Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Coventry, Connecticut

A town rich in history, Coventry in Tolland County is recognized as the birthplace of Connecticut’s state hero.

Nathan Hale, who was executed on a reconnaissance mission during the Revolutionary War, is believed to have remarked, “I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country,” prior to his execution.

His birthplace operates as a museum during the spring and summer, representing a significant effort in historical preservation in Connecticut, spearheaded by historian George Dudley Seymour.

A significant portion of Coventry is occupied by the beautiful Wangumbaug Lake, where the town offers a beach at Patriots Park, while the historic area of South Coventry extends from its eastern shoreline.

Let us delve into the notable activities to experience in and around Coventry:

1. Nathan Hale Homestead

Coventry serves as the birthplace of Connecticut’s state hero, a soldier and spy for the Continental Army, who was executed by the British at the age of 21 during the Revolutionary War.

The current Georgian-style residence was constructed in 1777, a year following Hale’s demise, meaning that while this building is not the original site of his birth, it is located at the same geographical point.

Notably interesting about the homestead is the extensive collection of artifacts related to Hale.

Upon learning of Nathan’s death, his brother received a trunk containing his belongings, which has been conserved at the house, in addition to a variety of other family heirlooms.

Many of these items were collected by George Dudley Seymour, the antiquarian who revived the homestead to reflect its 18th-century aesthetics after acquiring it in 1914. The museum offers tours from April to October.

2. Wangumbaug Lake

A prominent source of pride for Coventry is this lake, encompassing 373 acres and accompanied by serene residential neighborhoods nestled within mixed woodlands along its shores.

The most developed area is South Coventry, located on the eastern shore, which features a selection of restaurants and an esteemed historic district detailed below.

Wangumbaug Lake (also known as Coventry Lake) is naturally occurring and replenished by springs, but its water levels were elevated by a dam built to support mills along Mill Brook in the 18th century.

Two beaches are available, one of which grants access to non-residents at Patriots Park.

This lake supports bass management, offering a fishing season that spans from approximately mid-April to the end of February.

In winter, the surface occasionally freezes, creating opportunities for ice skating in one of the state’s most picturesque locations.

3. Patriots Park

Visitors who are not residents of Coventry can access the beach (with a parking fee) at Patriots Park, located off Lake Street on the eastern shore.

Although modest in size, the sandy beach is well-maintained and surrounded by grassy areas shaded by trees, perfect for picnics and cookouts.

A playscape is available for children, along with a basketball court, and during the summer months, the Patriots Park Boat House offers canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards on a first-come, first-served basis.

At the conclusion of June, Patriots Park hosts CoventryFest, a major annual event celebrated in the town, renowned for its spectacular fireworks display.

4. Strong-Porter House Museum

Located directly across from the Nathan Hale Homestead on South Street is a farmhouse constructed circa 1730 by Hale’s maternal great-uncle, Aaron Strong.

The lean-to at the rear of the Strong-Porter House was added later, in 1777. George Dudley Seymour resided in this property and undertook its restoration while simultaneously working on the Nathan Hale Homestead, establishing it as one of the first colonial-era residences to undergo formal preservation in Connecticut.

The house’s wood frame structure comprises 2-1/2 stories and is five bays wide, featuring two interior chimneys.

This remarkable establishment operates as the museum for the Coventry Historical Society, including several outbuildings such as a barn, carriage sheds, a blacksmith shop, and a carpenter shop.

5. South Coventry Historic District

Positioned on the eastern shore of Wangumbaug Lake, South Coventry represents the initial area of town settled by Europeans, dating back to the very early 18th century.

Visitors can immerse themselves in South Coventry’s heritage within this historic district situated along Main Street and the adjacent roads, which have retained their distinctive characters.

Spanning approximately 250 acres, this district features nearly 180 contributing structures that showcase varying architectural styles, including Colonial, Federal, Greek Revival, Italianate, Queen Anne, and Colonial Revival.

Beautiful reminders of South Coventry’s industrial past are evident in six preserved buildings located along Mill Brook, which flows parallel to Main Street.

The village green, now known as Veteran Green, sits between Lake Street and High Street, historically serving as a militia training ground and muster location during the French and Indian War (1754-1763) and the Revolutionary War (1775-1783).

6. Cassidy Hill Vineyard

Atop a stunning hill in northern Coventry lies a vineyard offering breathtaking views of the Connecticut Hills, complemented by a rustic log cabin tasting room.

From sweet to dry varieties, Cassidy Hill produces a diverse range of wines crafted from estate-grown grapes, including Catawba, one of the earliest American grape varieties cultivated for winemaking.

Visitors can unwind on rocking chairs on the porch or stroll through the vineyard, pausing at the bench under the “Thinking Tree,” a solitary maple featured in Cassidy Hill’s branding.

The tasting room operates Fridays and weekends from April to December.

During summer Friday evenings, guests are encouraged to bring a picnic, as live music performances take place on the porch.

7. Museum of Connecticut Glass

The Coventry Glass Factory Historic District is established on the site of the former Coventry Glassworks, with most Federal and Greek Revival residences linked to the factory.

The town’s glass production began to flourish in the 1810s as a result of the War of 1812, which disrupted supply lines from the UK.

The industry thrived until the mid-19th century, manufacturing small bottles, inkstands, and notable flasks, including the “portrait flask” depicting the Marquis de Lafayette to commemorate his visit to America in 1825. The museum is uniquely housed within the Captain John Turner House (1813), the name of one of the initial owners of the Coventry Glass Company.

