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

Exploring Benson Park, Hudson, NH: A Self-Guided Audio Tour for Curious Visitors

If you’re seeking a peaceful stroll in a park with a dash of history and a pinch of nostalgia, the Self-Guided Walking Tour of Benson Park offers just that. For around $6, you get a smartphone-based experience that takes you through the expansive grounds, revealing stories from its days as Bensons Wild Animal Farm in 1924. While the experience is largely praised for its storytelling and scenic spots, some reviewers mention technical hiccups that could impact your enjoyment.

What we really appreciate about this tour is how it combines authentic narration from John T. Benson himself—the original owner—with the flexibility of exploring the park at your own pace. You’ll love wandering past sites like the Gorilla House or Swan Lake while learning about the park’s colorful past. On the flip side, a key consideration is that the tour’s success hinges on your phone’s GPS signal, which some users found tricky or inconsistent, especially if the app wasn’t properly set up beforehand. This tour suits history buffs, families, or anyone wanting a relaxing, informative walk without a large group or guided tour.

Key Points

• Authentic narration from the park’s founder offers a personal touch.
• Flexible pacing allows you to explore the park at your own speed.
• Historical insights about Benson’s wild animal days add depth.
• Technical aspect depends on GPS, so proper setup is key.
• Affordable price point makes it accessible for most budgets.
• Variety of sites including Swan Lake, Butterfly Garden, and a 9-11 Memorial.

A Detailed Look at the Benson Park Self-Guided Tour

What the Tour Offers

This experience is designed as a one-mile walk around Benson Park, narrated via a smartphone app. The tour is approximately 30 minutes to an hour long—perfect for a quick visit or a leisurely exploration. After downloading the WalkNTour app (available for Android and iPhone), you’ll start at the park’s main entrance, with the narration by John T. Benson providing a personal connection to the site’s history.

The key sites included in this tour are:

• Gorilla House, home to Tony the gorilla, one of the memorable characters from the park’s animal farm days.
• The A-Frame Picnic Area, inviting visitors to enjoy a lunch break surrounded by nature.
• The Amphitheatre, which hints at the entertainment aspect of the park’s past.
• Swan Lake, featuring fish, turtles, and birds, offering a peaceful water view.
• The Butterfly Garden, a vibrant spot for nature lovers.
• The quirky Old Shoe on Storybook Hill, adding a whimsical touch.
• The Benson Park Store & Gift Shop, perfect for souvenirs.
• The 9-11 Memorial, a quiet spot of remembrance.

What to Expect When You Visit

Starting at the park’s entrance, you’ll be encouraged to download the app beforehand—something reviewers highlighted as crucial, since the tour relies on GPS signals. Once underway, the narration will guide you from site to site, sharing stories, fun facts, and historical context.

Some visitors appreciated hearing direct stories from John T. Benson, which gave a sense of authenticity that generic tours often lack. One reviewer mentioned learning “a lot,” and walking alongside their spouse muttered facts about the park’s past as they went. The tour’s design encourages curiosity, especially for those interested in the park’s transformation from a wild animal farm to a community space.

The Pros and Cons Based on Reviews

Pros:
– Engaging storytelling from the original founder.
– The ability to explore the park at your own pace.
– Interesting sites like Swan Lake and the Butterfly Garden.
– Fairly priced at just under $6.
– Quiet, scenic spots perfect for relaxing or family outings.

Cons:
– Several reviewers faced challenges with GPS connectivity, leading to interruptions or incomplete narration.
– Some reports of technical issues, such as paying twice or music-only playback if GPS isn’t picked up properly.
– The tour duration may vary depending on how long you linger at each stop.

Practical Tips for Visitors

To maximize your experience, we recommend downloading the app before arriving and ensuring your phone’s GPS is active. The tour is private, so you won’t be sharing the narration with strangers, which is ideal for families or couples who want a personalized outing. The park itself is open daily from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM, so you can choose a time that suits your schedule.

If you have young children or are with dogs, Benson Park’s dog-friendly policies and playgrounds make it suitable for all ages. The park’s peaceful environment, combined with the historical narration, offers a balanced mix of education and relaxation.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This self-guided experience is perfect for travelers who enjoy history and nature without the constraints of a guided bus or large group. Families with children, history enthusiasts, and those seeking a peaceful walk while learning about Benson’s past will find this tour engaging. It’s especially well-suited for visitors who appreciate authentic storytelling and don’t mind the occasional technical troubleshooting.

While the price is reasonable, the experience’s value depends on your patience with the GPS-based system. If you’re tech-savvy and like exploring at your own pace, you’ll likely find this tour rewarding. Conversely, if you prefer guided voiceovers with guaranteed connectivity, you might want to consider other options.

Final Thoughts

The Benson Park self-guided walking tour offers a charming way to discover the history behind this Hudson, NH park. With narration directly from its founder, you’re transported back to the site’s wild animal days, gaining insights that bring the space alive beyond its current peaceful appearance. The flexibility of exploring on your own, combined with scenic views and interesting sites, makes it an attractive choice for a laid-back day.

However, technical issues have been a drawback for some, impacting the tour’s overall seamlessness. It’s worth noting that many visitors found it educational and fun—especially when everything works smoothly. The low price point makes it accessible, and downloading the app beforehand will help avoid common pitfalls.

This experience shines brightest for those interested in local history, nature lovers, or families wanting a casual, informative walk. If you’re patient and prepared, it’s a genuinely worthwhile way to spend half an hour to an hour in Hudson’s beloved Benson Park.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, the park itself offers playgrounds and open spaces suitable for kids. The tour is mainly narrated, so children might enjoy hearing stories about the animals and the park’s history.

Do I need to bring anything special?
A fully charged smartphone with the WalkNTour app downloaded is essential. You may also want to bring water, snacks, and comfortable walking shoes.

Can I do this tour with a dog?
Yes, service animals are allowed, and the park itself is pet-friendly. Just ensure your dog is on a leash and well-behaved.

What if my GPS signal is weak?
Some reviews mention GPS issues, so downloading the app in advance and ensuring good phone reception before starting can help. If connection problems occur, restarting the app often resolves the issue.

How long does the tour take?
It typically lasts between 30 minutes and an hour, depending on your pace and how long you stop at each site.

Is there an admission fee to Benson Park?
The tour price is $5.99 per person, which includes access to the sites on the tour. The park itself is free to visit, but some areas like the gift shop or specific events may have charges.

To sum it up, if you’re looking for an affordable, flexible way to explore a historic park with a personal touch, this self-guided audio tour provides a fun and educational outing. Just be sure to prepare your phone and enjoy the stories from Benson’s past as you stroll through this scenic New Hampshire gem.