Finding parking near Bird Park Walpole can be tricky, especially during busy times. This article will provide tips on the best places to park so you can easily access the zoo and make the most of your visit.
Parking at Bird Park Walpole
Bird Park Walpole has a large main parking lot located right next to the park entrance. This lot provides convenient access to the zoo but it is not very big. On peak days like weekends and holidays, this main lot fills up quickly.
There are about 200 parking spaces in the main Bird Park Walpole lot. Spaces are available on a first come, first served basis. During busy seasons, it’s best to arrive early if you want to park in the main lot. Parking attendants are on site to direct cars and assist with parking when the lot is full.
Parking in the main lot is free for zoo visitors. There are accessible parking spaces located closest to the zoo entrance for visitors with disabilities. The main parking lot is within easy walking distance to the zoo entrance.
Overflow Parking Areas
When the main parking lot is full, Bird Park Walpole has designated overflow parking areas. These supplementary parking zones allow the zoo to accommodate more vehicles on peak days.
The overflow parking is located just across the street from the main zoo entrance. There are approximately 100 extra spaces available in the overflow lot. From there, it is about a 5-10 minute walk to reach the front gates of Bird Park Walpole.
Overflow parking is also free. Zoo staff with flags will direct you to the additional parking when necessary. Keep an eye out for the overflow parking signs.
Walpole High School Parking
In addition to the overflow lot, visitors can park at nearby Walpole High School on busy days. The high school is located less than half a mile from the zoo entrance.
Parking is allowed in the high school lots when school is not in session. This provides hundreds of extra free parking spaces for the zoo during peak seasons like summer.
Parking attendants are sometimes stationed at the high school lot to monitor zoo usage. It is about a 10-15 minute walk from the school lots to the front gates of Bird Park Walpole.
Other Nearby Parking Areas
If the main lot, overflow lot, and high school are all full, there are some additional parking options in the vicinity of Bird Park Walpole:
- On-street parking is available on nearby residential streets. Be sure to obey any parking signs and avoid blocking driveways or fire hydrants.
- The Edward Jones office building across the street from the zoo has a parking lot that is sometimes open to zoo visitors as well.
- Parking is allowed at the Walpole Soccer Fields next to the high school during off times.
- On very busy holidays, auxiliary remote parking with shuttle buses is provided from Gazette Field.
Parking Tips for Bird Park Walpole
To make the most of your zoo experience, keep these parking tips in mind for your visit to Bird Park Walpole:
- Arrive early, especially during spring, summer, and holidays, to secure a spot in the main lot.
- Watch for overflow parking signs and be prepared to park across the street if necessary.
- Give yourself extra time to walk from the farther lots like the high school.
- Consider carpooling to reduce parking needs.
- Check the zoo’s website or social media for updates on parking availability.
- Observe street parking signs carefully if parking off-site.
Parking Costs at Bird Park Walpole
One of the best perks of parking at Bird Park Walpole is that regular parking is completely free. You do not need to pay for parking in the main lot, overflow lot, or other designated zoo parking areas.
The only exception is during special events when remote parking and shuttles are used. On these occasions, there may be a small parking fee or a required purchase of a shuttle pass. Event details will provide parking cost information.
Parking validation is not required for the free on-site parking lots. If you park off-site, be aware of any applicable hourly rates or residential parking permit restrictions.
Always watch for restricted parking signs around the neighboring streets. You want to avoid getting ticketed or towed.
Accessible Parking at Bird Park Walpole
Accessible parking spaces are available in the main lot for zoo guests with disabilities. These spots are closest to the front entrance for convenience.
Per state law, vehicles must display a valid accessible parking placard or license plate to use these designated spaces. The standard accessible parking rules and regulations apply at all times.
If the main lot with accessible parking is full, zoo staff can transport guests needing mobility assistance from the overflow or high school lots. Talk to parking attendants or guest services for mobility golf cart rides when necessary.
Parking Hours at Bird Park Walpole
Parking lots open 30 minutes before the zoo opens in the morning. The Bird Park Walpole hours are 9:00am to 4:00pm daily.
Therefore, regular parking is available starting at 8:30am on zoo days. The parking lots, including overflow and other designated zoo parking areas, close 30 minutes after the zoo closes each afternoon.
Park only in authorized zoo parking zones during the posted hours. Parking is not allowed overnight. Hours may vary for special events, so check ahead for parkingavailability.
Parking Lot Safety at Bird Park Walpole
When parking at Bird Park Walpole, be sure to observe these rules for safety:
- Follow posted speed limits and watch for pedestrians.
- Do not leave valuables visible in your vehicle.
- Supervise children closely in parking areas.
- Drive carefully through the zoo lots.
- Watch for zoo vehicles driving through the parking zones.
- Back into spaces carefully or pull through to avoid backing out later.
Report any accidents, safety issues, or security concerns to zoo staff right away. Parking attendants routinely monitor the parking zones throughout operating hours.
Be cautious walking between the lots and the zoo, crossing streets, and navigating parking areas. Distracted driving is a hazard, so be aware of your surroundings when going to and from your vehicle.
Directions to Bird Park Walpole Parking
Bird Park Walpole is located in Walpole, New Hampshire. The address and directions to the zoo parking areas are:
Bird Park Walpole
980 Main Street
Walpole, NH 03608
From the South:
- Take I-91 N to Exit 5 in Vermont
- Turn right onto VT-142 N and continue into New Hampshire
- Turn left onto Main St in Walpole, NH
- Bird Park Walpole entrance is on the right just past Walsh Ave
From the North:
- Take I-91 S to Exit 5 in Vermont
- At end of ramp turn left onto VT-142 S toward Walpole/Alstead
- Continue across border into New Hampshire
- Turn right onto Main St in Walpole, NH
- Bird Park Walpole entrance is on the right just past Walsh Ave
Use GPS or mapping apps for the most accurate and direct route from your location. Primary access is from Main Street.
Watch for zoo parking signs to navigate to the appropriate lot or overflow zones. Park legally and safely.
Public Transportation to Bird Park Walpole
Public transportation options to Bird Park Walpole are very limited. The zoo is not located near any bus or train routes.
The best way to get to Bird Park Walpole is by private car or ride share service. Parking is free and widely available as detailed in this article.
If you are coming from out of town without a car, consider renting a car for the day to travel to and from the zoo easily.
Conclusion
With free parking in multiple locations, Bird Park Walpole aims to provide plenty of access for visitors. Arrive early on busy days, allow extra walking time from farther lots, and watch for parking attendants to find the best spots. Careful driving and walking in the parking areas is key for safety. Now that you know where to park, you can look forward to a great day exploring Bird Park Walpole!
