Bushnell Park
Bushnell Park, Hartford, CT, 06103
The first publicly funded park in the United States when it opened in the mid-19th century, Bushnell Park has seen its share of picnics, family outings, musical performances, and ice skating. Its vintage carousel dating back to 1914 is a highlight, and adjacent to the park is Hartford’s gold-topped Connecticut State Capitol building, with the park's expansive grass and majestic trees providing the perfect framing.
The basics
Volunteers provide guided tours of the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Arch, built to honor the 4,000 Hartford citizens who served during the Civil War. The park is also known as an urban arboretum for rare and native trees, including three state-champion trees (the largest of their species so far documented by the Connecticut Botanical Society). Winterfest Hartford takes place in the park yearly, with free ice skating for all ages, and music festivals, free yoga sessions, and running clubs are held in the park during the warmer months.
Things to know before you go
The park is open from dawn to dusk, but special evening events take place throughout the year.
The carousel is open on Saturdays and Sundays, plus additional days in the summer and during Winterfest.
There’s a playground next to the carousel. The closest intersection to the playground is Jewell Street and Ann Uccello Street.
How to get there
You can use the street address of 1 Jewell Street to navigate to the park via GPS; metered parking is located around the park’s perimeter, and parking garages are nearby. Across from the park is Hartford Union Station, which can be reached via the Hartford Line and CT Fastrak routes 101, 102, and 128; many CT Transit local bus lines also stop close by. Biking is permitted on park paths, and bike parking is available near the Pump House, the carousel, and the Corning Fountain.
When to get there
The park is open from dawn to dusk, and sometimes for evening events. Parking tends to be tough surrounding the park on the weekends, but lots are available within a short drive. Summer is a great time to visit, and the holidays are excellent too; the park hosts Winterfest Hartford from Thanksgiving into the new year, with free ice skating and skate rentals.
Dining options near Bushnell Park
There are plenty of restaurants within walking distance of the park if you want to spend some time in the area. For Southern cooking and barbecue with live jazz, blues, and soul music, head to Black-Eyed Sally's Southern Kitchen & Bar. Continue along Asylum Street for more choices, including pizza at The Brownstone, and Trumbull Kitchen, serving an eclectic menu. Park Street is another spot with plentiful dining options, from Mexican to Caribbean fare.
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