Bushnell Park Tours

Bushnell Park featuring a garden, heritage architecture and a castle
Bushnell Park which includes a statue or sculpture and a park
Bushnell Park showing hiking or walking and a garden as well as a family
Bushnell Park which includes a statue or sculpture and a park
Bushnell Park featuring heritage elements


Relax near the pond or take a ride on the antique carousel at one of America’s oldest publicly funded parks, located in the heart of Hartford.

Opened in 1854, Bushnell Park is one of America’s oldest publicly funded parks. Join Hartford residents and visitors exploring the rolling lawns and historic monuments of this special place.

The park’s carousel has delighted visitors for over 100 years. Hop on one of the hand-carved horses and appreciate its history. The small ticket price goes directly toward maintaining the antique horses and pavilion.

Located near the carousel and Jewell Street, Bushnell Park’s pond is a central place to congregate. It features a stainless steel sculpture, called Harmony, which seems to burst from the water.

Continue toward Park River, to see the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Arch. This monument honors the 4,000 Hartford citizens who fought in the Civil War. On Thursdays at noon between May and October you can take a free tour of the arch. Climb the 96 steps to the top and enjoy the beautiful view.

Statues of notable local figures stand throughout the park. Horace Wells, the pioneer of using anesthesia in dentistry, looks out over the pond. Revolutionary War hero, Israel Putnam, lords over the land near the Capitol Building.

Bushnell Park is home to four “champion trees” that are the largest of their kind in Connecticut. These are a Chinese mahogany, a turkey oak, a hardy rubber tree and the offspring of the Charter Oak, the original state tree of Connecticut, which appears on the state quarter. Pick up a “Tree Walk” brochure at Legislative Office on Capitol Avenue to be sure to see everything.

Appreciate culture at the Pump House Gallery. This is a functioning pump house that also features works by local artists. Call the City of Hartford for opening times and current exhibits.

The newly built Performance Pavilion near the Capitol Building hosts theater, music and dance performances. Call the Bushnell Park Foundation to see what’s on the calendar.

From most places in Bushnell Park, you can see the gleaming copper dome of the State Capitol Building. Find good choices for dining at several cafés and shops located within easy walking distance. Bushnell Park is open every day.

Plan a trip to see Bushnell Park

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Solano Inn
Hilton Garden Inn Hartford South/Glastonbury
Delamar West Hartford

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Bushnell Park

The Capitol Hotel

The Capitol Hotel

3 out of 5
440 Asylum St, Hartford, CT
The Capitol Hotel
The Goodwin Hotel

The Goodwin Hotel

3.5 out of 5
1 Haynes St, Hartford, CT
The Goodwin Hotel
Hampton Inn & Suites Hartford/East Hartford

Hampton Inn & Suites Hartford/East Hartford

2.5 out of 5
351 Pitkin Steet, East Hartford, CT
Hampton Inn & Suites Hartford/East Hartford
Candlewood Suites Hartford Downtown by IHG

Candlewood Suites Hartford Downtown by IHG

2.5 out of 5
370 Market Street, Hartford, CT
Candlewood Suites Hartford Downtown by IHG
Best Western Hartford Hotel & Suites

Best Western Hartford Hotel & Suites

2.5 out of 5
185 Brainard Rd, Hartford, CT
Best Western Hartford Hotel & Suites
Economy Inn

Economy Inn

2.5 out of 5
490 Main Street, East Hartford, CT
Economy Inn
Delamar West Hartford

Delamar West Hartford

4 out of 5
1 Memorial Road, West Hartford, CT
Delamar West Hartford
Comfort Inn & Suites East Hartford - Hartford

Comfort Inn & Suites East Hartford - Hartford

2.5 out of 5
333 Roberts Street, East Hartford, CT
Comfort Inn & Suites East Hartford - Hartford
Hilton Garden Inn Hartford South/Glastonbury

Hilton Garden Inn Hartford South/Glastonbury

3 out of 5
85 Glastonbury Blvd, Glastonbury, CT
Hilton Garden Inn Hartford South/Glastonbury
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Bushnell Park

Bushnell Park in Hartford, Connecticut, is a vibrant destination offering a variety of activities such as live music, theater performances, and entertainment options. Visitors can enjoy recreational activities within the park, explore the beautiful surroundings, and take guided tours to learn more about Hartford's rich history and culture. Whether you're looking for a relaxing stroll or an engaging performance, Bushnell Park has something for everyone.

