Tucked away in Hudson, New Hampshire, Benson Park offers a unique opportunity for visitors to embark on a self-guided walking tour. Narrated by the park’s founder, John T. Benson, the 30-minute audio tour delves into the captivating history of the park, which was once home to an array of exotic animals. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, this tour promises to transport you back in time and unveil the remarkable story behind Benson Park.

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Key Points

Benson Park offers a self-guided walking tour lasting approximately 30 minutes, narrated by the park’s founder, John T. Benson.
The tour explores the park’s history, including its past as Benson’s Wild Animal Farm, home to exotic animals and entertainment.
The audio tour, accessible through the WalkNTour app, provides immersive storytelling about the park’s former animal inhabitants and its transition to a natural landscape.
The self-guided tour covers a 1-mile loop, allowing visitors to explore the park’s historic structures and scenic views at their own pace.
Benson Park is wheelchair and stroller accessible, and service animals are welcome, ensuring an inclusive experience for all visitors.

Overview of Benson Park

The self-guided walking tour of Benson Park in Hudson, New Hampshire allows visitors to explore the park at their own pace.

The tour is narrated by the park’s founder, John T. Benson, and provides insights into the park’s history. Originally opened in 1924 as Benson’s Wild Animal Farm, the park was once home to exotic animals and entertainment.

Now, the tour enables visitors to learn the stories of the wild animals that once lived in the park. The entire tour takes approximately 30 minutes and can be enhanced by downloading the WalkNTour App prior to the visit.

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Exploring the Park’s History

While founded in 1924 as Benson’s Wild Animal Farm, the park has a rich history of hosting exotic animals and entertainment.

Visitors can learn about the former inhabitants, which included elephants, lions, and bears, through the audio tour narrated by founder John T. Benson. The park provided a unique experience, allowing guests to observe the animals up close.

An audio tour narrated by founder John T. Benson allows visitors to learn about the park’s former inhabitants, including elephants, lions, and bears.

Over the decades, the focus shifted from a zoo-like atmosphere to a more natural, wooded landscape.

Today, Benson Park offers a peaceful walking experience where visitors can imagine the park’s captivating past.

Narrated Audio Tour Experience

The self-guided audio tour, narrated by park founder John T. Benson, provides an immersive experience as you explore Benson Park.

Benson’s captivating storytelling transports you back in time, sharing tales of the park’s history as a former wild animal farm. The tour lasts approximately 30 minutes and can be enjoyed at your own pace.

To access the audio, simply download the WalkNTour app before your visit. The app’s intuitive interface guides you through the park, ensuring you don’t miss any key landmarks.

Whether you’re a history buff or seeking a unique outdoor adventure, this narrated tour enhances your appreciation of Benson Park’s rich past.

Tour Route and Duration

From the main entrance, the self-guided tour winds through Benson Park, covering approximately 1 mile in 30 minutes.

Along the way, visitors can:

Explore the park’s natural landscapes and historic structures at their own pace.
Discover insightful stories about the wild animals that once called Benson Park home.
Take in the scenic views and tranquil atmosphere that make this former wildlife attraction a beloved local gem.

The tour starts at the red kiosk near the main entrance and returns to the same location, providing a convenient and immersive experience for guests.

Accessibility and Participation

Benson Park is wheelchair and stroller accessible, making it an inclusive destination for visitors of all abilities. Service animals are also welcome.

Most travelers can easily participate in this self-guided tour, exploring the park at their own pace. The tour is approximately 30 minutes long, and the best experience involves downloading the WalkNTour app prior to arrival.

For those interested in a private tour experience, the park offers that option as well. Overall, Benson Park’s accessibility and inclusive participation options ensure a welcoming experience for all.

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Preparing for Your Visit

Visitors can start preparing for their self-guided walking tour of Benson Park by downloading the WalkNTour app prior to their visit. This app provides the audio tour narrated by the park’s founder, John T. Benson.

Additionally:

Wear comfortable shoes and dress appropriately for the weather, as the tour involves walking through the park.
Bring a water bottle, as the tour may take up to 30 minutes to complete.
Arrive at the designated meeting point, the Red Kiosk near the main entrance, to begin the self-guided experience.

Review Summary and Ratings

Although the overall rating for the self-guided walking tour of Benson Park is 3.7 out of 5 stars, the lack of 4-star or 5-star reviews suggests a mixed response from visitors.

With no reviews below 3 stars, the tour seems to provide a satisfactory experience, but may not exceed expectations.

The audio tour narrated by the park’s founder, John T. Benson, offers an intimate glimpse into the park’s history as a former wild animal farm.

While the tour’s accessibility and self-guided format are appealing, the average rating indicates room for improvement in the overall visitor experience.

Getting to Benson Park

To reach Benson Park, travelers can head to 19 Kimball Hill Road in Hudson, New Hampshire.

The park’s main entrance and starting point for the self-guided tour is marked by a red kiosk near the parking area.

There are a few convenient options for getting to the park:

By car: Benson Park has ample free parking on-site.
By public transportation: The park is accessible via the local bus system, with a stop located just a short walk away.
On foot or by bicycle: The park is situated in a pedestrian-friendly area, making it easy to visit on foot or by bike.

The Sum Up

The self-guided walking tour of Benson Park in Hudson, NH, offers a unique opportunity to explore the park’s rich history at your own pace. With a 30-minute narrated audio tour, visitors can enjoy the fascinating stories about the exotic animals that once inhabited the park. The 1-mile route is accessible for all, allowing you to enjoy the serene landscapes and historical insights.