Self-Guided Walking Tour of Benson Park, Hudson, NH

Exploring Benson Park in Hudson, NH – A Self-Guided Tour Worth Considering

If you’re visiting Hudson, New Hampshire, and looking for a relaxed way to soak in local history and natural beauty, a self-guided walking tour of Benson Park might just fit the bill. We haven’t experienced it ourselves, but from what’s available, this tour offers a chance to explore at your own pace while learning about the park’s fascinating past, all through narrated insights from its original owner.

What we really like about this experience is how accessible it is—costing just $5.99 per person, you get to wander freely and listen to stories that bring the park’s history alive. The inclusion of historic sites like the Gorilla House and Swan Lake adds a touch of charm and nostalgia, making it more than just a walk in the park. However, a possible drawback is that the experience relies heavily on GPS signals from your phone; if your device struggles with connectivity, the narration might play music instead, which can be disappointing.

This tour seems best suited for those who enjoy a mix of history, nature, and a bit of storytelling—perfect for curious travelers, history buffs, or anyone looking to add a little depth to their stroll through Benson Park. It’s an easy and affordable option to enhance your visit, especially if you’re comfortable using a smartphone app during your walk.

Key Points

• Affordable Price: At just under $6, it’s a budget-friendly way to enrich your park visit.
• Self-Paced Exploration: You control the timing, making it flexible for various schedules.
• Historical Narration: The tour is narrated by Benson’s original owner, adding authenticity.
• Highlights of the Park: Includes must-see spots like Swan Lake, Butterfly Garden, and the 9-11 Memorial.
• Potential Technical Issues: Reliance on GPS means connectivity issues can disrupt the experience.
• Limited Duration: About 30 minutes to an hour, ideal for a quick yet informative outing.

Getting to Know Benson Park and Its Self-Guided Tour

Benson Park is a spot with a legacy. Originally known as Benson’s Wild Animal Farm when it opened in 1924, it was once home to a variety of exotic animals and lively entertainment. Today, it’s a peaceful place with a different vibe—more about leisurely walks, picnics, and community gatherings. Still, the history remains palpable, and this tour offers a window into its lively past.

The tour kicks off at the main entrance at 19 Kimball Hill Rd, Hudson, NH. It’s designed as a roughly one-mile walk that takes about 30 minutes to an hour—perfect for a quick outing or a leisurely afternoon. Downloading the WalkNTour app beforehand is recommended, as the narration is delivered through this platform. If your phone struggles with GPS, you might find the narration playing only music, which can be frustrating if you’re eager to learn about the park’s history and stories.

Breaking Down the Itinerary

The tour covers a variety of notable spots within Benson Park, each offering something unique. It begins at the main park area, where you’ll be introduced to the history through John T. Benson’s voice—giving you a personal touch that is less common with standard self-guided tours.

Stop 1: Benson Park
This is where the heart of the experience lies. You’ll walk through the historic grounds and hear about the park’s transformation from a wild animal farm to a community space. The narration brings stories of exotic animals, wild entertainment, and the park’s evolution to life.

Gorilla House & Tony the Gorilla
One of the highlights is learning about Tony, the famous gorilla who once called Benson’s home. If history and animals pique your interest, this spot offers a nostalgic glimpse into the park’s past.

A-Frame Picnic Area & Amphitheatre
These areas suggest the park’s community roots—places where locals gathered for meals and events. It’s the kind of detail that makes you appreciate the park’s role as a gathering spot over the decades.

Swan Lake
The serene lake with fish, turtles, and birds is a peaceful part of the walk. The narration enriches this scenery, sharing stories of the wildlife that used to inhabit the area.

Butterfly Garden & Old Shoe on Storybook Hill
These charming spots add whimsy—imagine walking through a butterfly-filled garden, then stopping at the Old Shoe, a quirky landmark that sparks curiosity and nostalgia.

