Bushnell Park - Hartford, CT
Bushnell Park – A Pet-Friendly City Oasis in Hartford, CT
Located in the heart of Hartford, CT, Bushnell Park is a historic and expansive green space spanning 37 acres. Known as the second oldest public park in the United States, it offers visitors pet-friendly trails and beautiful scenery, making it an ideal spot for dog owners seeking a dog-friendly park in Hartford. Enjoy a leisurely stroll alongside your leashed dog, taking in iconic sights like the historic carousel, Corning Fountain, and the stunning Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Arch. The park’s paved and unpaved walking paths are wheelchair accessible, ensuring an inclusive and enjoyable experience for everyone.
Bushnell Park stands out not just for its rich history and monuments but also for its family-friendly amenities including a large playground, picnic tables, sports areas, and frequent events such as the Greater Hartford Festival of Jazz. Dog owners will appreciate the park’s spacious lawns and open areas, although pets are required to be kept on leash at all times. With free street parking available on weekends and after 5 PM, as well as accessible public facilities, Bushnell Park is a must-visit destination for those seeking dog-friendly activities in Hartford, CT.
Frequently Asked Questions about Bushnell Park
- Are dogs allowed off-leash at this park? No, all dogs must be kept on leash while visiting Bushnell Park.
- What are the park’s leash requirements? Pets are welcome; however, they must be leashed at all times in the park.
- Is the park wheelchair accessible? Yes, Bushnell Park features a wheelchair accessible entrance and parking areas.
- Is there a playground or activities for kids nearby? Yes, the park includes a large playground and even a historic carousel, making it a great spot for families with children.
- Is parking available? Yes, parking is available on surrounding streets and is free on weekends and after 5 PM.
- Are picnics allowed at the park? Yes, Bushnell Park is a popular destination for picnics with plenty of green spaces and picnic tables available.
Reviews
This was my 1st stop while visiting the city which was my 1st time. Park is pretty big with playground,restrooms and carousel. Park is across the street from the state capital building. Park has plenty of space for a picnic or host a variety of events. Pets are welcome however they must be leashed. Parking is free on weekends,the day I visited on 6/8 there was an event going on where everyone was wearing pink .
I think this was my first time in a city and park that felt so peaceful. At times, it even felt like I was in an abandoned city — I’m not sure why. Maybe the cold keeps people indoors. Still, I found it to be a very cozy place, with its arches, the carousel, and those stone buildings in the English style that give it a special charm.
I had been warned that it might not be very safe at night, but honestly, I felt quite at ease — much more so than in the downtown areas of other cities I’ve visited.
I hope to return to Hartford, CT, and explore the places I missed, like the Capitol, museums, and parks.
Bushnell Park is a 37 acre park located in Hartford, CT and built in 1854. It is the second oldest public park in the US; the first one is Boston Common, in Boston, MA. Due to the population and economic boom, a public open space was voted on and created for the people of Hartford.
It is open dawn to dusk; parking is on street, metered, and around the perimeter. In the park, there are paved and unpaved walking paths, a historic carousel, monuments, and a fountain. There are many events that occur there; popular events are the Hartford Marathon and the Greater Hartford Festival of Jazz.
Other features and amenities include, a lake, an arboretum, picnic tables, playground, rotunda, and sports areas. A few of the notable structures that were added in specific years:
1. 1876 the Capitol
2. 1886 Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Arch
3. 1899 Corning Fountain
4. 1974 the Carousel
5. 1996 Performance Pavilion
It is a beautiful park with a rich history. My family and I enjoyed walking through and sightseeing. They had a free ice skating event going on when we went. I look forward to visiting again and attending the many events it hosts.
This is a beautiful city park that is worth visiting and exploring with your family. There’s a beautiful and historic carousel, a wonderful children’s playground. There’s an ice rink with music and a beautiful pond full of happy geese. There’s plenty of room for family play and parking is available on the streets and is free on weekends and after 5 pm.
Wonderful park in the heart of the city, indoor carousel NULL. To ride, so much fun, snack bar if needed with hot chocolate in the fall. The carousel was built in 1914, music Wurlitzer still works