4.0Olde Mistick Village(1.720 reviews) - Fun place away from the squeeze of the "downtown" area. Thursday: 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM Historic Sites
This recreated 18th-century New England village offers a refreshing change from shopping malls as we know them. Browse or buy in the more than 60 small shops or dine in one of this charming setting's many eateries.See more..
4.5The Mark Twain House & Museum(1.676 reviews) - Grand house tour Thursday: 10:30 AM - 4:30 PM Spent 2-3 hours Historic Sites • History Museums
The Mark Twain House & Museum, a National Historic Landmark in Hartford, Connecticut, was the home of America's greatest author, Samuel Clemens (a.k.a. Mark Twain) and his family from 1874 to 1891. It is also where Twain lived when he wrote his most important works, including Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, The Prince and The Pauper and A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court. A stunning example of Picturesque Gothic architecture, the 25-room home features a dramatic grand hall, a lush glass conservatory, a grand library and the handsome billiard room where Twain wrote his famous books. The Webster Bank Museum Center at The Mark Twain House & Museum offers visitors an opportunity to learn more about Mark Twain, his family, the historic house, and the author's legacy. This state-of-the-art facility houses our ticket desk; the Aetna Gallery with a permanent exhibition on Twain's life and work; a rotating exhibition hall, The Hartford Financial Services Theatre, showing a Ken Burns mini-documentary on Twain; classroom space; the lecture hall-style Lincoln Financial Auditorium; The Mark Twain Store; entertaining spaces like the soaring Hal Holbrook and the sunny second floor cafe/patio area.See more..
4.5Gillette Castle State Park(769 reviews) - Tickets sold out for castle tour but still worthwhile Thursday: 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM Historic Sites • State Parks • Parks
This 24-room mansion has undergone extensive renovations.See more..
5.0Goodspeed Opera House(384 reviews) - Superb Production of Cabaret, Superb Cast Historic Sites • Theaters • Theatre & Performances
GOODSPEED MUSICALS' Birthplace of the original productions of Man of La Mancha, Shenandoah, and Annie, and the first regional theatre to receive two Special Tony Awards for its outstanding achievements, Goodspeed Musicals produces America's musical treasures to delight, inspire, and entertain you. Set along the tranquil Connecticut River, our two intimate theatres bring you closer to the excitement of live musicals. The beautiful surrounding countryside is brimming with restaurants, shops, and galleries for a get-away so perfect, you'll want to make it a Goodspeed day!See more..
4.0Harriet Beecher Stowe Center(310 reviews) - Tour Guide Rocks Thursday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • Gardens • History Museums
Harriet Beecher Stowe was the best-selling author of the anti-slavery novel "Uncle Tom's Cabin." A 21st-century museum and program center, the Stowe Center offers interactive and engaging tours and programs designed to inspire action on social justice issues. Specialized tour experiences and discussion-based contemporary issue programs are regularly offered.See more..
This was a revisit for me. See my November 2013 review for fees, background, history, and details of the exhibits. It was a first visit for my friend. It was near closing time for the fort and the museum so we visited only the grounds. Even without going inside the fort, this state park can be enjoyed with a walk around the outside of the fort and the grounds down by the Thames River. There are benches on the walkway facing the river. There is a fishing pier. It was a pleasant stop on our drive around New London after eating a late lunch at Captain Scott’s Lobster Dock a short distance away. This fort is a worthwhile stop on a trip to the New London. The grounds and many areas of the fort are wheelchair accessible. I’d definitely come back here on another trip to or through the area. If you found this review and my earlier review helpful, kindly click YES below.See more..
Built in 1840, this lighthouse was the first in the country to be converted to a museum. The unique collection reflects more than 350 years of Stonington's history, including its courageous victory over the British in 1814 at the Battle of Stonington, the life of Venture Smith, an enslaved man who bought his freedom, and intimate portraits by famed photographer Rollie McKenna. Climb the tower for a dramatic view of Long Island Sound and three states - CT, RI & NY. Only $5 for adults; $3 for children. Open Fridays & Saturdays, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.See more..
