Bushnell Park Carousel

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.

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.

Took a 7 and 11 yr old on Wednesday 6.22.22 and it was free to ride as many times as you wanted (typically $2pp). I paid to park on the street but was told free parking at the capital. The staff working at the carousel was friendly, energetic, and engaging.They talked to the kids, told them what to do and where to go. The ride itself was longer than I expected. Nice surprise. The ponies are absolutely beautiful. And we all had a wonderful time.

We love old carousels, and the Bushnell Park Carousel does not disappoint. It was built in 1914 by Stein and Goldstein with 36 jumping horses, 12 standers, and two chariots, with music provided by a 1921 Worlitzer band organ. It is on the State House grounds with huge grass covered lawns, a pond, statues, fountains and a Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Arch.

I am a service dog handler of 7yrs and had the WORST public access issue of my life here. Outside, there is a sign that says service dog's are welcome. We waited a moment inside to purchase our tickets. As soon as the lady came back to the counter, she was DEMANDING to see my dogs harness and "paperwork". (Both of which are not required for access per the ADA Law) I told her that there wasn't any registration or paperwork I was required to produce. She then had an issue that my dogs gear was green and not red like the dog on the sign. (Which was incorrect anyways, lol) She gave us the wrong business card to call for our issue. we could not get the manager on the phone. She refused to understand that she was a task trained seizure assistance K9. Or the ADA Law that states that she's not allowed to ask for paperwork or certification. (Because that's not how to LEGALLY determine I'd a dog is a service animal.) (Businesses are allowed to ask 2 questions: 1. Is that a service dog required because of a disability. & 2. What tasks are they trained to perform) She threatened to call the police. Which I then asked her to please do. I ended up calling them myself. We spoke on the phone with an officer who helped mediate the situation. She was then concerned for "the safety of the dog" and her training to be on the ADA accessible ride. Siting that as a reason to denie access. (Even though presumably dogs with "papers" are allowed??) We came to a compromise where I would sit in the boot with my dog on the ride & rhe attendant would be watching to make sure we didn't get on a horse while on the ride. (Note: Parents are allowed to stand and assist their children on the ride. My dog would have layed down next to the horse. Admission is all that was required) I got to ride the ride, although not in the way I wanted. It took almost 45min to sort out the ordeal in the lobby with her yelling at us to get out or produce paperwork. This is unacceptable. Bushnell Park, you need to train your employees better to handle this. When I asked how Miss. Lorreta handled service dogs on the ride who had "paperwork" she refused to answer my question. She refused to even look at the ADA or listen to me about this situation. She was dead set on having a meaningless "paper" or uneducated Officer tell her if my service dog was allowed. Do better 👎

Well maintained park where you can spend nice time. Great views of Capitol area. Carasoul ride is fun activity for kids. Super cheap. Just a dollar for ride.Fountain was surrounded by roses.

Big open park right next to capitol building... The park itself is very beautiful. I really love the fountain center piece. This park is right near the state capital building which is really a pretty sight. I was there to attend a community event. Throughout the year, events happened in this park. Bushnell Park is a great place to go if you have the need a break from the city life and want to be surrounded by nature.

Very fun for our 1.5 year old and 7 year old. Prices were extremely fair and all the workers we talked with were very friendly! Would recommend!

Bushnell Park is located in the downtown area of Hartford, Connecticut. It features an historic carousel and numerous monuments such as the Corning Fountain. Bushnell Park is the site of many major events each year, including the Greater Hartford Festival of Jazz and the Hartford Marathon. My daughter and I came this week to Bushnell Park for Caribbean week and part two was at Bushnell Park. This was my second year here and the festival was good but in my opinion the other festival at Mortensen Riverfront Plaza is better, just because I love the riverfront. There were a lot activities for families and there was plenty of food trucks to choose from. Many of the lines were long but my daughter and I came across a tent called Cuisine and Pastry, which serves West Indian food, American food, and baked goods. As we thought the line was short, we still waited in line for about an hour. I believe the staff we're having problems with there debit card machine. I ordered the Stew Chicken, Cabbage, and Rice and Peas. My daughter and I took are first bite and we looked at each other and we both had a skeptical look. The cabbage totally lacked flavor and the chicken was dry. Stew Chicken is supposed to be like a stew with Caribbean seasoning and flavors. It lacked the stew part but the Rice and Peas were the best thing on the plate. My daughter stopped eating it after three bites. Two stars for BP Cuisine & Pastry. I actually looked them up on Google and it says there establishment is temporarily closed but on Yelp it doesn't indicate if there closed. I was confused. The event was great and they even had a live Caribbean show. My daughter and I had a great time and we look forward to going next year.

