Discover 30 Must-See Hidden Gems in Connecticut

Connecticut, officially referred to as the “Constitution State,” derives its name from the river that traverses the state. As the third smallest state by area, Connecticut is located in the northeastern region of the United States of America.

Although part of New England, Connecticut is frequently included among the three states forming the “Tri-state” area, alongside New York and New Jersey. Bordered by Massachusetts to the north, Rhode Island to the east, Long Island Sound to the south, and New York to the west, the “Nutmeg State” is home to one of the most prestigious universities in America and globally—Yale University.

Among the numerous inventions attributed to this state are the telephone book (1878), the hamburger (1895), the Polaroid camera (1934), the helicopter (1939), color television (1948), and the first nuclear-powered submarine (1954).

Moreover, Connecticut boasts the oldest continuously operating newspaper in the United States, The Hartford Courant (1764). It was, notably, the first state to issue automotive license plates.

Consequently, Connecticut offers a wealth of opportunities to explore maritime history, diverse landscapes, and rich cultural experiences. However, it is also home to numerous hidden locations waiting to be uncovered. Below, we delve into some of these concealed treasures of Connecticut.

1. Judges Cave, New Haven

In 1649, 59 British judges condemned King Charles I to death, leading to the dissolution of the monarchy and paving the way for Oliver Cromwell’s ascendance to power. In 1660, Charles II, the son of King Charles I, reclaimed the throne and mandated the execution of all remaining individuals linked to his father’s demise. Among them were John Dixwell, William Goffe, and Edward Whalley.

Fleeing to North America to escape execution, Dixwell sought refuge in Connecticut, while Goffe and Whalley initially headed to Boston. However, a warrant for their arrest prompted Goffe and Whalley to relocate to Connecticut as well.

Supporters of Cromwell provided food and shelter for the two men. When residing with locals proved perilous, Goffe and Whalley chose to conceal themselves behind a substantial rock in the woods of what is now known as West Rock Ridge State Park.

While Dixwell remained in Connecticut under a false identity, Goffe and Whalley spent their remaining days in Massachusetts.

Local residents named the rock “Judges Cave” in tribute to the infamous judges who determined King Charles I’s fate.

2. Statue of Rover, Hartford

Much like Hachiko is revered in Japan, Rover occupies a significant place in Connecticut’s history. While the former has a more formal narrative, Rover’s story remains somewhat ambiguous. Nevertheless, it represents a dog’s unwavering loyalty to its owner.

The most commonly known version recounts how Rover accompanied his master to Hartford Hospital after the man admitted himself following a heart attack. Before entering, the owner instructed Rover to “stay,” and he complied.

Though the man ultimately succumbed in the hospital, Rover, ever devoted, awaited his master’s return in the same spot until his passing. Reportedly, numerous hospital staff attempted to take Rover home or seek shelter for him away from the elements, but he remained steadfast.

Regardless of the veracity of the story, the hospital erected a statue of Rover at the location where he supposedly waited. Today, it serves as a poignant reminder to the hospital staff of love, dedication, and loyalty.

3. The Warren’s Occult Museum, Monroe

If you are a fan of films such as “The Conjuring,” “Annabelle,” and “The Amityville Horror,” you likely appreciate the influence of Ed and Lorraine Warren, notable paranormal investigators in the United States. The couple established the New England Society for Psychic Research in 1952, showcasing their extensive collection of artifacts and totems, each claimed to hold evil connections.

The collection includes an alleged vampire coffin, demon masks, an array of psychic photographs, trinkets and totems secured from human contact, and of course, the infamous doll Annabelle.

Though Ed Warren passed away in 2006, Lorraine and their son continue to manage the basement museum.

4. P.T. Barnum Museum, Bridgeport

Phineas Taylor Barnum, an American entrepreneur renowned for his celebrated hoaxes, was born in 1810 in Bethel, Connecticut. As a former showman and the founder of the Barnum and Bailey Circus, Barnum served as the mayor of Bridgeport from 1865 to 1869. During his tenure, he financed and conceptualized what is now known as the P.T. Barnum Museum.

