The Riverfront Boathouse will be open for tours this weekend, February 4th and 5th, from 12 to 5pm.
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Great River Park

301 East River Drive, East Hartford

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Walk to Hartford, launch your boat, take a waterfront stroll or enjoy a picnic lunch at the Great River Park. With its 350 seat amphitheater, sculptures and public art, the Park is a pocket of cultural beauty, offering both an oasis from the ordinary and amenities including almost five miles of riverwalk, transient boat docking, fishing, picnicking, a playground, onsite parking, and restrooms. 

Located just across the water from Hartford, pedestrians can easily access the city by crossing either the Charter Oak Bridge or The Founders Bridge Promenade.

PARK AMENITIES

Great River Park offers:
Boat LaunchPicnic tables
Performance facilitiesPaved & lighted walkways
Free onsite parkingFishing access
Children’s playgroundPublic bathroom / port-o-lets
Sculptures / public art 

To see our boat docking policy, click here.

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WALKS and TRAILS

Great River Park, East Hartford

2.8 mile loop. Approximate walking time: 50 minutes

From the parking lot, proceed in either direction along the river. Walk south to the Hockanum River and return for a one-mile walk or continue north to the Bulkeley Bridge and return for the full 2.8 mile walk. The walkway is paved and lighted its entire length.

Great River Park to Mortensen Riverfront Plaza, East Hartford and Hartford

2 mile loop. Approximate walking time: 40 minutes

From the parking lot, proceed north past the boat ramp towards Riverpoint Condominiums. As you approach the Founders Bridge, turn right and climb the stairs to the promenade above you or continue straight along the riverwalk to the stone arched Bulkeley Bridge. Once at the Bulkeley Bridge turn right onto the top of dike walkway and follow it down to East River Dr and under the highway bridge. Use either the handicap ramp or climb the stairs to access the promenade walkway into Hartford and onto Mortensen Riverfront Plaza. Simply reverse the directions to return to Great River Park. This walkway is paved and lighted in its entirety.

DOCKS & BOAT RAMPS - For specific Dock and Boat Ramp Information, click here.

PARK RULES & REGULATIONS - For park rules and regulations, click herePARK RULES & REGULATIONS - Please note: Due to liability and legal restrictions, NO OUTSIDE ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES of any kind may be brought into the Riverfront Parks by any party. Riverfront Recapture is the only licensed authority to sell and serve liquor for consumption in the Riverfront Parks.

Private Events in the Riverfront Parks

Celebrate your special occasion amidst the beauty and serenity of our natural park settings. We can host wedding ceremonies, private parties, picnics, reunions, church functions and other group events almost anywhere in our Parks*.  To reserve space for your event in our parks, call 860.713.3131 x 323.  * Please note: Availability may be limited for wedding ceremonies in Riverside Park. Restrictions may apply.


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Plan Your Visit To Great River Park

Great River Park - 301 East River Drive, East Hartford

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Park entrance views from East River Drive East and West Bound


DIRECTIONS

From North of Hartford, take I-91 South to Exit 30, I-84 East to East Hartford and Glastonbury. Take Exit 53, East River Dr / Rt 44 and follow the exit ramp signs for East River Dr. At the end of ramp, turn right onto East River Dr. The park entrance is on your right.

From South of Hartford, take I-91 North to Exit 29, Rt 5 / 15 & I-84 to East Hartford and Manchester across the Charter Oak Bridge. Take Exit 90 and bear right at the ramp split following the signs for East River Dr / Rt 2 West. Take Exit 4 off Rt 2 onto East River Dr. At the end of the ramp, turn left onto East River Dr and pass under the highway. The park entrance is on your left.

From East of Hartford, take I-84 West to Exit 54, Downtown Hartford. Take the Darlin St. exit before crossing the Founders Bridge. At the end of the ramp, turn right onto Darlin St. At the end of Darlin St, turn right onto Pitkin St. At the end of Pitkin St, turn left onto East River Dr. The park entrance is on your right.
 
From West of Hartford, take I-84 East to Exit 53, East River Dr / Rt 44 and follow the exit ramp signs to East River Dr. At the end of the ramp, turn right onto East River Dr. The park entrance is on your right.

PARKING

Free parking available within the Park.

HANDICAP AND STROLLER ACCESSIBILITY

Riverside Park is a handicap and stroller accessible park.

RESTROOMS

Port-o-let bathrooms are available May through November (approximately based on weather and park activity) and during all Riverfront Recapture events.

FOOD & BEVERAGE

There are many area restaurants which are a short drive from the Plaza.  Information about local restaurants can be found at www.hartford.com.

MAKE A DAY OF IT

There are many great things to do during your visit to Hartford including museums, movies, parks, cultural events, theater, outdoor activities and more.  Visit www.hartford.com for more information.


View Great River Park in a larger map

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50 Columbus Boulevard 1st Floor, Hartford, CT 06106-1984 | T. 860.713.3131 | infodesk@riverfront.org
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