Self-Guided Walking Tour of Benson Park, Hudson, NH
Active
30m - 1h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
This self-guided Smart Phone Tour is a fun & historical journey through Benson Park, once famously known as "Benson's Wild Animal Farm", narrated by John T. Benson, the original founder of the park. This is an easy 30-minute walking tour covering about one mile of the interior of the park and you can take it anytime from 5 AM - 8 PM. You'll hear stories about the many exotic animals that once lived here including Tony the Gorilla, Betsy the Elephant, lions, tigers, monkeys, bears and more! For 60 years, daily circus entertainment and amusement rides were popular but today, it's home to the beautiful wildlife of New Hampshire. Stop by the Benson Park Store for an ice cream, cold drink, snack or a souvenir, open Fri.-Sunday, 12-4 PM. Public restrooms are available and leashed dogs are allowed.
Available options
Self-Guided Walking Tour of Benson Park, Hudson, NH
What's included
Explore Benson Park
Detailed itinerary
1
Self-guided smartphone walking tour of historic Benson Park. This one-mile tour is narrated by John T. Benson, the original owner of "Benson's Wild Animal Farm", which first opened in 1924.
The tour includes the Gorilla House where Tony the gorilla lived, the A-Frame picnic area, Amphitheatre, Swan Lake with fish, turtles & birds, the Butterfly Garden, the Old Shoe on Storybook Hill, the Benson Park Store & Gift Shop, and the 9-11 Memorial. We recommend that you download the WalkNTour App onto your phone prior to arriving at the park. Android phone use -https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.app.walkntours&hl=en_US&gl=US; Apple phone use https://apps.apple.com/us/app/walkntours/id1457662600; Once you take the tour, you own it and can take the tour as many times as you like and you can share it with a friend for free!
Available languages
Audio guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Tripadvisor
3.7
6 reviews
5★
4
4★
0
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1★
2
Important information
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Meeting point
This is a Self-Guiided Smart Phone Walking Tour. For best results, download the WalkNTour App. and the Benson Park WalkNTour on your phone prior to arriving at the park; Starting Point is the Red Kiosk near the Park's Main Entrance.
Important notes
HOW TO TAKE YOUR TOUR
For the best experience, follow the instructions below before taking your tour.
How it works:
Step 1: Download the WalknTours app on iPhone or Android.
App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/walkntours/id1457662600
Google Play Store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.app.walkntours
Step 2: Register an Account or Login
Step 3: Unlock Your Tour
Chose Hudson as your city
Scroll down and find the Benson Park Tour and click it
Click Enter Experience Code
Enter the Experience Code 'benson'
Click apply
Now your Tour is unlocked! We suggest downloading the tour at this time.
Step 4: Take the Tour
Go to the entrance gate at Benson Park
Open the tour and click start experience.
For the best experience -
- Download the Tour prior to entering the park
- Start the tour at the Red Kiosk outside of the main entrance to the park
- Use earbuds or phone speaker
Have questions? email us at info@friendsofbensonpark.org
About New Hampshire
New Hampshire is known for its stunning natural beauty, with the White Mountains offering year-round outdoor recreation, from hiking and skiing to scenic drives. The state also boasts charming coastal towns, historic sites, and a rich cultural heritage, making it a diverse and appealing destination for travelers.
Top Attractions
White Mountains
A stunning mountain range offering hiking, skiing, and breathtaking scenery year-round.
Nature
Multiple days for full exploration
Free to moderate (depending on activities)
Portsmouth
A charming coastal city with historic sites, vibrant arts scene, and waterfront dining.
Historical
1-2 days
Moderate
Mount Washington Cog Railway
The world's first mountain-climbing cog railway, offering a scenic journey to the summit of Mount Washington.
Adventure
Half day
Expensive
Lake Winnipesaukee
New Hampshire's largest lake, offering boating, swimming, and scenic views.
Nature
1-2 days
Free to moderate (depending on activities)
Lost River Gorge and Boulder Caves
A unique natural attraction featuring a gorge, caves, and hiking trails.
Adventure
Half day
Moderate
Must-Try Local Dishes
Lobster Roll
Buttered lobster meat served in a toasted roll, often with lemon and mayo.
Lunch
Contains shellfish
Apple Cider Donuts
Freshly made donuts flavored with apple cider, a fall favorite.
Snack
Vegetarian
Maple Syrup
Locally produced maple syrup, often used on pancakes and waffles.
Breakfast
Vegan
Popular Activities
Hiking
Skiing
Mountain biking
Spa treatments
Boating
Scenic drives
Museum visits
Historic site tours
Best Time to Visit
Summer (June to August) and Fall (September to October)
Summer is ideal for outdoor activities and beach visits, while fall offers spectacular foliage and hiking. These are the busiest times with the most tourist activities.
20-30°C
68-86°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: English
- Widely spoken: English
- English: Widely spoken
Currency
US Dollar (USD)
Time Zone
Eastern Time Zone (UTC-5)
Electricity
120VV, 60HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
New Hampshire is generally safe, with low crime rates and friendly locals. However, always be aware of your surroundings and take precautions, especially in rural and remote areas.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure
- • Be cautious of weather conditions, especially in the mountains
- • Avoid walking alone at night in isolated areas
Getting there
By air
- Manchester-Boston Regional Airport • 50 miles from Concord
- Portsmouth International Airport at Pease • 20 miles from Portsmouth
By train
Boston North Station
By bus
Concord, Manchester, Nashua
Getting around
Public transport
Public bus service is available but not extensive. Best for traveling between major cities.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Downtown Portsmouth
North Conway
Laconia
Day trips
Mount Monadnock
100 miles from Boston • Full day
A popular hiking destination with stunning views and challenging trails.
Canterbury Shaker Village
20 miles from Concord • Half day
A historic Shaker village with preserved buildings and exhibits.
Flume Gorge
20 miles from North Conway • Half day
A scenic gorge with walking trails and waterfalls.
Festivals
Laconia Bike Week • Early June
New Hampshire Highland Games • September
Portsmouth Harbor Festival • October
Pro tips
- Visit in the fall for stunning foliage and fewer crowds
- Pack layers for changing weather, especially in the mountains
- Try local maple syrup and apple cider donuts
- Explore the White Mountains for hiking and skiing
- Visit Portsmouth for historic sites and waterfront dining
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
