Top 15 Attractions and Activities in East Hartford, CT

Summary

Wickham Park
Great River Park
Pratt & Whitney Hangar Museum
Hartford
Wadsworth Atheneum
Connecticut Science Center
Pratt & Whitney Stadium at Rentschler Field
Makens Bemont House
East Hartford Golf Club
Connecticut’s Old State House
Mortensen Riverfront Plaza and Sculpture Walk
Dunkin’ Park
Promenade Shops at Evergreen Walk
Gilman-Hayden House
Martin Park

East Hartford is a residential and industrial municipality located directly on the Connecticut River, where the skyline of Hartford is prominent.

The distance between the two downtown areas is a mere five-minute drive across the Founders Bridge, making many of the finest attractions easily accessible within a few miles, particularly in Hartford.

Nonetheless, East Hartford possesses several notable features. A key highlight is the magnificent Wickham Park, adorned with a variety of ornamental gardens.

Pratt & Whitney, a leading aircraft engine manufacturer, serves as the primary employer in the town. For those intrigued by this aspect of East Hartford’s history, a museum offers insights into jet and turbine engines.

1. Wickham Park

This splendid park, located on the eastern side of town, is managed by a non-profit organization and requires a nominal fee for vehicle entry. This modest charge is worthwhile for access to a truly exceptional destination.

The park features an array of gardens, including a wetland garden, lotus garden, oriental garden, English garden, arboretum, and Scottish garden, among others.

The formal Cabin Garden, situated at the park’s highest point, offers breathtaking views toward Hartford.

In addition to the ornamental gardens, Wickham Park serves as a recreational area. The park encompasses a network of trails, an 18-hole disc golf course, five tennis courts, two softball diamonds, and horseshoe pits.

Here, visitors can also explore an aviary that houses various birds of prey. Make sure to visit the museum/nature center to learn about the local flora and fauna. Historical context is provided regarding the Wickham Family, who donated this estate in 1967.

2. Great River Park

Great River Park in East Hartford features two miles of illuminated riverfront bordered by trees and grassy expanses.

Many individuals traverse the Founders Bridge or the Charter Oak Bridge to admire Hartford’s skyline at sunset.

Additionally, the park boasts captivating outdoor sculptures and food trucks that frequent the area during warmer months.

During summer Thursday evenings, the Sounds of Summer series occurs at the 350-seat amphitheater, presenting soul music, Latin rhythms, and classic rock ‘n’ roll.

On a typical day, visitors can jog along the pathways or utilize the fitness stations. Alternatively, one might consider heading over to Hartford for a coffee or takeout, then enjoy a picnic by the water.

3. Pratt & Whitney Hangar Museum

The Pratt & Whitney Hangar Museum is accessible on Tuesdays and Thursdays, showcasing an impressive assortment of engines from the company’s inception through to the 21st century.

An outstanding highlight is the F135 afterburning turbofan, which powers the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II.

Notably, aviation pioneer Charles Lindbergh was once employed by Pratt & Whitney during WWII, and visitors can observe the desk he utilized during his tenure.

The collection features an array of piston engines from the interwar and WWII period, including the R-1340 “Wasp,” which propelled record-breaking flights by Amelia Earhart and Wiley Post.

Noteworthy is also the R-2800 “Double Wasp,” which powered several key aircraft for the United States during the war, such as the Republic P-47 Thunderbolt. Furthermore, numerous jet engines and fascinating prototypes that never reached mass production are on display.

4. Hartford

During my time in East Hartford, I was drawn to the larger city across the river for various activities. Hartford provides a full spectrum of dining, cultural events, and entertainment characteristic of a major urban center.

The insurance industry dominates Hartford, which was once the wealthiest city in the United States during the latter part of the 19th century.

During this period, the renowned writer Mark Twain resided in Hartford, and his Gothic mansion to the west of the city is regarded as one of the finest writer’s home museums globally.

The Bushnell Performing Arts Center hosts Broadway musicals, notable musical artists, and famous comedians.