Benson Park Store & 9-11 Memorial
The tour also points out the community-focused spots like the gift shop and the poignant memorial dedicated to the 9-11 victims. These sites show how the park honors both its history and its community.

What the Reviews Tell Us

The reviews offer a balanced view. Several visitors praised the park as a “great place to walk and enjoy,” highlighting its dog parks, playgrounds, picnic areas, and the beautifully maintained 9-11 memorial. These comments reinforce that Benson Park is a worthwhile stop for those wanting a relaxing outdoor experience.

On the flip side, some visitors expressed disappointment with the tour experience itself. One reviewer said, “all it did was play music,” which clearly points to a technical hiccup—perhaps GPS signal issues or app glitches. This is a reminder that the experience is somewhat dependent on your phone’s connectivity and functionality.

Yet, others found the narration “learned a lot” and enjoyed muttering facts along with their walking companion, indicating that when it works properly, the tour can add a meaningful layer to your visit. A few mentioned how walking through the park brought back childhood memories, emphasizing its nostalgic appeal.

Analyzing the Value

At $5.99, this tour isn’t a major expense, especially when it can turn a simple walk into an engaging experience. For those interested in history and storytelling, the narrated insights from John T. Benson provide added context that you might not get just by strolling alone. The ability to go at your own pace means you can linger longer at your favorite spots or skip parts if you’re in a hurry.

However, the dependence on GPS signals is a notable caveat. If you’re someone who’s experienced connectivity issues in parks or rural areas, you might find this frustrating. The fact that some reviews mention paying twice due to technical problems is worth considering, especially if you’re on a tight schedule or budget.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience suits travelers who appreciate history and storytelling, enjoy exploring parks at their own pace, and are comfortable with using smartphone apps during outings. It’s ideal for solo adventurers, couples, or small groups looking for a cost-effective way to learn something new while enjoying the outdoors.

It might not be the best choice if you rely heavily on stable GPS or if you prefer guided tours with a live guide. Also, if you’re expecting a highly polished audio experience, be aware that technical glitches have been reported.

Final Thoughts

Overall, Benson Park’s self-guided walking tour offers a pleasant way to deepen your appreciation for this scenic space. The narration adds a personal touch, and the stops along the way highlight both the natural beauty and historical significance of the park. It’s a simple, affordable activity that can easily be integrated into a broader day of exploring Hudson.

The mix of positive reviews and candid feedback about technical issues suggests that your experience may vary depending on your device and connectivity. Still, if you’re okay with a bit of unpredictability and enjoy learning about local history, this tour could be a charming addition to your visit.

For those seeking a straightforward, self-paced, and reasonably priced way to connect with Benson Park’s past and present, this tour offers enough charm and insight to make it worthwhile.

FAQs

Is there an age limit for this tour?
Since it’s a self-guided walk through a park, it’s suitable for most ages, but it’s particularly good for those comfortable using a smartphone app during their walk.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, the tour is usually booked around 5 days ahead on average. You’ll want to download the app and have your phone ready before arriving.

What should I do if the narration doesn’t play correctly?
The tour relies on GPS signals. If you encounter issues, try restarting the app or moving to a different part of the park to improve reception.

Can I do this tour multiple times?
Yes, once downloaded, you can take the tour as many times as you like or share it with friends.

Is there an age or height restriction?
No, since it’s a walking tour in a park, there are no specific restrictions, but keep in mind the walking distance and your comfort.

How long does the tour typically take?
Most people spend between 30 minutes and an hour, making it a manageable activity for a half-day outing.

Are there any additional costs besides the $5.99 fee?
No, the fee covers the tour. Just ensure your phone has enough battery or bring a charger if needed.

What are the park’s hours?
The park is open daily from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM, so you can do the tour at your preferred time within those hours.

Overall, Benson Park’s self-guided tour is a modest yet engaging way to explore a local gem, especially if you’re into history and enjoy exploring at your own pace. Just be prepared for possible tech hiccups, and you’ll find it a relaxed, informative addition to your visit.