Top 15 Must-See Attractions in Hartford, CT

Summary

Mark Twain House & Museum
Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art
Connecticut Science Center
Connecticut State Capitol
Connecticut’s Old State House
Harriet Beecher Stowe Center
Elizabeth Park
Bushnell Park
Ancient Burying Ground
Great River Park
Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts
Real Art Ways
Cathedral of Saint Joseph
Connecticut Museum of Culture and History
Dunkin’ Park

The capital of Connecticut stands as one of the oldest cities in the United States, with its establishment tracing back to 1635.

During the 19th century, Hartford emerged as a hub for abolitionism, giving rise to figures such as Harriet Beecher Stowe, the author of the significant work Uncle Tom’s Cabin (1852).

Following the Civil War, Hartford became the wealthiest city in the nation, buoyed by a thriving manufacturing industry, notably led by Colt’s Patent Fire Arms Manufacturing Company.

The city showcases a vibrant cultural atmosphere, expansive parks, and vital attractions for visitors.

Visitors have the opportunity to explore the residence where Mark Twain penned many of his timeless works, and appreciate masterpieces by Caravaggio and Monet at the Wadsworth Atheneum. Additionally, one can enjoy a Minor League game at the recently constructed Dunkin’ Park.

Let’s delve into the premier activities in Hartford:

1. Mark Twain House & Museum

Throughout the 17 years that Mark Twain and his family resided in this American High Gothic House, he authored several of his most significant literary pieces, including The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, and The Prince and the Pauper.

Characterized by its steeply pitched roof and turreted chimneys, the house was constructed for the family in 1873. Its advanced features, such as central heating, a burglar alarm, telephones, and devices for summoning servants to designated rooms, are truly remarkable.

Before entering, you will find an exhibition in the visitor center, while the house itself is adorned with personal artifacts. These elements provide an intimate glimpse into the life of one of America’s most cherished authors.

The library is stunning, featuring hand-stenciled paneling and fireplaces imported from India. At the highest point lies the Billiards Room, where Twain crafted his works while entertaining guests with drinks and cigars.

The Mark Twain House continues to be a integral part of Hartford’s cultural narrative, hosting silent writing sessions alongside ghost and murder mystery-themed tours.

2. Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art

As the oldest continuously operating art museum in the United States, the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art has recently undergone an expansion, housed in a castle-like structure located at 600 Main Street.

Founded in 1844, the museum boasts a fascinating array of renowned collections, encompassing everything from French and American impressionism to bronzes from Ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome.

Notable pieces by Caravaggio, Monet, Renoir, Dalí, Miró, Ernst, and René Magritte caught my attention. Additional exhibits feature Pre-Columbian pottery, Meissen porcelain, Italian majolica, and costumes from Ballets Russes.

A highlight is the Cabinet of Art and Curiosity within the European Art Galleries, which is designed to resemble a display in an aristocratic home from the 16th or 17th century.

3. Connecticut Science Center

A fantastic destination for families, the Connecticut Science Center offers over 165 interactive exhibits.

Spread across six levels, the exhibits cover a variety of topics including the cosmos, gravity, sight and sound, problem-solving, energy, the Connecticut River, natural history, and human health in engaging and educational ways.

Additionally, visitors can explore a Butterfly Encounter within a tropical greenhouse and an exquisite rooftop garden teeming with wildlife. I experienced the captivating Animal Kingdom 3D presentation in a 30ft by 40ft theater featuring a powerful 18,000-watt Dolby surround sound system.

The Connecticut Science Center also hosts exceptional temporary exhibitions. Recent showcases have included dinosaurs, Leonardo da Vinci’s inventions, and real human bodies preserved through “plastination.”

4. Connecticut State Capitol

This state capitol, characterized by its gold-plated dome soaring over 190 feet above the southwestern side of Bushnell Park, is impossible to overlook. The impressive structure was completed in the 1870s, replacing the Old State House, which will be covered subsequently.

This striking Eastlake Movement building serves as the seat of the Connecticut General Assembly, encompassing the State Senate, the House of Representatives, and the office of Connecticut’s Governor.

From Monday to Friday, complimentary guided or self-guided tours are available.

These tours last about an hour, featuring notable stops such as the Genius of Connecticut statue, the Hall of Flags, as well as the House and Senate chambers, and the Legislative Office Building.

I was captivated by the Connecticut Hall of Fame, which honors prominent figures including Katharine Hepburn and Mark Twain.

