Explore the rich history and natural beauty of Benson Park in Hudson, New Hampshire with a self-guided walking tour. This unique experience, powered by the WalkNTour app, allows visitors to embark on a 30-minute narrated journey at their own pace. Hear firsthand accounts from the park’s founder, John T. Benson, as he shares captivating anecdotes about the park’s transformation from an exotic animal attraction to a family-friendly destination. With accessible pathways and informative signage, the tour caters to all ages and mobility levels, making it an inclusive outdoor adventure. Discover the hidden gems that await as you…
Key Points
- The self-guided walking tour of Benson Park in Hudson, NH, allows visitors to explore the park’s history and evolution at their own pace through a smartphone-based app.
- The 30-minute tour includes audio commentary from the park’s founder, John T. Benson, providing firsthand insights into the park’s exotic animal attractions and conservation efforts.
- The tour is fully accessible for wheelchair users and strollers, with service animals permitted, catering to a wide range of participants.
- Visitors can experience the park’s transformation from a private zoo to a family-friendly recreational area through informative signage and displays along the tour route.
- The tour has a mixed reception, with some visitors reporting issues with audio quality and app availability, while others appreciate the accessibility features and self-paced exploration.
Overview of Benson Park Tour
The self-guided walking tour of Benson Park in Hudson, New Hampshire, takes visitors on a journey through the park’s rich history.
The tour features audio commentary from the original founder, John T. Benson, providing unique insights into the park’s past. Opened in 1924 as Benson’s Wild Animal Farm, the tour offers a glimpse into the park’s evolution from an exotic animal attraction to the family-friendly destination it’s today.
With the tour lasting approximately 30 minutes, guests can explore the park at their own pace, uncovering its fascinating history and learning about the diverse animals that once called it home.
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Tour Details and Duration
The self-guided walking tour of Benson Park takes approximately 30 minutes to complete. Visitors can access the tour using the WalkNTour App on their smartphones, which provides an immersive experience with audio narration from the park’s original founder, John T. Benson. The tour begins at the red kiosk near the main entrance, located at 19 Kimball Hill Rd, Hudson, NH 03051, and returns to the same starting point.
| Tour Format | Tour Duration | Tour Accessibility |
|---|---|---|
| Smartphone-based | 30 minutes | Wheelchair and stroller friendly |
| Audio narration | Returns to starting point | Service animals allowed |
| Guided by WalkNTour App | Suitable for most travelers |
Park Operating Hours
Benson Park is open daily from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM, allowing visitors to explore the grounds and experience the self-guided walking tour throughout the year.
The park’s operating hours make it accessible for both early risers and late-day adventurers, ensuring everyone can enjoy the park’s rich history and natural beauty.
Whether you’re an early bird or a night owl, Benson Park‘s convenient hours cater to all schedules, making it an ideal destination for a leisurely stroll or an immersive exploration of the park’s past.
With the tour available from January 2, 2024, to January 1, 2025, visitors have ample time to plan their visit and discover the wonders of Benson Park.
Accessibility and Participation
Wheelchair users and those with strollers can easily navigate Benson Park, as the self-guided walking tour is designed to be fully accessible.
Along With being wheelchair and stroller friendly, the tour also welcomes service animals. This makes the experience suitable for most travelers, including:
- Families with young children
- Seniors
- Visitors with mobility challenges
- Solo adventurers
- Groups of any size
Whether you’re exploring the park on your own or taking a private tour with your group, the self-guided experience at Benson Park caters to a wide range of participants, ensuring an inclusive and enjoyable outing for all.
Pricing and Cancellation Policy
Pricing for the self-guided walking tour of Benson Park starts at $5.99.
The tour provider offers a lowest price guarantee, ensuring you get the best deal. If your plans change, you can take advantage of the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the experience starts.
For added convenience, you can reserve your spot now and pay later.
Whether you’re a solo traveler or have a private group, the Benson Park tour provides an accessible and affordable way to explore the park’s rich history and natural wonders at your own pace.
Insights From John T. Benson
One of the highlights of the self-guided walking tour is the audio recordings featuring the original founder of Benson Park, John T. Benson. Through his captivating narration, visitors gain insights into the park’s history and the exotic animals that once resided there:
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Benson’s passion for wildlife and his vision for creating an educational and entertaining experience for visitors
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Firsthand accounts of acquiring rare and unusual animals, including lions, tigers, and bears
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Anecdotes about the park’s daily operations and the challenges of caring for the diverse animal collection
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Benson’s commitment to conservation and his role in pioneering modern zoo management practices
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Reflections on the park’s legacy and its impact on the local community
Highlights of the Walking Tour
Along the self-guided walking tour, visitors frequently encounter informative signage and captivating displays that bring the park’s history to life.
One highlight is the audio from the park’s original founder, John T. Benson, which provides firsthand insights into the park’s early days as Benson’s Wild Animal Farm.
Plus, the tour showcases the diverse array of exotic animals that once roamed the park, offering a glimpse into the unique experiences visitors would have had.
Throughout the 30-minute journey, guests can enjoy the rich heritage of this beloved attraction, learning about its transformation from a private zoo to the public recreational area it’s today.
Visitor Reviews and Ratings
Visitors seem to have mixed experiences with the self-guided walking tour of Benson Park.
While the overall rating is a modest 3.5 stars, there are some areas for improvement:
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Several reviewers noted issues with the audio quality or availability on the WalkNTour app.
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Some visitors felt the tour lacked sufficient depth or context about the park’s history and animals.
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A few customers complained about the tour’s length, finding it either too short or too long for their preferences.
On a positive note, most reviewers praised the accessibility features and the ability to explore the park at their own pace.
Recap
The Self-Guided Walking Tour of Benson Park in Hudson, NH, offers an engaging and accessible way to explore the park’s rich history. With a 30-minute narrated experience, informative signage, and suitable for all ages and mobility levels, the tour provides a unique outdoor adventure for visitors to enjoy at their own pace. Insights from park founder John T. Benson add a personal touch, making this self-guided tour a must-try for those seeking to discover the park’s transformation.