Every week, we post one more thing you MUST do before you graduate Northeastern. Tag us in/tweet us a picture of you doing our thing of the week, and you could win some pretty awesome prizes (including your favorite Husky swag)! #NUbucketlist
NU Bucket List – #20
Swan Boats at the Public Garden
Now that spring is finally kicking into high gear, it’s time to make a stop at the gorgeous Public Garden. It’s the oldest public botanical garden in the US and one of the gems of the Emerald Necklace. It’s a great place to bring your homework on a lazy Saturday afternoon, but we’re totally in it for the Swan Boats.
Since 1877, The Swan Boats have been paddling around the Public Garden pond under the supervision of the Paget family. They’ve become Boston icons, and have made appearances in such classics as Make Way For Ducklings and The Trumpet of the Swan. For just $3.50, you can hop on one of the boats for a 15-minute jaunt around the pond. Keep your eyes peeled for Romeo and Juliet, the pond’s resident live swans, while you’re floating about.
Some of the boats are over 90 years old and have original wooden swans sitting on the back, which is where the driver sits to peddle the boat forward. The Swan Boats also serve as awesome venues for some pretty cool events throughout the spring and summer, like a live presentation of Swan Lake performed by the Boston Ballet.
Swan Boat rides are available from mid-April through mid-September every day of the week (weather permitting). There’s no reservation needed; just show up and grab a seat!
NU Student Life 