The museum’s construction was completed in 1893, two years after Barnum’s demise. Initially designed as a science and history research institution, it was later transformed into a museum honoring him.

The current collection features numerous items dedicated to the illustrious showman, including a 1,000-square-foot miniature circus and a replica of Barnum’s original Feejee mermaid. The museum also houses a preserved elephant and a mummified individual known as Pa-Ib.

Near the museum lies Mountain Grove Cemetery, the final resting place of P.T. Barnum.

5. Crypt at Center Church-on-the-Green, New Haven

Center Church, located in New Haven, Connecticut, is a unique establishment and a genuine hidden treasure in the heart of the Elm City. What makes this church remarkable, you may ask?

Established in 1813, the church occupies land where the oldest inhabitants of New Haven are interred. In fact, 137 gravestones dating from 1687 to 1812, including those of Reverend James Pierpont (one of Yale’s founders) and Margaret Mansfield (the first wife of Benedict Arnold), lie beneath the structure.

It is speculated that there may be thousands of unmarked human remains beneath the church and its vicinity.

Free tours of the crypt and church are readily available, with guides—primarily church members—eager to impart the site’s rich history.

6. Glass House, New Canaan

Philip Johnson, one of the most distinguished architects of the 20th century, well-known as a celebrated designer and art collector, created one of his most notable works on a 47-acre property in New Canaan.

Measuring 2,000 square feet, the exterior of the house consists entirely of floor-to-ceiling glass, with the exception of a small amount of steel framing its edges. Completed in 1949, the Glass House contains a single room with dedicated areas that function as a kitchen, living room, and bedroom. The only enclosed space within the structure is the bathroom, situated in the center of the house.

Primarily used for entertaining, Johnson claimed that he possessed the finest and most extravagant wallpaper in the world!

7. Witch’s Dungeon, Bristol

Founded in 1966 by a 13-year-old boy named Cortlandt Hull, Witch’s Dungeon is recognized as America’s longest-running classic horror movie exhibition. Hull is the great-nephew of Henry Watterson Hull, who portrayed the “werewolf” in the 1935 classic film, Werewolf of London.

Motivated by his great-uncle’s legacy, Hull began assembling his collection of iconic horror movie artifacts and items from a young age, honing his skills under mentors such as Dick Smith and John Chambers.

Now expanded to three times the original size, the Witch’s Dungeon features numerous life-like replicas of famous characters including Vincent Price, Boris Karloff, and Lon Chaney, within elaborate scenes inspired by their respective films.

During visits, costumed guides escort guests through various exhibitions while sharing insights about the films and memorabilia on display. Guests may also enjoy a classic horror film in the museum’s auditorium.

8. Traveler Restaurant, Union

Where do hungry bibliophiles turn for nourishment and literature? Clearly, to Traveler Restaurant in Union, Connecticut, where a prominent sign reading, “Food and Books,” beckons patrons.

The restaurant’s longstanding operation commenced in the 1980s when former owner Marty Doyle began incorporating books into the establishment to alleviate an overwhelming collection at his home.

Today, the walls of Traveler Restaurant are lined with an extensive assortment of books—cookbooks, paperbacks, classic literature, romance novels, children’s books, and westerns. It is estimated that the diner distributes thousands of books each week.

9. The Abandoned Village of Bara-Hack, Pomfret

Amid the rugged hills of Pomfret lies the remnants of Bara-Hack, a small settlement established in 1790 by two Welshmen, Johnathan Randall and Obadiah Higginbotham. The name of the community reflects their shared Welsh heritage.

Together, the duo founded Higginbotham Linen Wheels, a flax-spinning enterprise. Ultimately, the village included various family dwellings, slave quarters, a waterwheel, a mill, and a graveyard. However, tales of a ghostly infant sighting hanging from a nearby tree influenced residents to abandon the settlement.