4.5Weir Farm National Historic Site(120 reviews) - Nice spot Thursday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Historic Sites • National Parks • Art Museums
The summer home of J. Alden Weir, a pioneer of the American Impressionist movement.See more..
4.5Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum(108 reviews) - Gilded Age in Norwalk CT! Thursday: 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • History Museums
The Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum is regarded as one of the earliest and finest surviving Second Empire Style country houses ever built in the United States. The 62-room mansion was built by banker-railroad tycoon LeGrand Lockwood, who in 1864 began construction of his estate on the Norwalk River in Norwalk, Connecticut. Designed by European-trained, New York-based architect Detlef Lienau, the mansion, which was completed in 1868 at a cost of over $2,000,000.00 in 1868 currency, is considered his most significant surviving work. American craftsmen, along with many immigrant artisans, were employed in the construction of the house. Following Mr. Lockwood's financial reversal in 1869 and his untimely death in 1872, his wife, Ann Louisa Benedict Lockwood, lost the house in foreclosure to the Lake Shore & Michigan Southern Railroad in 1874. At the time, Mrs. Lockwood owed one remaining mortgage payment of $90,000 - Mr. Lockwood had paid off $310,000 of his mortgage which he took out following the tragic financial disaster of Black Friday in 1869. After remaining unoccupied for two years, the mansion was purchased in 1876 by Charles Drelincourt Mathews, a wealthy provisions merchant who retired at an early age. The purchase price from the Lake Shore & Michigan Southern Railroad astonished many. The house, not even a decade old, along with its numerous outbuildings within the 30-acre compound, was sold for a fraction of its value: $90,000.00 - the last payment owed by Mrs. Lockwood. However, much work had to be done in order to occupy the now unfurnished mansion and the grounds, never completed, were commissioned to Fredrick Law Olmstead. Charles and Rebecca had 4 children: Lillie, Florence, Charles Thompson, and Harold. Lillie and Harold both married, had children, and summered at the Mansion; Florence and Charles never married and lived at their townhouse at 812 Fifth Avenue in NYC in the winter or when not traveling throughout Europe. Charles Thompson Mathews, a ...See more..
4.0New Haven Railroad Station(95 reviews) - Classic restored downtown train station, with overview of its history Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites • Architectural Buildings
This is a classic restored downtown train station, with displaying inside providing an overview of its history as a railroad depot. A nice touch for each waiting room bench was a display case showing different classic New Haven Railroad trains from over the years; each as a Lionel train set. A must visit for railroad & toy train fans.See more..
Great visit. Easy enough ride to the summit. The castle is unique, with an entrance point inside and stairs to the top. The Castle and Park have panoramic 360 degree views. You can see the buildings of Hartford and New Haven as well as a sharp view into New York State. Overall the Castle Craig area is safe, but like with any mountain top park use a little caution. See more..
4.5Connecticut's Old State House(75 reviews) - Not to be missed! Thursday: 12:00 PM - 8:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • Government Buildings
Located in the heart of Hartford, Connecticut, this building served as a home to all three branches of Connecticut state government from 1796 to 1878. Some of our state’s most important stories of freedom, democracy, and civic action – from the Amistad and Prudence Crandall trials to the Constitutional Convention of 1818 – connect to this National Historic Landmark. Today, Connecticut’s Old State House serves as a history museum, gathering spot and place of civic exploration for thousands of local, national and international visitors each year We look forward to welcoming you soon!See more..
4.5Roseland Cottage(72 reviews) - Cute detour Temporarily closed - Closed until Jun 1, 2023 Historic Sites
Was looking for something to do to in the area for an hour and I found this on TripAdvisor. Really nice tour of an old property. You can go into the rooms themselves and see the remaining artifacts up close. There was admission, but it was not a lot. Tours run hourly on the hour so if you miss it... you may have to wait as you can't self tour.See more..
