Mortensen Riverfront Plaza, a landscaped park over I-91 in downtown Hartford that opened to the public in 1999, is the centerpiece of the Riverfront park system. A stage at the river’s edge provides a scenic venue for a rich variety of performances, with seating for 2,500 people on grassy terraces that descend from the plaza to the Riverfront. Excursion boats operate from the downtown docks, which also serve events such as the annual dragon boat festival. The Founders Bridge promenade connects Hartford with East Hartford, restoring pedestrians’ access between the communities and the river.
Getting Here:
- From I-91 South and North, take the Capitol Area Exit (Exit 29 – A) onto the Whitehead Highway. Take the first exit (on right) – Columbus Boulevard. At the light at the end of the exit, turn right onto Columbus Boulevard. Go through one set of lights. The Plaza is on your right hand side exactly at your second set of traffic lights
- From I-84 East, follow I-84 East to I-91 South. Take Capitol Area Exit on Whitehead Highway. Follow directions from I-91 South.
- From I-84 West, follow I-84 West and take the Downtown Hartford Exit. This will take you onto the Founders Bridge. At the end of the bridge, take a left onto Columbus Boulevard. The Plaza is on your left hand side.
- You may also use CTfastrak to travel to Columbus Blvd & Kinsley on the 121, and by the free Dash shuttle, 7 am – 7 pm on weekdays.
Parking is available on surrounding streets and at area garages.
Park Amenities
- Performance facilities
- Public boat cruises
- Paved & lighted walkways
- Drinking fountain
- Fishing access
- Public bathroom/ port-o-lets
- Sculptures/public art