This village has remained deserted for an estimated 125 years. While “no trespassing” signs are posted around the property, the abandoned Bara-Hack village continues to attract interest from paranormal investigators and urban explorers.

10. Holy Land, U.S.A., Waterbury

Holy Land USA, a manifestation of one man’s devotion to God, unfortunately garnered notoriety due to the murder of a young woman at the site in 2010.

John Baptist Greco envisioned a roadside amusement park dedicated to Jesus Christ, materializing his dream in Waterbury, Connecticut. The park was designed as a reproduction of Bethlehem, featuring various attractions, including a replica of the Garden of Eden, numerous murals and statues representing the life of Jesus, and a prominent 56-foot-tall steel cross visible from afar.

In 1984, Greco closed the park for renovations while planning to expand its offerings, but he passed away in 1986, leaving the park to a group of nuns. Despite their efforts to maintain it, the site never reopened to the public.

Vandalism plagued the park, resulting in much of its infrastructure becoming damaged or destroyed.

The park is currently closed to the public, and little remains of the original site to explore, but those intrigued by places with unusual histories may find it worth a visit.

11. Skull and Bones Tomb, New Haven

It is commonplace for prestigious Ivy League universities such as Princeton, UPenn, and Harvard to feature exclusive, members-only tomb societies, a tradition upheld for centuries.

One such illustrious society is the Skull and Bones secret society at Yale University, established in 1832 by William Huntington Russell and Alphonso Taft under the name “the order of the Skull and Bones.”

The oldest society of its kind at the university, Skull and Bones has included numerous notable figures in American history, including several prominent congressmen, media leaders, Supreme Court justices, and three U.S. Presidents: William Howard Taft (son of Alphonso Taft and the 27th U.S. President), George H. W. Bush (41st U.S. President), and George W. Bush (43rd U.S. President).

The Skull and Bones Tomb in New Haven is a symmetrical, windowless, imposing sandstone building constructed in 1856, which has undergone several expansions since.

Beyond its many secrets, the Tomb contains numerous skulls, striking photographs and drawings, coffins, and other somber artwork.

12. Jewett City Vampires, Griswold

During the early 19th century, Henry and Lucy Ray resided in the borough of Jewett City in Griswold, Connecticut, alongside their five children. Despite facing numerous challenges and natural adversities of the time, the family could not escape the alleged wrath of “vampires.”

Between the late 1840s and early 1850s, Henry and two of his sons, Lemuel and Elisha, succumbed to an unexplainable wasting illness. A few years later, their third son, Henry Nelson Ray, succumbed to another peculiar ailment. This sequence of events led townsfolk to believe that the family was stricken by a vampire curse (the real culprit was tuberculosis).

In response, the corpses were cremated and buried in a designated area of Jewett City Cemetery, and the family garnered media attention as the “Jewett City Vampires.”

13. Fairfield Hills Hospital, Newtown

Located in Newtown are the remnants of Fairfield Hills Hospital, one of New England’s largest psychiatric facilities.

The colonial-style building transitioned from treating 500 patients to over 4,000 during its extensive operation from the 1930s until its closure in 1995. A network of tunnels beneath the main structure led to psychosurgery labs, operating theaters, confinement rooms, and even a morgue.

Although originally developed to ease the patient load of two other similar institutions in the state, the disparity between medical staff and patients proved to be a significant challenge. Ultimately, the last group of patients and staff departed in 1995, leaving the facility abandoned ever since.

14. Charles Island, Milford

Charles Island, located in Milford, Connecticut, is recognized as a State Park and serves as the largest breeding habitat for egrets and herons in the state. However, human habitation is prohibited due to the island’s alleged curse—thrice.

According to legend, the island was first cursed in 1639 by a local Paugusset chief, who, with ulterior motives, traded the land to European settlers.

In 1699, Scottish pirate Captain William Kidd inadvertently encountered the island during his final voyage. Deceived and executed at the site, Kidd buried a portion of his treasure before his demise, thereby cursing the surrounding land.

