Breathe in the scents of thousands of blooms in one of America’s oldest public rose gardens, located in the heart of this charming park in Hartford.
Elizabeth Park is an estate turned public park and garden in Hartford, Connecticut. Explore its world-famous rose gardens or enjoy a meal at the restaurant nestled among the foliage.
Find one of America’s oldest and largest public rose gardens in Elizabeth Park. Over 800 varieties of roses bloom here on more than 15,000 bushes.
Take note of the gorgeous gazebo, which looks almost like a shrub because it is completely covered in lush green vines.
Explore the other gardens in the park and walk among colorful perennials, tulips and heritage roses. The Shade Garden features raised flowerbeds and a dramatic pair of weeping blue atlas cedars.
Walk to Stone Bridge for a serene moment overlooking Laurel Pond and Lily Pond. Its older sister structure, Boulder Bridge, blends so well into the scenery that you just might miss it.
Elizabeth Park holds an extended spring greenhouse show during March. Visit from late June through fall to see different varieties in bloom.
The Summer Concert Series hosts acts ranging from swing to salsa to soul music. Attend a performance in the Rose Garden or in the Pond House Hall during inclement weather.
When you get hungry, go to the Pond House Café. Try to identify plants in the vegetable and herb gardens as you approach the building some of these items may become ingredients of your lunch selection. During the summer, visit the Dog House take-out café for a snack.
Elizabeth Park is open every day of the year. You can visit between sunrise and sunset. Although there is no admission fee, donations are gratefully accepted to help maintain the gardens.
You can enter Elizabeth Park from two directions. On the north end, head to parking lots and the café via Asylum Avenue. If you’re coming from Prospect Avenue on the east side, take the one-way lane around the rose garden. Visitors with limited mobility can enjoy the rose garden on this lovely little drive. You will find available parking throughout the park.
