Bushnell Park: Hartford's Green Heart
Discover Hartford's historic green space: Bushnell Park, the first publicly funded park in the U.S., with monuments, a carousel, and scenic beauty.
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 historic monuments, a carousel, and the serene Bushnell Park Pond.
A brief summary to Bushnell Park Conservancy
- 99 Trinity St, Hartford, Downtown, Connecticut, 06123, US
- +1860-232-6710
- Visit website
- Monday 12 am-12 am
- Tuesday 12 am-12 am
- Wednesday 12 am-12 am
- Thursday 12 am-12 am
- Friday 12 am-12 am
- Saturday 12 am-12 am
- Sunday 12 am-12 am
Local tips
- Visit the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Arch, and if visiting on a Thursday in May or October, take the free tour to the top for a beautiful view.
- Take a ride on the historic Bushnell Park Carousel, featuring hand-carved wooden horses; tickets are $2.
- Explore the diverse collection of trees from around the world, including Japanese Pagoda and Chinese Mahogany.
Getting There
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Walking
From Hartford Union Station, walk north on Union Place, then turn left onto Jewell Street. Continue on Jewell Street until you reach Bushnell Park on your left. The walk is approximately 10 minutes.
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Public Transport
From Hartford Union Station, take the CT Transit bus line 38 towards Copaco Shopping Center. The bus departs every 10 minutes and arrives at Pearl St @ Ann Uccello St, a 3-minute ride. From there, walk one block west to reach Bushnell Park. The bus fare is approximately $2-3.
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Parking
Metered parking is available along the perimeter of Bushnell Park, costing around $1.50 per hour, and is free after 6pm and on weekends. Garages and surface lots are also nearby, with rates typically ranging from $5 to $10 per hour. Some nearby options include the Front Street Garages and the Connecticut Convention Center Garage.
Discover more about Bushnell Park Conservancy
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