Great place to visit, every generation in the family can appreciate, $1 ride and fresh popped po
1 / 10

Bushnell Park Carousel

4.6
·2k reviews·Hartford, United States

Step back in time on a beautifully restored 1914 carousel, complete with hand-carved horses and a Wurlitzer band organ.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekends, 12-5 PM (March-April)

Carousel opens for spring

CrowdMedium
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Great place to visit, every generation in the family can appreciate, $1 ride and fresh popped po

Bushnell Park Carousel

Best Time

Weekends, 12-5 PM (March-April)

Carousel opens for spring

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Step back in time on a beautifully restored 1914 carousel, complete with hand-carved horses and a Wurlitzer band organ.

4.6
(2k reviews)

"A true jewel of Hartford, CT. A must see for the family visit!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎟️ Affordable Fun

Rides are typically $2 per person, but sometimes free during special events like Mayor's Day!

🎶 Live Band Organ Music

Enjoy the authentic sounds of the 1921 Wurlitzer band organ as you ride.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The 1914 Stein and Goldstein Carousel

The 1914 Stein and Goldstein Carousel

Bushnell Park

A beautifully restored 1914 carousel with 48 hand-carved horses and two chariots, accompanied by a Wurlitzer band organ.

Wurlitzer Band Organ Music

Wurlitzer Band Organ Music

Bushnell Park Carousel

Experience the nostalgic sounds of a 1921 Wurlitzer band organ that still plays as the carousel spins.

Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Arch

Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Arch

Bushnell Park

A historic arch offering free tours on Thursdays, providing insights into its fascinating story and the park's history.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Everything

Check the carousel's operating hours before you go, as they vary seasonally and by day. Weekends are popular, so consider weekdays for a potentially less crowded experience. Special events can also impact access.

Beyond the Ride

Bushnell Park offers more than just the carousel! Explore the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Arch, enjoy the playground, or check for seasonal events like Winterfest or movie nights. It's a great spot for a full day out.

Best Times

When
Weekends, 12-5 PM (March-April)
Why
Carousel opens for spring
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekdays, off-season
Why
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Crowd
Low
When
During special events
Why
Festivals and free activities
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

The Bushnell Park Carousel in Hartford, CT is the best venue for birthday parties! Lily and her friends had SO much fun riding the carousel over and over! 🎠🎠🎠 Brings back so many memories of my dad who brought me here every single Sunday for years when I was little!
@brittikitty
148.7K likes • 1.3M views

🎟️ Affordable Fun

Rides are typically $2 per person, but sometimes free during special events like Mayor's Day! InstagramReddit

🎶 Live Band Organ Music

Enjoy the authentic sounds of the 1921 Wurlitzer band organ as you ride. Instagram+1

Part 4️⃣: Things to do in Connecticut this summer. West Indian Celebration 📍Bushnell Park, Downtown Hartford #ct #connecticut #thingstodoinct
@tasteconnecticut
6.8K likes • 125.3K views
Happy National Carousel Day! First up the lovely Stein and Goldstein at Bushnell Park in Hartford Connecticut. No need to add music, this beauty has a working band organ they run while the carousel spins! I was so thrilled when Anna @runt_of_the_batch suggested it when we both were done after only we 3 hours at ConnectiCon. We'd thought we might leave early Sunday and go find it. Instead, it tur...
crocuscottage
19 likes • 327 views

🥳 Party Venue

Rent the carousel and pavilion for unforgettable birthday parties and events. TikTokInstagram

🏛️ Park Exploration

Combine your carousel ride with a visit to the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Arch for free tours. TikTok

It’s Carousel Opening Weekend! The Carousel will be open on Saturdays and Sundays in March and April from 12-5pm. AND, join us for FREE activities on Mayor’s Day, March 3: Mayor Arunan Arulampalam invites families to the Bushnell Park Carousel to enjoy the day with free rides and activities. He looks forward to speaking with residents about how they use Hartford’s parks and updating them about ...
bushnell_park
54 likes • 1.8K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎟️ Affordable Fun

Rides are typically $2 per person, but sometimes free during special events like Mayor's Day! InstagramReddit