The museum catalogues all historic glassworks across Connecticut.

As of 2019, the museum was in the process of restoring the Captain John Turner House and offered public access for special events and upon request.

8. Nathan Hale State Forest

The historical authenticity of the Nathan Hale Homestead is partially attributed to its setting within the 1,500-acre Nathan Hale State Forest.

This forest was established following a bequest from George Dudley Seymour in 1946 and serves as a source of timber while providing a renewable habitat for wildlife.

A 200-acre section has been designated as unmanaged.

Adventurers can expect extensive hiking trails, while dog owners can utilize a specific area for their pets.

It is advisable to wear bright clothing during the hunting season in autumn and winter.

9. Creaser Park

Adjacent to the Nathan Hale State Forest, Creaser Park is located just west of Wangumbaug Lake and encompasses 57 acres, managed by the Department of Energy & Environmental Protection.

This area was once a dairy farm in the 20th century, subsequently converted into a summer camp for young individuals with developmental disabilities.

Creaser Park is designed for passive recreation, featuring four blazed trails, one of which runs along the bank of the Skungamaug River, teeming with trout for fishing enthusiasts.

The park’s pond is well-stocked with various fish species, including large and smallmouth bass, sunfish, bullhead, shiner, and pickerel, and retains a small beach once used by the camp.

The pavilion, surrounded by picnic tables, is a remnant from the camp era and is one of two rental facilities available in the park.

10. Jorgensen Center for the Performing Arts

The University of Connecticut is nearby in Storrs, and in just a few minutes, visitors can reach this prominent venue, inaugurated in 1955 and capable of accommodating over 2,600 individuals.

The programming at the Jorgensen Center showcases a diverse array of performances, featuring significant ensembles for both jazz and classical music, acclaimed dance and theater troupes, as well as well-known comedians.

The schedule includes lectures delivered by prominent figures from various fields, dedicated performances for children, and much more.

Notable past performers include Duke Ellington, the Royal Shakespeare Company, and the London Philharmonic.

Additionally, the center contains gallery space and the smaller Harriet S. Jorgensen Theatre, which hosts two productions annually presented by the Connecticut Repertory Theatre, a professional ensemble operated by the Department of Dramatic Arts.

11. Mansfield Drive-In Theatre

Located just five minutes from South Coventry, this largest remaining drive-in cinema in Connecticut features three screens and has been screening films outdoors since 1954. The venue accommodates 950 vehicles, and the original main screen spans 33.5 meters in width.

The operating season extends from April to October, with screenings available seven days a week during the summer and on weekends during spring and fall.

For a touch of nostalgia, double features are presented, and attendees can listen via an FM transmitter or provided speakers.

A newly updated snack bar offers a variety of refreshments and classic theater snacks.

Every Sunday from 08:00 to 14:00, this location hosts the largest flea market in Eastern Connecticut, with vendors participating both indoors and outdoors.

12. Connecticut Eastern Railroad Museum

This Willimantic attraction features a faithful replica of the Columbia Junction roundhouse, erected in 2000. The original structure, constructed in 1892, was demolished in the 1930s, and the replica reflects the same foundational layout.

Among the highlights of the collection are four locomotives, an entire historic train station (from 1872) serving the town of Chaplin, and twelve diesel-electric trains.

During tours of the yard, guests will encounter several additional notable pieces of railroad heritage, including a telegraph shack, the Groton freight house, and the Willimantic section house.

The museum is open on weekends from May to October, and it is advisable to check the museum’s website for information on special events.

13. William Benton Museum of Art

Another compelling reason to visit the UConn campus is this outstanding art museum, housed in what was formerly the university’s dining hall, constructed in a Collegiate Gothic style in 1920. The museum opened its doors in 1967 and is particularly acclaimed for its extensive collection of American art by Childe Hassam, Ellen Emmet Rand, Charles Harold Davis, Rembrandt Peale, Fairfield Porter, Henry Ward Ranger, among others.

This impressive collection is complemented by a small yet significant selection of European art featuring distinguished names like Gustav Klimt, Georges Braque, and Käthe Kollwitz, the latter represented by over 100 prints and drawings generously donated by geneticist Dr. Walter Landauer.

14. Ballard Institute and Museum of Puppetry

The University of Connecticut is recognized for establishing the first undergraduate and graduate programs in puppetry in the United States.

This initiative can be credited to Frank W. Ballard (1929-2010), who began teaching puppetry courses in the 1960s.

Since then, over 400 student puppet productions have been realized at UConn.

At the institute’s headquarters on Royce Circle, visitors can explore one of the largest puppet collections in the United States, along with the country’s most extensive media library dedicated to this art form.

With more than 2,500 puppets from around the globe, including rod puppets, marionettes, glove puppets, body puppets, shadow puppets, and an array of stage materials, the puppets certainly take center stage.

15. Eagleville Pond

Lying along the boundary between Coventry and Mansfield, this expansive body of water was created by impounding the Willimantic River to support Eagleville Mill.

This mill, established in 1814 by the Willimantic Cotton Manufacturing Company, produced rifle components during the Civil War.

The parking area for the Eagleville Preserve is located atop the foundations of the former mill.

Exploring the preserve, visitors will encounter remnants of the mill race, as well as the intact dam (featuring a waterfall) and traces of previous agricultural land.