Remember Benson's Wild Animal Farm in Hudson, New Hampshire?

For some of you, this will be a nostalgic blast from the past that tugs at your heartstrings. For others, you might not have any clue what this place is, or perhaps it existed before your time.

So let's take a look back and learn more about Benson's Wild Animal Farm.

What was Benson's Wild Animal Farm?

Even though Benson's has been closed since 1987, it has an active Facebook account with reviews written as recently as a few years ago, which goes to show how beloved this place was.

According to their Facebook:

"Benson's Wild Animal Farm (1927-1987) was a long-running private zoo and amusement park in Hudson, New Hampshire...Benson's Wild Animal Farm has reopened as "Benson Park", a 165.8 US acre passive recreational use municipal park in the Town of Hudson, NH for free use to the public..."

York's Wild Kingdom prides itself on being New England's only zoo and amusement park, but apparently, this wasn't always the case.

What made Benson's Animal Farm such a popular destination?

Well, for starters, there was a lot to do. The map below promises a fun-filled day at a joyful place filled with music, rides, shows, and of course, animals.

Benson's Wild Animal Farm via Facebook

According to this New Hampshire Chronicle video, Benson's was home to 550+ animals, many of whom performed various acts for a total of 27 shows per day.

Guests could ride on a carousel, elephant, or both. In addition to the kid-friendly rides, a handful of thrill rides were also added to bring in more customers.

Live Free or Die603BORN via Facebook

Benson's looked like such a lively place, and a perfect spot to make lifelong family memories.

Take a look at this old photograph of a packed parking lot during a sunny day at the park. It's clear that this place was special and one-of-a-kind.

WMUR-TV via YouTube

What does Benson's Animal Farm look like today?

It's a shame that Benson's is no longer open, but parts of some attractions are still standing and helping keep the Park's memory alive.

Efforts have been made to repair these decaying structures, and they've since been given new life.

For instance, here's the newly-refurbished Old Woman in the Shoe...

Benson's Wild Animal Farm via Facebook

...along with the elephant barn and a ticket booth.

Benson's Wild Animal Farm via Facebook

In 2020, Exit the Norm posted the below video to YouTube, which shows more of what the Park looks like today.

What are your memories from Benson's Wild Animal Park? Was there a favorite attraction you loved, or an animal you really wanted to see?

Let's take a look back at other New Hampshire things you'll remember if you lived in the '80s.

10 Things You Totally Remember If You Lived in New Hampshire In the 1980s

If you lived here in New Hampshire in the 1980's, there's no way that you didn't know about these events, people and places. They were part of our lives and some, still are. Sadly a few are no longer with us, but enjoy this list. I know I enjoyed remembering all these things from back in the day.

Gallery Credit: Sarah Sullivan