4.0Henry Whitfield State Museum(45 reviews) - Hot summer days gets you a more personalized tour Thursday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites • History Museums
Welcome to Connecticut's oldest house! Construction of the Henry Whitfield House began in 1639 when a group of English Puritans, including Reverend Henry Whitfield and his family, entered into an agreement with the Menunkatuck band of the Quinnipiac tribe and renamed the area Guilford. Discover its fascinating and complex stories with a self-guided tour of three floors of exhibits, furnishings, and artifacts. Purchase your tickets to tour the house in the Visitor Center, which also features a gift shop, research library (by appointment), and exhibit galleries. The current exhibit is "Weld-Built: The Guilford Architecture of William E. Weld." You're also invited to enjoy free outdoor activities, including an "I Spy" Bingo game, a scavenger hunt, and a short spur of the New England Trail.See more..
A historic house museum originally built in 1713. The house has served as a colonial tavern, 19th century hotel, and 20th century summer estate. The house was the target of British cannon fire during the Battle of Ridgefield in 1777, the only inland battle in Connecticut during the American Revolution. During the early 20th century, the property was the summer estate of famed architect Cass Gilbert. Access to the museum is by guided tour only. Guided tours of period rooms are given by costumed docents.See more..
Birthplace of the author of the Webster dictionary.See more..
4.5Tapping Reeve House and Law School(30 reviews) - Interesting American History Thursday: 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums • Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks
The Tapping Reeve House and Law School takes visitors on a journey through the life of a real student from the early 19th century. Through role-playing, hands-on areas, and interpretive exhibits, each visitor explores timeless issues of travel, communication, education, and community.See more..
A very interesting part of New England history. The surrounding area is beautiful New England country side, and is a great place for a picnic. Unfortunately, it is not currently open.See more..
4.5Barnes Museum(24 reviews) - Outstanding House Museum Historic Sites
If this house had been owned by someone famous, it would get more attention. It belongs to the local historical society and is open limited hours, so check! The house was built in 1836 and was owned by the Barnes/Bradley family until 1973. They never threw anything away and it shows. There's a large collection of pressed and cut glass goblets, 19th century toys, clothing and accessories and household goods. The house is superbly decorated in period style and is especially grand at Christmas. We live a few miles from this place and kept meaning to go. It's worth a trip from a few hours away just to visit. We have visited many house museums all over the world and this one is among the best. Downtown Southington is nearby with several small shops and restaurants. We will return in the summer to see what they have then. See more..
5.0Old Drake Hill Flower Bridge(21 reviews) - Beautiful flowers on bridge Thursday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites • Bridges • Scenic Walking Areas
Visiting Simsbury. When I was young we drove over this bridge one care one way at a time. Closed now and decorated with flowers over the river. Pavilion and benches for sitting. Brought back memories. See more..
3.5Fort Hale Park(21 reviews) - Great walk Historic Sites • Parks
Fun walk from here to the lighthouse. All along the shore with a nice path. Nice to get away for fresh air during COVID.See more..
4.0Stanley-Whitman House(18 reviews) - A must see! Thursday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Historic Sites
What a hidden gem. A true depiction of life in colonial times. The tour was very informative. A must see if you are in the area!See more..
Hours are Seasonal. Open May - Mid-October. The only garden in the United States planned by British garden designer Gertrude Jekyll. Historic House c.1750. Interpretation: American Revolutionary War period 1771-1786. Guided tours available May - Mid-October.See more..
4.5Miss Porter's School(15 reviews) - This is NOT an Attraction, this is a school....it should not be Tripadvisor content Historic Sites
Miss Porter's is a school built around and within the fine old structures of Farmington, Connecticut. It is not an attraction or a museum. It is a working school, educating and inspiring the leaders of tomorrow. Please do not think you can wander onto the campus or into the historical buildings without proper invitation and authority. This Should Not be a TripAdvisor listing!See more..
5.0Westport Museum for History & Culture(14 reviews) - All star insight into Westport Thursday: 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • History Museums
Westport Museum for History & Culture (WM), has been a cultural and educational organization dedicated to preserving, presenting and celebrating the history of Westport since its founding in 1889.See more..
