the carousel via public transportation, take any CTtransit bus route that services Downtown Hartford. Several bus lines stop near Bushnell Park, including routes 101 and 30. From Hartford Union Station, the carousel is a short walk across the park. A single bus fare costs $1.75.
Car

If driving, use the GPS address 1 Jewell Street, Hartford, CT 06103. Note that there is no public parking within Bushnell Park itself. Metered parking is available along the perimeter of the park for a fee Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 6 PM. Parking is free on weekends. Garages and surface lots are also available nearby, with hourly rates typically ranging from $1.50 to $2.00.

Discover more about Bushnell Park Carousel

Step back in time with a ride on the Bushnell Park Carousel, a beautifully preserved antique that has delighted generations. Built in 1914 by the Artistic Carousel Manufacturing Company of Solomon Stein and Harry Goldstein, this carousel is a rare gem, boasting 48 hand-carved wooden horses and two decorative chariots. The horses, known for their flamboyant style with big teeth, bulging eyes, and cabbage roses, even have real horsehair tails. Originally operating in Albany, New York, the carousel moved to Meyers Lake Amusement Park in Canton, Ohio, before finding its permanent home in Hartford's Bushnell Park in 1974. Architect Jack Dollard brought the carousel to Hartford, symbolizing the city's restoration. A painstaking restoration by the Carousel Museum in Bristol, Connecticut, returned the carousel to its original glory. The carousel also features a Wurlitzer band organ that provides the soundtrack to a classic carousel experience. The Bushnell Park Carousel isn't just a ride; it's a piece of living history. It offers a connection to the past and a chance to appreciate the artistry and craftsmanship of a bygone era. In 2018, a playground was added near the carousel, making it an even more appealing destination for families.