Things to Do at Elizabeth Park Rose Garden

Elizabeth Park Rose Garden in Hartford, Connecticut, stands as one of America's oldest and most magnificent municipal rose gardens, established in 1904. Spanning 2.5 acres within the larger 102-acre Elizabeth Park, this horticultural masterpiece features over 15,000 rose bushes representing more than 800 varieties, making it the third-largest rose garden in the United States. The garden was designed in the formal European style with geometric beds, pergolas, and pathways that create stunning vistas throughout the seasons. The rose garden serves as both a living laboratory for rose cultivation and a beloved public space that attracts visitors from around the world. Beyond its impressive collection of hybrid teas, grandifloras, floribundas, and climbing roses, the garden also features heritage roses and modern varieties, showcasing the evolution of rose breeding over more than a century. The park's commitment to organic gardening practices and sustainable horticulture makes it a model for botanical gardens nationwide, while its free admission ensures that this natural treasure remains accessible to all.

Elizabeth Park is located at 1561 Asylum Avenue in West Hartford, easily accessible by car with free parking available in multiple lots throughout the park. The park is approximately 10 minutes from downtown Hartford and can be reached via Interstate 84. Public transportation options include CT Transit bus routes, with the nearest stop on Asylum Avenue. The park entrance is clearly marked, and the rose garden is a short walk from the main parking areas along well-maintained pathways that are wheelchair accessible.