Finally, in 1727, a group of Connecticut sailors uncovered a treasure, purportedly belonging to a 16th-century Mexican emperor, who had maintained its secrecy from the Spanish soldiers. Four of the five sailors perished shortly after claiming the treasure. Frightened, the surviving sailor returned the loot to the island, burying it once more.

15. Snedeker House, Southington

In 1986, Allen and Carmen Snedeker, along with their three sons and two nieces, settled into the Snedeker House. Subsequently, in 2009, their experiences inspired the horror film “The Haunting in Connecticut.”

The Snedeker residence, a straightforward duplex rental, was formerly a funeral home. Unsurprisingly, the basement contained various funerary items, including toe tags, a medical gurney, a device for hoisting coffins, and blood drains. However, the family was unprepared for the numerous paranormal occurrences that followed.

The eldest son, who was receiving treatment for Hodgkin’s disease, exhibited violent behavior. Experiences of sexual assaults and apparitions became commonplace. Frustrated, the family sought the assistance of Ed and Lorraine Warren.

While several claims have emerged suggesting the tales are fabricated or staged, the Snedeker House has undeniably become a notable location within the paranormal community.

16. A. Everett Austin Facade House, Hartford

At first glance, Arthur Everett “Chick” Austin’s residence appears to be the most extravagant Italian-style mansion in Connecticut; however, upon closer inspection, one realizes that it is an illusionary structure measuring only 18 feet wide and constructed from pine boards.

Austin commissioned the construction of this unusual façade house in 1930, with a detailed specification that called for an 86-foot-long, 18-foot-wide, one-room-deep home. Dubbed “The Facade House,” the mansion boasts a grand columned style and lavish European interior design.

Despite local dissatisfaction with its reality, the structure gained popularity after Austin began hosting prominent individuals such as Salvador Dali and Gertrude Stein.

The Facade House is regarded as one of Austin’s most spectacular creations and has been designated as a National Historic Landmark.

17. Dinosaur State Park, Rocky Hill

The small town of Rocky Hill remained inconspicuous on the Connecticut map until 1966 when a group of bulldozer operators inadvertently uncovered an expansive field of preserved dinosaur footprints!

This area, featuring countless medium-sized, three-toed dinosaur tracks, potentially belonging to a type of Dilophosaurus, is considered one of the largest sites of its kind in the United States. Researchers found that the footprints were so precise that skin patterns were observable.

To preserve this extraordinary site from destruction, a substantial geodesic dome was constructed to shelter a selection of 500 tracks to facilitate public access. Approximately 1,500 tracks that were not displayed were reburied for preservation, ensuring their availability for future generations.

18. Hospital Rock, Farmington

In 1791, Dr. Eli Todd and Dr. Theodore Wadsworth received city approval to establish a smallpox quarantine facility and hospital for patients afflicted by the disease. “Hospital Rock” served as the patient drop-off area at the time.

This location was also utilized for exchanging letters and for delivering food and clothing items to patients.

Patients admitted to the hospital were isolated from their families for a three-week period for their recovery, during which time numerous patients carved their names into the rock. Interestingly, several young patients met their future spouses at the hospital.

The hospital ceased operations in 1794, shortly followed by Edward Jenner’s discovery of the smallpox vaccine in 1796.

The Hospital Rock features inscriptions of 66 names, representing patients of the hospital between 1792 and 1794.

19. Gungywamp, Groton

Gungywamp is often regarded as a site of intense intrigue, capable of inciting frustration among archaeologists.

Situated amidst the forest in Groton, Connecticut, the area is home to stone chambers, rock piles, Native American artifacts, lithic relics, enigmatic carvings, and objects from the Colonial era, reflecting a history that spans hundreds or even thousands of years.

Researchers have devoted considerable time to unraveling the sequence of events that led to the creation of this site, with theories proliferating. One notion suggests that it was first established in the 6th century by Celtic Christians fleeing from Vikings.

Furthermore, strong electromagnetic signals have prompted local guides to promote stories of UFO sightings, asserting that the site may serve as an “energy vortex.”