🎶 Live Band Organ Music

Enjoy the authentic sounds of the 1921 Wurlitzer band organ as you ride. Instagram+1

🥳 Party Venue

Rent the carousel and pavilion for unforgettable birthday parties and events. TikTokInstagram

🏛️ Park Exploration

Combine your carousel ride with a visit to the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Arch for free tours. TikTok

⛸️ Winterfest Fun

During winter, the park hosts Winterfest with free ice skating. TikTok+1

What Travellers Say

4.6
(2k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the Bushnell Park Carousel as a beautiful piece of living history and a true jewel of Hartford. The well-maintained vintage ride, accompanied by its authentic Wurlitzer band organ music, offers a nostalgic and enjoyable experience for all ages. The friendly staff and the surrounding park amenities, including a playground and historical arch, further enhance its appeal as a family-friendly destination.

"Didn't get to see it but from the outside of the building, but looked amazing. Would have really enjoyed to see it in operation. This whole area and park here in Hardford Connecticut is amazing."

Brian Dible

"This is a beautiful piece of living art and history in the middle of Hartford. My family found it on accident and were so happy and excited with the experience. The staff were very friendly and there were both snack and seasonal drinks available for purchase. The ride was great, safe and extremely well maintained."

Trent

"A true jewel of Hartford, CT. Located in the downtown area close to the capital, easy on & off of interstate, a must see for the family visit! $2. Fee to ride this incredible masterpiece of history over 100 years old still using the Wurlitzer music piece to pipe out the iconic tunes to whirl around in.
Enjoy the large playground located outside, restrooms in building which offers a snack bar. This was a great addition to our trip to Hartford."

C Cole

What People Like

Historic charm
Authentic Wurlitzer organ
Family-friendly atmosphere

What People Dislike

Seasonal operating hours

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The carousel is located in Bushnell Park, downtown Hartford, CT. It's easily accessible by car, with street parking available (sometimes free parking at the Capitol). Public transportation options also serve the downtown area. Reddit

Street parking is available around Bushnell Park. Some reviews suggest free parking at the Capitol building might be an option. Reddit

Yes, downtown Hartford is served by various bus routes, making it accessible via public transport. Check local transit schedules for specific routes and stops near Bushnell Park.

Bushnell Park is generally accessible, and the carousel area is typically navigable. However, it's always a good idea to check for any specific accessibility updates closer to your visit.

Use GPS navigation to 'Bushnell Park, Hartford, CT'. The park is centrally located downtown, near the State Capitol building.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Rides are typically $2 per person. However, some special events, like Mayor's Day, offer free rides. InstagramReddit

Operating hours vary seasonally. It's usually open on weekends from 12-5 PM in March and April, and hours can extend during summer. Always check the official Bushnell Park website or social media for the most current schedule. Instagram+1

Tickets are typically purchased on-site at the carousel. Advance purchase is usually not necessary unless for a private event rental.

While rides usually have a fee, Bushnell Park itself is free to enter. Special events like Mayor's Day have offered free carousel rides in the past. InstagramReddit

No, the carousel has seasonal operating hours, typically opening in spring and closing in the fall. Winterfest offers ice skating in the park. TikTok

🎫 🎡 Onsite Experience

Bushnell Park features a large playground, the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Arch (with free tours on Thursdays), seasonal events like Winterfest and movie nights, and beautiful green spaces for relaxing. TikTok+1

Yes, there is a large playground located within Bushnell Park, making it a great spot for families. Reddit

Absolutely! The carousel and adjoining pavilion can be rented for parties and events. TikTokInstagram

The carousel features a 1921 Wurlitzer band organ that plays iconic tunes, adding to the vintage atmosphere. Instagram+1

Yes, restrooms are available in the building that houses the carousel, which also offers a snack bar. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, there is a snack bar located within the carousel building offering snacks and seasonal drinks. Reddit

Yes, visitors are welcome to bring their own food and blankets to enjoy picnics in Bushnell Park, especially for events like movie nights. TikTok

Downtown Hartford has numerous restaurants and eateries within walking distance of Bushnell Park, offering a variety of cuisines. TikTok

Reviews mention snacks and seasonal drinks being available for purchase at the carousel building. Reddit

Yes, seasonal drinks are available for purchase at the snack bar within the carousel building. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Bushnell Park offers several picturesque spots, including the carousel itself, the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Arch, and the general park landscape. The carousel is particularly photogenic with its vintage charm. Reddit

Yes, you can take photos while riding the carousel or of the carousel itself. It's a popular subject for photographers. Instagram+1

Generally, personal photography is allowed in Bushnell Park. For commercial photography or large-scale shoots, it's advisable to check with park management.