Outdoor performances also occur in Bushnell Park, the oldest publicly funded park in the United States, featuring a beautiful carousel from 1914 accompanied by the sounds of a Wurlitzer Organ.

5. Wadsworth Atheneum

The Wadsworth Atheneum in Hartford stands as the oldest public art museum in the United States, established in 1844 by Daniel Wadsworth, the son of one of the city’s wealthiest individuals.

The extensive collection, developed over 160 years, is both vast and diverse. Key areas of strength include Italian Baroque paintings, 20th-century Surrealist works, pieces from the Hudson River School, and American Modernism by artists such as Georgia O’Keeffe and Marsden Hartley.

As I traversed the galleries, I was captivated by masterpieces from Caravaggio, Renoir, Joan Miró, Magritte, Max Ernst, and Joseph Wright of Derby, to name a few.

The museum’s decorative arts collection is equally impressive, featuring Chinese and European porcelain, as well as a variety of pre-Columbian pottery.

Don’t miss the Cabinet of Art and Curiosity, showcasing approximately 200 objects reminiscent of a European curiosity cabinet from the Early Modern Period.

6. Connecticut Science Center

After crossing the Founders Bridge, the Connecticut Science Center awaits as the first major attraction, featuring nine stories of interactive, educational activities.

The center includes over 165 engaging exhibits on various subjects, including sight and sound, force dynamics, engineering principles, space exploration, Earth sciences, human health, and much more.

KidSpace serves as a stimulating play area for children under seven, offering building blocks and water experiments. Furthermore, there is Invention Dimension where children can create LEGO structures and race robots.

The Butterfly Encounter on Level 4 features a tropical greenhouse, while the Sports Lab explores scientific principles behind professional performance, and Energy City emphasizes renewable energy and sustainable living.

Visitors should not miss the opportunity to enjoy a presentation in the museum’s 3D theater, which boasts a 30 ft x 40 ft screen and an 18,000-watt Dolby sound system.

7. Pratt & Whitney Stadium at Rentschler Field

The University of Connecticut’s football team plays at a stadium with a capacity of 40,000, which opened in 2003. The UConn Huskies compete in the NCAA Division I FBS (independent), the highest level of college football in the United States.

From late August through November, regular season games feature prominent college football programs.

Due to the Huskies being one of the smaller teams in the conference, games rarely sell out. Regardless, the atmosphere is vibrant, and pre-game tailgating events contribute to the experience.

Both women’s and men’s United States national soccer teams occasionally play at Rentschler Field. Additionally, a variety of summer events, including fairs and fun runs, take place throughout the year.

8. Makens Bemont House

This historic residence is part of a collection of heritage homes adjacent to Martin Park. Maintained by the Historical Society of East Hartford, the Makens Bemont House was constructed in 1761.

The house spans five bays, features clapboard siding, and a gambrel roof adorned with three dormers. It has been preserved to reflect the interior of an 18th and 19th-century dwelling, reflecting the sudden wealth acquired along the Connecticut River during that era.

Inside, pine floors, a Federal-style mantelpiece, and elements of Greek Revival architecture can be found in the northwest chamber.

The structure was relocated approximately half a mile down Burnside Avenue in 1971. It is now open for limited tours during the spring and summer, offering a unique glimpse into the region’s history.

9. East Hartford Golf Club

For golf enthusiasts seeking to play in East Hartford, a well-maintained municipal course is located just across from Wickham Park.

The 18-hole par 72 course at East Hartford Golf Club offers a manageable experience for beginners, though challenges arise with dense tree cover near the fairways, small greens, and a few hilly sections.

While most fairways are straightforward, the 12th hole presents a notable dogleg to the right. Rates are reasonably priced, even for non-residents compared to Connecticut standards.

After a round, the One Wood Pub offers a casual space to relax, featuring an enticing menu of appetizers, salads, burgers, wraps, and sandwiches.

10. Connecticut’s Old State House

While visiting downtown Hartford, a trip to the historical core of Connecticut’s democracy is highly recommended.

The exterior of the Old State House, constructed in 1796, has been restored to reflect its Federalist style. This site is believed to have been the first significant project of the esteemed architect Charles Bulfinch.

