Bass Island Park

Riverside Escape

Found on Manchester's West Side, Bass Island Park offers a 1.2-acre glimpse of tranquility along the Piscataquog River. This compact green space might be small, but it offers a peaceful retreat from the urban bustle surrounding it.

Sandwiched between West Hancock and Cleveland Street, this little oasis gives both locals and visitors a chance to reconnect with nature without leaving the city. Finding parking is usually a breeze thanks to the small lot that rarely fills up.

Water Adventures

The park's river access makes it a go-to spot for fishing enthusiasts and those looking to launch their watercraft. There's something calming about gazing across the water, watching it flow past the natural landscape.

Getting your kayak or canoe into the water is straightforward thanks to the park's vessel boat ramp. The riverbank features granite stones in several spots, creating natural platforms to get closer to the water. On hot summer days, you'll likely spot locals using certain areas as a swimming hole to cool off.

Wildlife Encounters

The park attracts plenty of waterfowl that you can observe with a camera or binoculars. Mallards cruise the waters while Canadian geese make themselves at home, with some families raising their goslings right in the park.

The local ducks have become quite the social bunch over time. They gather along the shore near visitors, and some brave ones might even take food directly from your hand - something that both kids and adults tend to enjoy.

Park Highlights

The landscaping complements the natural setting, making it suitable for relaxation or connecting with nature. While not vast, Bass Island Park provides green space for the West Side community.

You can find a handful of benches scattered across the grounds - excellent for sitting back with a good book or enjoying a simple picnic. A short path leads down to the riverside, where you can get closer to the water and let its gentle sounds wash away your stress.

Nearby Attractions

If you're visiting with your four-legged friend, you're in luck - there's a dog park just across the street, making it easy to give both you and your pup some outdoor enjoyment. Bass Island Park itself remains a simple, quiet refuge ideal for short walks or moments of riverside reflection.