4.5Butler-McCook Homestead(14 reviews) - Main Street house museum steps 2 blocks south of Wadsworth Atheneum Historic Sites
Hartford's oldest remaining house, built in 1782 as the home to Eliza Butler and her husband Rev. John McCook, offers a fine collection of vintage furnishings, paintings and Oriental artifacts.See more..
4.5Muzzy Field(11 reviews) - Home of the Bristol Blues Baseball team Spent 2-3 hours Historic Sites • Arenas & Stadiums Great local baseball. Fun for the whole family. Prices are reasonable for entry. Plenty of seats. Something to do on a summer nightSee more..
I was in town on business and just happened to notice this place while driving by. I'm glad I stopped and spent some time there. Not only is it full of history but I found it very peaceful. I was able to walk the grounds and explore the entirety of the church. It's well worth a visit. See more..
4.5Phelps Tavern Museum(9 reviews) - small place, big on history Thursday: 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM Historic Sites • History Museums
The Simsbury Historical Society occupies a beautiful and convenient two-acre site located in the center of Simsbury. Tour any of the buildings, attend a special event or visit the archives year-round. Enjoy the grounds and gardens in full color, spring through fall. Established in 1911, the Simsbury Historical Society continues its stewardship of Simsbury's past, present and futureSee more..
4.5Hyland House Museum(7 reviews) - Not just a drive by Thursday: Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites
The Hyland House is one of New England's oldest house museums. The saltbox structure was built in 1713. The museum features a collection of 17th- and 18th-century furniture and art.See more..
4.0Academy Hill(7 reviews) - Memorial Historic Sites
The academy hill in Stratford is a World War II memorial dedicated to the memory of those who served. It’s a nice memorial. See more..
3.5Wall Street Theater(7 reviews) - Great Venue - Great. Acts - THANK YOU! Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • Theaters
definitely what Norwalk needed. a great concert venue on par with anything in NYC. amazing sound. great. place to see bands. take advantage of this!See more..
4.0Bradley Point Park(6 reviews) - Great Place to Enjoy An Ocean Breeze Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Scenic Walking Areas
We love visiting Bradley Point Park to enjoy the water views and fresh air. When we have them with us, we’ll bring our dogs to join us for a walk. See more..
4.5General William Hart House(6 reviews) - A Wonderful House Historic Sites Our docent and I connected by phone as I was about to leave Boston for Old Saybrook. The local historical society owns the Hart House and uses it for a headquarters. Donna, the docent, was friendly, welcoming, and gracious. She told me to expect an hour's tour after a short video, but she was generous with her time. We got almost two hours, and saw the basement, the archive building with climate controlled vault, and the gardens. The Hart House is a gem, one of the town's treasures. And the docent was very knowledgeable and kept our group of ten engaged and curious. Don't miss if in the area. I called for our appointment. I believe the house closes for the winter in mid December, so check first. Well worth the $5 admission fee.See more..
5.0Winchester Historical Society(6 reviews) - Great Collections and Curatorship Matter - Winchester Historical Sociey Historic Sites
This Historical Society has one of the largest Civil War collections in the State. In addition to 11 rooms filled with collectables and art work. The Carriage House contains a display relating to the products made in Winsted dating back to the 1700's along with the history of what made Winsted one of the most prosperous towns in the State.See more..
4.5Putnam Cottage(6 reviews) - "Wait Until We Can See The Whites Of Their Eyes"...General Israel Putnam..."Old Put" Historic Sites
These were the words spoken by General Putnam at the battle of Bunker/Breeds Hill on June 17, 1775. A farmer/landowner who became a Patriot General during the American Revolution was a true American Hero. There he held the wall against some of the best troops that the British sent at him and his men. He entertained General Washington at this cottage for lunch. He also escaped a British attack at this location and there is a sign which explains this at the boundary on Post Road. Anyone who loves the freedoms that our founding fathers suffered for us now should appreciate this visit. Read up on him before you go. Call to make sure the cottage will be open.See more..
