Dates Of Visit: July 3, 2026

Location: 1561 Asylum Ave, I-84 Exit 44West Hartford, CT

Hours: Open everyday from dawn to dusk.

Cost of Admission: Free

Parking” there is free on street parking available on Asylum St

Universally Accessible: Yes

Dog Friendly: Yes

Summary: Elizabeth Park Conservancy in West Hartford, CT, offers over 100 acres of beautiful greenery and flowers as well as lots of greenery for people to picnic, relax and take a few photos!

Website: Elizabeth Park Conservancy

Boasting over one hundred acres of formal gardens, green space, recreational facilities, walking loops, and the Pond House Café, Elizabeth Park Conservancy has something for everyone to enjoy. But, the highlight of the conservancy are the flowers.

I visited this park earlier in May. But, I was told the roses were in full bloom in later June and July. So, I made a special visit the first weekend of July. Unfortunately, due to a long hot and dry spell. So, the roses and some of the other flowers looked a little worse for wear. And, as you will see later, there were some other environmental factors that affected the roses and other flowers.

Elizabeth Park has a wide array of flowers and plants at the conservancy.

Elizabeth park also has a lot of structures and trails which makes it a popular place for people taking portraits and engagement photos.

One thing I noticed, and you may also notice, is I should have used a flash for some of the photos. I know what you might be thinking; a flash on a sunny day? Yes, the flash or artificial light can help “fill in” some of the shadows and dark areas which helps to bring out the colors and highlight the features of what you’re photographing. Unfortunately, these Japanese beetles, who were in great abundance at the park, were feeding and mating on some of the flowers. These invasive insects, which are native to Japan, are highly destructive. The damage they cause is particularly evident in the third photo.

Despite the heat, drought-like conditions and the havoc the Japanese beetles had on some of the flowers, Elizabeth Park was a delight that I am glad I was able to share with everyone!