5. Connecticut’s Old State House

Established in 1796, Connecticut’s Old State House is a remarkable structure combining various architectural styles. It features a Federal exterior, Colonial Revival halls, and a Victorian Representative Chamber.

The primary facade, facing east off Central Row, boasts a stately Doric portico, elevated on a first floor constructed with brownstone sourced from Portland, Connecticut.

The origins of the state’s democracy can be traced to this very location. Visitors can learn about its history through engaging guided or self-guided tours of the legislative chambers.

In recent years, interactive exhibits detailing Connecticut’s history have been implemented to engage younger audiences.

I found the cabinet of curiosities belonging to Minister Joseph Steward (1753-1822) particularly fascinating, featuring items such as a two-headed calf and a “unicorn’s horn.”

The Old State House Farmers’ Market, located on State House Square, has roots dating back to 1643 and operates from late spring to mid-fall.

6. Harriet Beecher Stowe Center

Harriet Beecher Stowe (1811-1896), a prominent abolitionist and author, resided at this site on Forest Street, conveniently located west of downtown Hartford.

She is renowned for her novel Uncle Tom’s Cabin (1852), which vividly portrayed the struggles faced by enslaved African Americans.

This significant work has reportedly had a profound impact on societal views regarding slavery, often credited with having “helped lay the groundwork for the Civil War.”

Stowe spent her final 23 years at this residence, which was constructed in 1871, two years prior to her arrival.

The adjacent carriage house (built in 1873) serves as the Visitor Center. From there, engaging guided tours of the house are available. This site contains the largest collection of artifacts associated with the author, including decorative arts, fine art, furniture, manuscripts, books, and more.

Additional displays focus on Abolition, African-American history, evolving racial attitudes in the United States, and the history of women, particularly concerning suffrage.

7. Elizabeth Park

Designed by Olmsted and Son, Elizabeth Park was landscaped in the early 20th century on land bequeathed to the City of Hartford by financier Charles M. Pond in 1894.

The only requirement he imposed was that the park be named after his late wife, Elizabeth.

Spanning over 100 acres, Elizabeth Park features expansive green areas, elegant formal gardens, ponds, and bridges. The beautiful Lord and Burnham greenhouses, along with walking loops and the highly-regarded Pond House Café, contribute to its charm.

If you plan to visit, consult the website to see what flowers are in bloom; this begins in spring with daffodils. The Rose Garden reaches its peak in late June, followed by the dahlias in the autumn.

The Rose Garden is recognized as the third largest in the United States, being the first planted by a municipality.

A suggestion is to head to the Overlook for stunning views of Hartford’s skyline to the east. Furthermore, every Wednesday morning from April to October, members from the Herb Society of Connecticut are available to answer questions in the Herb Garden.

8. Bushnell Park

Hartford is home to the oldest publicly funded park in the United States. Bushnell Park was conceptualized in 1854 and is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Completed in 1868, the park emerged from a period when planners began to recognize the significance of open spaces within urban environments.

Covering 37 acres, the park features sculptures, paths, play areas for children, and monuments, including the George Keller’s Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Arch, inaugurated in 1886.

However, the primary attraction for me is the vintage carousel, dating back to 1914, which was relocated from Canton, Ohio in 1974. The carousel, situated beneath a majestic Turkey Oak, showcases a Wurlitzer band organ, 48 intricately carved horses, and two chariots.

9. Ancient Burying Ground

The First Church of Christ on Gold Street was established by Puritan Colonial Leader, Thomas Hooker, in 1636.

Although the current Federal building is the fourth structure on the site and dates back to the early 19th century, the cemetery adjacent to it dates from 1640, serving as Hartford’s exclusive burial ground for the following 163 years.

It is estimated that around 6,000 individuals—men, women, and children—were interred within this four-acre plot. It is particularly poignant that they were buried here without respect to race, religion, or social standing.

The Ancient Burying Ground was significantly larger originally but has diminished over time as the surrounding area has developed.

Visitors can take a tranquil few moments to examine the centuries-old gravestones, many still bearing legible inscriptions. The oldest headstone belongs to Timothy Stanley, who passed away in 1648.

10. Great River Park

Situated on the East Hartford bank of the Connecticut River, Great River Park consists of a long stretch of greenery meandering around an undeveloped riverbend.

Along nearly two miles of waterfront, trails navigate through dense woodlands. I found delight in the occasional scenic views across to Hartford.