Shopping

The Hartford Downtown Farmers Market, located 0.4 miles from Bushnell Park, offers a vibrant city vibe with local goods. The Center & The Square, 3 miles away, is great for family-friendly shopping. If you're up for a drive, Westfarms Mall, 5 miles away, features diverse shopping and entertainment options.

Recreation

Catch an exciting game at the XL Center, just 0.3 miles from Bushnell Park, or enjoy a live concert at Webster Theater, 1 mile away. For a tranquil escape, head to Colt Park, 1 mile away, where you can unwind among nature and rejuvenate your spirit.

Adventure

Explore the Assaiante Tennis Center, located 1 mile from Bushnell Park, where you can enjoy thrilling tennis matches. The Newington Tennis Center, 5 miles away, offers exciting courts and programs. Visit The Tennis & Fitness Center of Rocky Hill, 7 miles from the park, for an adventurous fitness experience.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife near Bushnell Park with a show at Xfinity Theatre, just a mile away, offering culture and romance. For a fun adventure, head to Nomads Adventure Quest, six miles away, or catch a film at Cinestudio, also a mile away, perfect for entertainment and romance.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Bushnell Park

Visitors to Bushnell Park in Hartford, Connecticut, can enjoy a blend of urban parks, historic houses, and nearby universities. This vibrant area offers cultural experiences, outdoor activities, and family-friendly attractions. Explore the Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts for entertainment, stroll through the scenic park, and appreciate the historic architecture surrounding the park. Whether you're looking to relax or engage in cultural activities, Bushnell Park has something for everyone.

  • Connecticut Convention Center: Located 0.6 miles from Bushnell Park, this venue is a hub for business and professional events. With its modern architecture and spacious layout, it offers a dynamic atmosphere for conferences, trade shows, and meetings.
  • Mark Twain House & Museum: Situated 1 mile away, this historic home was once the residence of famed author Mark Twain. The museum provides a glimpse into Twain's life and literary legacy, showcasing original artifacts and offering guided tours that delve into his fascinating stories.
  • Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts: Just 0.3 miles from Bushnell Park, this vibrant arts center hosts a variety of performances, from Broadway shows to concerts. Its stunning architecture and rich cultural offerings make it a must-visit for art enthusiasts.

Best time to go to Bushnell Park

The best time to visit Bushnell Park can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Bushnell Park falls in July, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Bushnell Park falls in January, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January28.4°F (-2.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
February29.7°F (-1.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
March37.4°F (3.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
April48.6°F (9.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
May59.4°F (15.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
June67.5°F (19.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
July74.1°F (23.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
August72.3°F (22.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
September65.3°F (18.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
October54.3°F (12.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
November42.6°F (5.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
December34.5°F (1.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Bushnell Park

To save on your trip to Bushnell Park, visit between December and February for the lowest accommodation rates, particularly on Mondays. Utilize Expedia’s search tool to find budget-friendly hotels and consider booking a package that combines your stay, flights, and activities. Join Expedia's One Key membership for exclusive discounts and earn OneKeyCash for future stays. For public transport, take advantage of local buses or consider walking, as many attractions are within reach. Look out for last-minute deals and hotel specials to maximize your savings.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Bushnell Park are December to February, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May to June and October, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Bushnell Park is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Bushnell Park is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool enables you to set your budget, choose your desired location, and customize your preferences. You can easily sort the results by price, displaying the most affordable hotels at the top of the list. Additionally, you have the option to filter by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly accommodations that you can book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at Bushnell Park with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.

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