Never have I experienced anything so exciting as a ride on the Bushnell park carousel. Indeed my ride on Wind dancer was extra special and the operator was also an exceptionally fun person and was also extremely helpful, offering me a stool to help me get onto a horse that was rather high up. Thank you very much for a memorable time.

My friend had a private event here, and it was a delightful experience. The party was for about 30 people. He set-up and decorated the whole space ourselves, and he had it catered by another vendor, but the carousel itself is such a fun, historic place. With the event, we had unlimited carousel rides. When the last time you were on a carousel with lots of your adult friends? Even though I had to remember how to get on and off the carousel - especially if your horse ends up very high once the music ends - it made for lots of great photos and laughs. From my friend who hosted the party, overall, it sounds like the people here were good to work with. There did end up being a last-minute issue with slight overlap of clean up time for the previous party and our set-up time, but it worked out ok.

This is such a fun and nostalgic place to bring the kids. The carousel is beautiful and keep in meticulous shape. It dates back to 1914 has a Wurlitzer organ, 48 hand carved horses and 2 chariots. Some horses go up and down and some a stationary. You can even rent for birthday parties and weddings. They are currently redoing the playground outside of the carousel. We usually can't get out of here without 3 rides on the carousel and bribes of a return visit. So be prepared because your kids probably won't want to leave either.

Great spot for young children, especially around Christmas! They have a free Christmas event, complete with a visit from Santa. I would highly recommend this opportunity for families. Parking is available throughout Bushnell Park, and is free on Sundays.

Old timey!!!! This is a beautiful gem that should be visited by everybody who visits Hartford. I don't pretend to be a carousel historian, but I do know that this one, as most have, been cared for and restored with generous donations from very generous people because they realize what a true treasure historic carousels are. Each ride is $1. Consider making an additional donation! You know that a place like this makes no money so I'm very grateful that the city has decided to keep this up and running, in the winter too. Also, why is everyone below giving it only 4 stars? Because it doesn't have a touch screen? How can you NOT give 5 stars? Excellent for children and adults. They have a real-life historical Wutlitzer organ! Such a treasure. Please visit!

A City Jewel - Be a Kid Again To find a vintage 1914 carousel standing in Bushnell Park is a treat. Surrounded by the shadow of skyscrapers, take a break from your day and be a kid again. The hand-carved wooden horses and two lovers' chariots swirl around with the booming Wurlitzer band organ in the background. For just a $1.00, you get a 3 1/2 minute ride that makes you forget your adult worries and enjoy being a kid again. The extra treat is to see the wide-eyed kids enjoy their first ride on the wooden horses

Only a couple bucks per person. Quite the experience. Didn't appear to be any type of weight limit or restrictions. Nice little moment of nostalgia, taking ya back to a different era. If in the area, worth the quick stop. Take the kiddos too, I'm sure they will enjoy it as well.

I was here for an interesting reason - as a member of the wedding party... the FIFTEEN PERSON wedding party. Since it was November 8th, an indoor venue for taking most of the pictures was in order. So the bride and groom essentially rented the carousel for private purposes on a Saturday evening, and used it as the backdrop for their photos. It was fun... as fun as a carousel could be for a 31-year old with no children, I guess. It's right at Bushnell Park in the middle of town, and offers a little nostalgia to those who yearn for the good ol' days. There's not much kid-friendly stuff in Downtown Hartford, so make this a must-visit if you're in the city.

This merry-go-round is one of the last three remaining carousels that were made by Stein and Goldstein. The other two are in Central Park, and the Cradle of Aviation Museum in Garden City. The music sounds like it's from the soundtrack of "The Sting" starring Paul Newman. The pavilion itself has room for birthday parties, as well as a refreshment stand.

I can hardly believe that no one has rated this carousel. It is beautiful and exactly 100 years old today July 26th 2014. Lucky me happened to be in town. Free rides and lots of people. And dressed docents. A real town event.

Fun spot in the capital city. The kids love it and there is a playground outside. Just wish they were open more often, hours are strange.

I LOVE this place! My kids and their friends do too! The staff is super friendly and accommodating. We just held a birthday party of my daughter who was turning 3 and I can't stop saying good things about my experience. Our guests loved the place, the helpful staff, and the facilities. The price for the birthday was ridiculously affordable, and the staff bent over backwards to ensure everything was perfect! This is gem in the Hartford area and more of us should support it!

Employees are friendly. Price is only $1 and the ride is fairly long. Very cool to ride on this vintage treasure.