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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Delamar West Hartford
Las Flores Villa
DoubleTree by Hilton Hartford Downtown

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
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
The Goodwin Hotel

The Goodwin Hotel

3.5 out of 5
1 Haynes St, Hartford, CT
The Goodwin Hotel
DoubleTree by Hilton Hartford Downtown

DoubleTree by Hilton Hartford Downtown

4 out of 5
315 Trumbull St, Hartford, CT
DoubleTree by Hilton Hartford Downtown
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
Economy Inn

Economy Inn

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

At Bushnell Park in Hartford, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, including exploring the park's beautiful bike paths and taking guided tours to learn about its history. The area also hosts exciting theater performances and live music events, providing vibrant entertainment options. During the Halloween season, the park is adorned with festive decorations, making it a friendly and fun spot for all ages to enjoy.

Shopping

For shopping near Bushnell Park, visit the Hartford Downtown Farmers Market, only 0.4 miles away, offering local goods. The Center & The Square is 3 miles away with a variety of shops. If you're up for a drive, check out Westfarms Mall, located 5 miles away, for more extensive shopping options.

Recreation

At the XL Center, immerse yourself in the excitement of live sports, just 0.3 miles from Bushnell Park. For music lovers, the Webster Theater, located 1 mile away, offers vibrant concerts. For a serene escape, visit Colt Park, 1 mile away, where you can relax amidst nature.

Adventure

Embark on a hike at Shade Swamp Sanctuary, located 10 miles from Bushnell Park, where you can enjoy beautiful outdoor scenery. For tennis enthusiasts, the Assaiante Tennis Center, 1 mile away, and Newington Tennis Center, 5 miles away, offer thrilling matches and adventure vibes.

Nightlife

Experience an unforgettable evening at Xfinity Theatre, just a mile from Bushnell Park, where you can enjoy live performances in a vibrant atmosphere. For a fun twist, head to Nomads Adventure Quest, 6 miles away, for arcade adventures and family fun, or catch a romantic film at Cinestudio, only a mile away.

Find the best attractions near Bushnell Park

When visiting Bushnell Park in Hartford, Connecticut, you'll find a blend of culture and outdoor activities. Explore the urban park, historic colleges and universities, and charming historic houses that showcase the area's rich heritage. Whether you're seeking family-friendly experiences or cultural insights, Bushnell Park and its surroundings offer a delightful mix of attractions. Don't miss the nearby Bushnell Center and the scenic areas of West Hartford for a well-rounded visit.

  • Connecticut Convention Center: Located 0.6 miles from Bushnell Park, this venue is ideal for business events and conferences. Its modern architecture and spacious design create a professional atmosphere, perfect for networking and corporate gatherings.
  • Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts: Just 0.3 miles away, this vibrant arts center is a cultural hub featuring a range of performances, from Broadway shows to classical concerts. The stunning architecture and intimate setting enhance the artistic experience.
  • Mark Twain House & Museum: Situated 1 mile from Bushnell Park, this historic home offers a glimpse into the life of the famed author. Guided tours reveal fascinating insights into Twain's writing process and personal life, enriching your understanding of American literature.

Best time to go to Bushnell Park

Visitor numbers around Bushnell Park is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. 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.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
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 SunnyAverageAverage
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 SunnyAverageSlightly High
October54.3°F (12.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly 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

Visiting Bushnell Park can be budget-friendly with several money-saving tips. Enjoy free entry to the park, and consider traveling during the cheaper months of December to February. Mondays typically offer the lowest hotel rates, while Saturdays are the priciest. Use Expedia to find great deals by sorting hotel options from lowest to highest price, and consider combining your stay with flights for additional savings through package deals. Joining Expedia's One Key program can unlock exclusive discounts and allow you to earn OneKeyCash for future bookings.

  • 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 and September to 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: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to refine your options based on your budget, desired location, and the type of hotel you prefer. To find the best prices and available deals, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • 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 deal.
  • 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.