Public art can occasionally be spotted throughout the park, alongside a boat launch, numerous picnic tables, and a 350-seat amphitheater that hosts the free Sounds of Summer concert series during the warmer months.

Travel back to Hartford using the Founders Bridge, which leads to the landscaped Mortensen Riverfront Plaza.

This area connects downtown Hartford to the riverfront, featuring its own 2,500-seat stage as well as docks for river excursions.

11. Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts

Recognized as Connecticut’s premier venue for the performing arts, the Bushnell Center is anchored by the 2,800-seat Mortensen Hall.

Opened in 1930, the smaller, more contemporary Belding Theater followed in 2002. Visitors should check the calendar for a variety of live performances, including music from various genres, renowned comedians, musicals, operas, dance, and family-oriented shows.

The Hartford Symphony Orchestra often performs here, and I am particularly fond of their Masterworks series, featuring over nine concerts a season that celebrate works by history’s most celebrated composers.

The interior of Mortensen Hall is worth visiting regardless of the program, noted for its late-1920s Art Deco detailing.

Notably, the expansive Drama mural, hand-painted in 1929, is the largest of its type in the United States, measuring 187 ft x 40 ft.

12. Real Art Ways

Established in 1975, Hartford’s alternative multidisciplinary arts organization emerged when a group of independent artists and musicians revitalized a loft downtown, transforming it into a space for studio work, living, performances, and exhibitions.

In the 1990s, Real Art Ways relocated to a stunning brick warehouse on Arbor Street, evolving into a unique center for the arts.

This complex accommodates up to three concurrent visual arts exhibitions and hosts concerts alongside a diverse schedule of community events ranging from talks to board games.

As a film enthusiast, I particularly appreciate the two-room Real Art Ways Cinema, which screens independent and critically acclaimed foreign films every day of the week.

13. Cathedral of Saint Joseph

Serving as the seat of the Archdiocese of Hartford, the Cathedral of Saint Joseph is a modern edifice built in the early 1960s following the destruction of its predecessor by fire.

The architecture of the Cathedral reflects an International Style interpretation of a Gothic church, featuring a robust concrete structure clad with white limestone.

Upon closer inspection, one can appreciate the exceptional modern liturgical art. The substantial bronze doors at the entrance feature a bas-relief illustrating biblical scenes.

Moreover, the narthex and nave are divided by a remarkable glass screen representing the Kingdom of Christ both on earth and in heaven.

Upon entering the nave, visitors are struck by the impressive quantity of stained glass, all crafted in Paris, drawing inspiration from the Sainte-Chapelle on Île de la Cité.

14. Connecticut Museum of Culture and History

Established in 1825, the Connecticut Historical Society is among the oldest organizations of its type in the United States.

Housed in the expansive Colonial Revival mansion of inventor Curtis Veeder, the society runs a nonprofit museum, archive, library, and educational center.

Over its 200-plus years of history, the CHS has accumulated a vast collection of artifacts, books, and pamphlets, along with one of New England’s most extensive costume and textile collections.

These pieces are displayed across up to seven simultaneous exhibitions, often timed to coincide with notable anniversaries or current trends.

During my visit, the exhibition titled “Connecticut’s Bookshelf” explored the state’s range of literary contributions.

The ongoing exhibit, “Making Connecticut,” chronicles 400 years of state history, providing insights into daily life, work, leisure, social transformation, and sports in this region of New England, with 500 artifacts on display.

15. Dunkin’ Park

When the Eastern League’s New Britain Rock Cats relocated to Hartford in 2016, they rebranded as the Hartford Yard Goats, taking residence in the newly established Dunkin’ Park.

This marked the return of Hartford’s first professional sports team since the NHL’s Whalers departed for North Carolina in 1997. The Yard Goats represent a Double-A team (the second-highest class in Minor League Baseball) and are affiliated with MLB’s Colorado Rockies.

The stadium, accommodating 6,850 spectators, was recognized as Ballpark of the Year for 2017 by Baseballparks.com.

One contributing factor to this accolade is its urban downtown positioning, revitalizing an overlooked area of Hartford just north of I-84.

The stadium’s elegant and understated architecture harmonizes with the brick-built Capital Preparatory Magnet School situated on its northern side. A noteworthy feature is the window along Trumbull Avenue, providing a view into the home bullpen and beyond to the playing field..

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