Regardless of the disagreements concerning its origins and timeline, the numerous stone chambers present within the area comprise an undeniably captivating aspect of Gungywamp.

20. Coltsville, Hartford

Samuel Colt, a benevolent employer, patented the revolver in 1836. A striking blue, onion-shaped dome adorned with golden stars and a horse crowns Colt’s Patent Firearms Manufacturing Company, the facility he operated.

Colt aimed to ensure that his employees were well-cared for, leading him to establish Coltsville—a utopian village that included workers’ housing, a church, a sizable park populated with deer and peacocks, a sculpture garden, and a community hall.

Today, Coltsville, known as the Coltsville Historic District, was officially listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1976 and achieved designation as a National Historic Landmark in 2008.

21. The Grave of XYZ, Deep River

On December 13th, 1899, a group of four robbers attempted to rob the Deep River Savings Bank. Surprisingly, the bank had been forewarned of the robbery planning a year prior. Consequently, when the gang struck, a hired guard and Harry Tyler, a vigilant local known for his marksmanship, were prepared for them. Tyler shot one of the assailants, resulting in the immediate demise of the leader.

With no one stepping forward to identify the deceased, the town opted to inter him in a donated plot at Fountain Hill Cemetery.

Following the funeral, Tyler received an anonymous letter—supposedly penned by a woman—requesting that the gravesite be marked as XYZ. The cemetery complied, erecting a modest tombstone engraved with the three letters.

For approximately 40 years, a mysterious woman dressed in black reportedly visited the grave each December, leaving a single flower without uttering a word to anyone.

Interestingly, later newspaper investigations revealed the individual beneath the grave to be Frank Howard, a criminal with multiple aliases.

22. Demon Murder Trial Sites, Brookfield

Given its reputation, one might assume that all noteworthy paranormal accounts in America have transpired in the vicinity of New Orleans, yet Connecticut surpasses all contenders in the realm of the “paranormal.”

In 1981, Arne Johnson, a 19-year-old, faced charges of first-degree manslaughter after fatally stabbing his landlord, Alan Bono. Reports indicated that Johnson had been consuming alcohol and attending social gatherings on the day of the incident. His attorney, Martin Minella, submitted a plea of not guilty based on the defense of demonic possession.

With the backing of Ed and Lorraine Warren, Minella presented evidence that Johnson’s fiancée’s 11-year-old brother, who had been subjected to treatment for a demonic possession by the Warrens and several priests, was present during the murder. The attorney further argued that Johnson had attended the young boy’s exorcism and was adversely affected by it.

The court rejected this plea, resulting in Johnson serving a five-year prison sentence.

23. Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library, New Haven

Yale University, recognized globally, holds the title of the third oldest university in the United States. It is also the home of the Beinecke Library, which is renowned for its collection of rare books and manuscripts, the largest of its kind globally.

Hundreds of prehistoric books fill the library’s stunning glass walls, creating a six-story high architectural marvel. The collection features Yale’s rare manuscripts, unique maps, historical pamphlets, and several exclusive limited editions.

Constructed in 1962, Beinecke houses one of the only 48 Gutenberg Bibles ever printed. Although this masterpiece from 1454 represents the oldest printed material in the library, the standout exhibit is the Voynich Manuscript.

A unique piece added to the library’s collection in 1969, the Voynich Manuscript is distinguished by its mysterious origins and an incomprehensible language in which it is written. It remains a subject of intrigue for cryptographers and linguists seeking to decode its contents.

24. Connecticut’s Severed Arm of Saint Edmund, Stonington

Having once been a scholar at Oxford and the University of Paris, Edmund embraced a divine calling when a child representing Christ appeared to him. Following these revelations, Edmund became a clergyman and made a vow of chastity, quickly ascending to the rank of Archbishop of Canterbury.

St. Edmund spent his final days in France, and upon his passing, his tomb became a significant religious site.

