Background

Elizabeth Park Rose Garden: A Hartford Treasure

Discover America's oldest public rose garden in Hartford's Elizabeth Park, a vibrant floral paradise with over 800 rose varieties.

4.8
A question is required

The Helen S. Kaman Rose Garden, within Hartford's Elizabeth Park, is the oldest public rose garden in the United States and the third largest. Established in 1904, it features over 800 varieties of roses and draws visitors with its stunning floral displays and historical charm.

A brief summary to Elizabeth Park Rose Garden

  • Monday 8 am-7 pm
  • Tuesday 8 am-7 pm
  • Wednesday 8 am-7 pm
  • Thursday 8 am-7 pm
  • Friday 8 am-7 pm
  • Saturday 8 am-7 pm
  • Sunday 8 am-7 pm

Local tips

  • Visit in late June or early July to witness the spectacular bloom of the climbing roses on the arches.
  • Explore the other gardens within Elizabeth Park, including the Perennial Garden and Herb Garden.
  • Enjoy a meal at the Pond House Café, which offers eclectic cuisine with fresh, local ingredients.
  • Check the Elizabeth Park Conservancy's website for events, including summer concerts and garden tours.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Pond House Cafe within Elizabeth Park, the Rose Garden is a short walk. Exit the cafe and follow the paved path towards the center of the park. The Rose Garden will be visible on your left, marked by its distinctive circular layout and rose-covered arches. No additional costs are involved.

  • Public Transport

    Elizabeth Park is accessible via the Hartford City Bus system. From downtown Hartford, take a CT Transit bus that stops near Elizabeth Park. Consult the CT Transit website or app for specific routes and schedules. Once you arrive at the bus stop, follow Asylum Avenue to the park entrance. The Rose Garden is a short walk from the entrance. A single bus fare is $1.75.

  • Driving

    From I-84 East or West, take Exit 48 (Asylum Avenue) and drive towards Elizabeth Park. Turn left into the park. Follow the internal park roads to the parking lots near the Rose Garden. Parking is free. During peak times, parking may be limited, especially during events and concerts. Street parking is available on Prospect Avenue and surrounding side streets.

Unlock the Best of Elizabeth Park Rose Garden

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

q

Discover more about Elizabeth Park Rose Garden

Nestled within the 101-acre Elizabeth Park in Hartford, Connecticut, the Helen S. Kaman Rose Garden stands as a testament to horticultural beauty and historical significance. Opened in June 1904, it is the oldest public rose garden in the United States, a title it proudly holds. The garden was designed by Theodore Wirth, who drew inspiration from European gardens, and originally contained 190 varieties of roses. Today, it has expanded to showcase approximately 15,000 rose bushes representing over 800 varieties, including hybrid teas, climbers, and floribundas. The Rose Garden's layout features a square design with a circle in the center, accented by eight pathways radiating from a rustic summer house. Arches covered in climbing roses add a romantic touch, blooming once a year in late June and early July. The garden also includes the Heritage Rose Garden, showcasing older rose varieties known for their fragrance. Elizabeth Park itself, established in 1897, is named after Elizabeth Pond and was founded on land bequeathed by her husband, Charles. Beyond the Rose Garden, the park offers a variety of gardens, including a perennial garden, herb garden, and rock garden. Visitors can also enjoy recreational facilities, walking paths, and the Pond House Café. The park is open year-round from dawn to dusk, offering a serene escape and a vibrant display of nature's beauty.

Popular Experiences near Elizabeth Park Rose Garden

Popular Hotels near Elizabeth Park Rose Garden

Select Currency