Hudson’s Benson Park, once home to the famous Benson’s Wild Animal Farm, will celebrate its 100th anniversary this summer with a special walking tour and unveiling of new granite historical markers honoring three of the park’s most beloved landmarks.
The Centennial Historical Marker Unveiling and Walking Tour will take place on Saturday, July 25, 2026, at 10 a.m., beginning at the park’s main entrance gate. A rain date is scheduled for Sunday, July 26. The event is free and open to the public.
Presented by the Benson Park Advisory Committee, the celebration will highlight the park’s transformation from a bustling early 20th century attraction into one of Hudson’s most cherished community spaces. Visitors will learn about the history behind the Haselton Barn, the Kitchen & Office Building, and the Train Station, each of which will receive a newly installed granite historical marker generously provided by Gate City Monument.
The walking tour will offer residents and visitors a chance to rediscover the park’s rich past. Benson’s Wild Animal Farm first opened in the early 1,900s as a private zoo and amusement park, drawing families from across New England. The site featured exotic animals, circus performances, and a miniature train that carried children through the grounds. After closing in the late 1980s, the property sat idle for years until the Town of Hudson acquired it and began restoration efforts that eventually transformed it into the public park residents enjoy today.
The Haselton Barn, one of the oldest surviving structures, once housed farm animals and equipment used to maintain the zoo. The Kitchen & Office Building served as a hub for staff and food preparation, while the Train Station remains a nostalgic reminder of the park’s whimsical past. Each site has undergone careful restoration thanks to volunteers and town support.
The Benson Park Advisory Committee has spent years working to preserve these landmarks and educate visitors about their significance. The new markers, crafted from durable granite and inscribed with historical details, will ensure that future generations understand the park’s role in Hudson’s history.
Residents attending the centennial event can expect an informative and leisurely walk through the park, guided by committee members and local historians who will share stories about the park’s early days, its decline, and its rebirth as a community treasure.
“Benson Park is more than just a place to walk your dog or enjoy a picnic,” said one committee member. “It’s a living piece of Hudson’s history — a reminder of how imagination and community spirit can bring something back to life.”
The event is part of a broader effort to recognize Benson Park’s inclusion on the New Hampshire Register of Historic Places, a designation that underscores its cultural and historical importance to the region.
Organizers encourage attendees to bring comfortable walking shoes and cameras to capture the unveiling. Parking will be available in the main lot, and volunteers will be on hand to guide visitors through the tour.