In the 19th century, the Society of the Fathers and Brothers of Saint Edmund, established by Reverend Jean Baptiste Muard, discovered that St. Edmund’s body was missing an arm. Exiled from France in 1903, the Edmundites relocated to England before settling in Connecticut in 2002, bringing along the lost arm with them.

25. The Blue Lady of Yantic Cemetery, Norwich

Charles Osgood served as the mayor of Norwich during a period of prosperity for the town. Yantic Cemetery in Norwich, Connecticut, serves as the final resting place for the prominent Osgood family. Although the cemetery features a striking obelisk, it is the life-like statue of a woman, believed to represent the Virgin Mary, that captures attention atop the grave of Sarah Larned Osgood.

The statue, affectionately known as the “Blue Lady,” has been adorned in a blue gown and remains at her post for 119 years, except for a brief interlude between 2010 and 2011 when it was stolen and disassembled by thieves.

The warmth in the eyes of the Blue Lady seems to convey a sense of reality. Aside from the occasional enchanting tale where she holds a rosary, a Bible, or a rod depending on the season, the statue is an exquisite piece of art that deserves appreciation.

26. Zaffis Museum of the Paranormal, Stratford

Though Ed and Lorraine Warren gained notoriety as the most recognized paranormal investigators, they are not the only family members who have pursued this path.

John Zaffis, nephew of Ed and Lorraine, was initially skeptical; however, one fateful night, he witnessed an apparition by his bedside, shaking its head. After discussing the experience with his mother, John discovered that his deceased grandfather would shake his head whenever he was displeased. Soon after, John’s grandmother passed away. Consequently, he apprenticed under his uncle and aunt for several years.

The Zaffis Museum of the Paranormal features an extensive collection of paranormal artifacts that John has gathered during his three decades of investigative work worldwide. The items displayed have undergone a cleansing process prior to being exhibited.

Among the compelling items on display is a small handless Virgin Mary statue from the “Snedeker case,” which John worked on alongside Ed and Lorraine Warren. This case provided the foundation for the film “The Haunting in Connecticut.”

27. South Slope of Mount Frissell, Salisbury

Connecticut’s highest point is attributed to Bear Mountain, or so suggested the official marker placed in the area!

In 1885, a team of surveyors identified Bear Mountain as the state’s tallest peak. Their accuracy led to the installation of an official plaque and tower commemorating this site.

However, subsequent investigations into Mount Frissell determined that a location just two miles from the noted site elevates 57 feet higher than Bear Mountain.

While the official plaque remains at Bear Mountain, the “true” highest point in Connecticut is indicated by “The Green Stake.”

28. Cushing Brain Collection, New Haven

What could be more off-putting than 400 jarred, tumor-laden human brains?

Situated within the grounds of Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut, the Cushing Brain Collection was assembled in the 20th century by Harvey Cushing, a prominent neurosurgeon who devoted his professional career to studying the human brain.

A veteran of World War I, an acclaimed artist, and a Pulitzer Prize winner, Dr. Cushing dedicated himself to treating patients with brain tumors, even those of a fatal nature.

Yale acquired the collection posthumously in 1939; however, the exhibits were not publicly displayed until 2010. In fact, an additional 150 jars of human brains remain yet to be showcased.

29. Abbey of Regina Laudis, Bethlehem

The Abbey of Regina Laudis began producing cheese in the 1970s after acquiring their first cow, led by Mother Noella, affectionately known as the “Cheese Nun.” Under her guidance, the sisters cultivated this skill and created the renowned Bethlehem Cheese. Thanks to her efforts, the Abbey gained recognition as one of the oldest licensed dairies authorized to produce and sell raw milk products.

Mother Noella earned a Ph.D. in microbiology from the University of Connecticut, along with a Fulbright Scholarship that allowed her to study cheese caves in France. There, she learned methods to utilize mold in crafting various cheeses.

The Abbey of Regina Laudis continues to produce its signature Bethlehem cheese, with additional varieties including cheddar, mozzarella, and ricotta available for purchase at the gift shop.