Back Bay Fens is an Olmsted-designed park in Boston’s Fenway and Back Bay neighborhoods, with paths through gardens, ponds and tree-lined grounds. Stop at the Kelleher Rose Garden, the Fenway Victory Gardens and the World War II Memorial, or watch for birds around the water. Sports fields and a track add room for active breaks. In fall, the changing leaves bring color to the trails. The park also connects nearby cultural sights, including the Museum of Fine Arts and Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum.
A park shaped from marshland
Back Bay Fens occupies land that was once a tidal marsh connected to the Atlantic. The marsh was cut off from the sea during the landfill work that created Back Bay. Landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted began planning the park in 1878, shaping the flooded ground into a public green space.
The Fens forms part of the Emerald Necklace, a chain of historic parks designed by Olmsted. It also gave its name to the surrounding Fenway area. The park’s paths, waterways and planted grounds keep a trace of its wetland origins within the city.
Gardens, memorials and landmarks
The Kelleher Rose Garden is a formal garden with more than 200 varieties of rose bushes. It is seasonal, so the flowers are not a year-round feature. Nearby, the Fenway Victory Gardens remain in community use and are identified as the only continuously operating World War II Victory Garden in the country.
Other stops include the World War II Memorial and memorials to the Korean and Vietnam wars. Look for the Japanese Temple Bell, the Duck House and Westland Gate, whose design includes lion heads. The park also has bridges, ponds and smaller garden spaces to explore between the main landmarks.
Paths and recreation
Walking and cycling paths cross the park, with trails passing gardens, water and mature groves. The grounds include baseball fields, an outdoor track, a playground and other sports areas. Some visitors come for a quiet walk or birdwatching; others use the fields and courts for recreation.
Back Bay Fens sits close to the Museum of Fine Arts, Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum and Fenway Park. Its paths can make a green link between the Fenway area and Longwood. If you are planning a longer walk, the Fens can also be visited as one section of the Emerald Necklace, which runs between Back Bay and Franklin Park.
FAQ
How much time should I allow for Back Bay Fens?
Allow about 1 to 3 hours to walk the park and visit its gardens and landmarks.
What can I see at Back Bay Fens?
The park includes the Kelleher Rose Garden, Fenway Victory Gardens, memorials, the Japanese Temple Bell, Westland Gate and the Duck House.
When is a good time to visit Back Bay Fens?
Fall is a good time to see the leaves change color. The rose garden is seasonal.
Can you walk or cycle through Back Bay Fens?
Yes. The park has walking paths and cycling routes.