Golden hour (shortly after sunrise or before sunset) can provide beautiful lighting. Midday can be bright but still offers good opportunities, especially with the vibrant colors of the carousel. Reddit

Yes, public art installations are sometimes featured in Bushnell Park, offering unique photo opportunities. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Bushnell Park is a fantastic destination for families. The star attraction, the 1914 carousel, offers affordable rides that kids adore. Beyond the carousel, there's a large playground within the park, ensuring plenty of entertainment for younger visitors. Reddit

Consider visiting during special events like free movie nights or Winterfest for added family fun. The park's open spaces are perfect for picnics, and the snack bar at the carousel provides convenient refreshments. The friendly staff at the carousel also make an effort to engage with children, enhancing their experience. TikTokReddit

💰 Budget Travelers

The Bushnell Park Carousel is a budget-friendly gem. Rides are typically just $2 per person, and sometimes even free during special community events. InstagramReddit Bushnell Park itself is a free public space, offering a beautiful environment to explore without any cost. TikTok

Look out for free events like the Greater Hartford Festival of Jazz or free movie nights in the park, which provide entertainment without breaking the bank. Packing a picnic is also a great way to save on food costs while enjoying the park's scenery. TikTok+1

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

Bushnell Park and its carousel are a photographer's delight. The vintage carousel, with its intricate carvings and vibrant colors, offers endless shooting opportunities. The Wurlitzer band organ adds a unique auditory element that can inspire creative shots. Instagram+1

Beyond the carousel, the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Arch provides a grand architectural subject. The park's landscaping, especially during different seasons, offers beautiful backdrops. Golden hour lighting can enhance the magical atmosphere of the carousel and the park. InstagramReddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

A Gem of History: The 1914 Stein and Goldstein Carousel

The Bushnell Park Carousel is more than just a ride; it's a piece of living history. Built in 1914 by Stein and Goldstein, this magnificent carousel features 48 hand-carved wooden horses and two ornate chariots. It's a rare example of its kind, meticulously restored to its former glory. The carousel is renowned for its authentic 1921 Wurlitzer band organ, which provides the enchanting soundtrack to every ride, transporting visitors back in time. Instagram+2

This historic attraction is a beloved landmark in Hartford, Connecticut, and a testament to the craftsmanship of a bygone era. Its presence in Bushnell Park, a beautiful urban oasis, makes it a focal point for both locals and tourists. The carousel's enduring charm continues to create magical memories for families and individuals alike, making it a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a touch of nostalgia and wonder. InstagramReddit

Beyond the ride itself, the carousel building often serves as a hub for community events and celebrations. It's a popular venue for birthday parties and gatherings, highlighting its role as a cherished community asset. The dedication to preserving and operating this vintage carousel ensures that its unique magic can be experienced for generations to come. TikTokInstagram

Bushnell Park: More Than Just a Carousel

Bushnell Park, surrounding the iconic carousel, is a vibrant urban green space offering a variety of attractions and activities. Designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, the park provides a refreshing escape in the heart of downtown Hartford. Visitors can explore the impressive Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Arch, which offers free tours on Thursdays, delving into its historical significance. TikTok

The park is a popular spot for community events throughout the year. From the Greater Hartford Festival of Jazz and West Indian Celebrations to free movie nights during the summer and the festive Winterfest with its free ice skating, there's always something happening. These events draw large crowds and showcase the park's versatility as a public gathering space. TikTok+3

Families will appreciate the large playground, making it an ideal destination for a day out. The park's scenic beauty, with its lawns, pond, and statues, also makes it a pleasant place for a leisurely stroll or a picnic. Whether you're visiting for the carousel or the diverse range of activities, Bushnell Park offers a rich and engaging experience for all. Reddit

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