The ground level is crafted from Connecticut brownstone, whereas the two upper floors are built of brick, decorated with a white portico, balustrade, and cupola.

For a nominal fee, visitors can access various areas, including an engaging museum, the Governor’s office, Connecticut’s Senate and House of Representatives, as well as a historic cabinet of curiosities.

The museum showcases numerous interactive exhibits and artifacts, such as Mark Twain’s bicycle, a fragment of Hartford’s well-known Charter Oak (felled by a storm in 1856), and a 1912 fire truck. The Joseph Steward Museum of Curiosities on the second floor displays items like a two-headed calf.

11. Mortensen Riverfront Plaza and Sculpture Walk

The Hartford side of the Connecticut River has undergone extensive revitalization over the past two decades, with a project connecting the western bank to downtown Hartford.

At Mortensen Riverfront Plaza, grassy terraces are available for outdoor performances, alongside a quay for cruises on the Lady Katharine, which operates a themed cruise schedule along the Connecticut River.

North of the Founders Bridge lies the Sculpture Walk, established in the 2000s.

This walkway features 16 pieces of public art by celebrated sculptors such as Don Gummer and Bruno Lucchese, all dedicated to the life of Abraham Lincoln, accompanied by informative plaques.

Moreover, I particularly enjoy the festivals and live performances that add vibrancy to summer evenings in Hartford.

12. Dunkin’ Park

Since the departure of the NHL’s Whalers to North Carolina in 1997, Hartford has lacked a top-tier professional sports team.

However, in 2016, the city’s sports scene revitalized with the arrival of the Minor League baseball team, the New Britain Rock Cats, which relocated to Hartford and became the Yard Goats.

A compact yet well-designed stadium, Dunkin’ Park, was built to accommodate their games, with a capacity of 6,121. This development played a significant role in rejuvenating an overlooked section of the city north of I-84.

The ballpark features a brick facade that complements the school building across Pleasant Street and along Trumbull Street, while windows allow visibility into the home bullpen and the field itself.

The Yard Goats are the Double-A affiliate of the Colorado Rockies, providing a chance to observe emerging talents on their path to major league baseball.

13. Promenade Shops at Evergreen Walk

To the northeast of town, near I-84, lies a collection of malls, major retailers, drive-ins, and sit-down dining establishments located on a hilltop.

Among these, the Promenade Shops at Evergreen Walk stands out as a premier outdoor lifestyle center, featuring winding paths lined with brands such as Banana Republic, Gap, Sephora, Clarks, L. L. Bean, New Balance, Pottery Barn, and L’Occitane.

In close proximity are The Plaza and the enclosed The Shoppes at Buckland Hills, which include retailers like Macy’s and Dick’s Sporting Goods, as well as restaurant options such as Red Robin, Olive Garden, Five Guys, and LongHorn Steakhouse.

Evenings can be enhanced with a visit to the Cinemark multiplex, which features an IMAX screen for an elevated movie experience.

14. Gilman-Hayden House

Proceed to the northern end of Main Street in East Hartford and you will discover a minor historical landmark within a quiet residential neighborhood.

The Gilman-Hayden House, a private residence, has stood since 1784 and has had notable inhabitants throughout its history.

The Williams family resided here until the mid-19th century and is known for merchant William Williams (1731-1811), a signatory of the Declaration of Independence.

In 1867, Edward Hayden took residence here and is remembered for his diary chronicling the Civil War era. The house is built in the Georgian architectural style, featuring clapboard siding and spanning five bays.

15. Martin Park

At this local park, visitors can appreciate more of the Historical Society of East Hartford’s small ensemble, which includes the Burnham Blacksmith Shop (1850) and the Goodwin Schoolhouse (1821).

The park itself is well-maintained, featuring a basketball court, baseball field, football field, outdoor swimming pool, and play areas for children of all ages.

Open green spaces are also available, framed by hardwood trees for those who wish to relax. Should I choose a favorite feature, it would undoubtedly be the linear trail that follows the green banks of the Hockanum River.

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