4.5Cheney Homestead(6 reviews) - Manchester's Little Gem Historic Sites Hey people of Manchester, do you know how fortunate you are to have the Homestead to help educate children and adults about Manchester's rich heritage. Many thanks to the Historical Society for keeping up the properties they have around town and for gathering artifacts and info to help us understand the life of our immigrant ancestors. We became members while we were visiting and we strongly encourage others to support this group and their important work for the benefit of future generations!See more..
4.5Newtown Meeting House(5 reviews) - A jewel by the flagpole Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites
This is a historic building smack dab in the center of Newtown which was formally known as the Congregational Church. It was deconsecrated several years ago after the new, much larger Congregational Churjch was built. The Meeting House is now used as a space for community events, like the annual Garden Club of Newtown Christmas Greens sale, an event which kicks off the holidays in December. The only thing I would warn folks about is the entry stairs are steep and the pews, though well padded, are a bit uncomfortable for tall people. However, the grand windows which fill the space with natural light more than make up for that situation.See more..
Ok, I admit I am biased when I write this review. My daughter is a descendant of Captain David Judson, although I am not. Our travel plans brought us through the area, and when I learned from my mother-in-law (who was born a Judson) about this house, we had to stop. I am so glad we did! We had the most delightful guide. She explained every detail about the house and tailored the visit to my daughter and specifically how it all related to the time in which the house was occupied by her ancestors. There is so much history in this house and it offers a glimpse about the way of life all our ancestors experienced. Our guide was able to convey many of the differences between that time and our own. I definitely recommend a stop at the Judson House.See more..
We came to Mill Hill for the purpose of finding some graves of our family from the 1700's. We parked in the funeral parlor next to the cemetery. We found what we were looking for Nathan St. John , so the trip was successful . Many of the older graves can still be read.See more..
4.5Eli Terry Jr. Waterwheel(3 reviews) - It’s a big wheel Thursday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites
If you need an example for children of what a waterwheel is, there you go...the library is less than a block away if that’s helpful.See more..
nice place to take the kids, you can purchase vegetables at the farmers market. interesting place and a bit of local history.See more..
5.0Lounsbury House(2 reviews) - Wish you were here! Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Historic Walking Areas • Architectural Buildings • Scenic Walking Areas
Lounsbury House, a National Historic Site, was built in 1896 by former Connecticut Governor Phineas C. Lounsbury. While attending the 1893 Chicago World's Fair, Governor Lounsbury was so taken by the Connecticut State Building that he built a replica to serve as his family home. Today, Lounsbury House is a place to celebrate life's memorable milestones. The House and classic gardens serve as a venue for weddings, corporate meetings, art gatherings, festivals and private events for all seasons.See more..
4.0The Old Store Gift Shop & Museum(1 review) - A visit to an old timey New England store/museum with modern merchandise Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks When you travel through Sherman, CT, in the heart of the little town is a lovely 200 year old mercantile exchange, (store.) It's been a store for 200 years and the leaning wood floors and big pane windows along with the creaks tell you so. Half the building is a museum featuring a time before Candlewood Lake including Native American articles found in the area and the history of the town. The other half is a wonderful store of probably 1,000 different items that are selected by the all volunteer staff. Wonderful scarves, purses, children's items, hostess gifts, costume jewelry and unusual cool things. There is even an old candy counter. Definitely worth the stop to see the old photos in the museum, check your weight on the penny scale and shop. Parking in back or at the next door library.See more..
5.0East Haven Historical Society Museum(1 review) - A Gem of a Local History Museum on the East Haven Green Thursday: Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites
Newly relocated and opened in September 2017, this museum has found a very appropriate home in the 1791 Leveret Bradley House, fronting onto the East Haven Green next to Christ and The Epiphany Church. Treasures collected and maintained by the East Haven Historical Society are expertly displayed throughout four rooms of the house on the first and second floors. Artifacts range from all manner of hand tools, for farming and boat building, to an exquisite wedding gown from the 1800's. The house itself has retained its charm and many of its original fixtures. The museum is open Sundays, May through November. Admission is free and donations are gratefully accepted. Spend a morning or afternoon immersed in history! Visit this museum, take a stroll across the East Haven Green Historic District to the Old Cemetery and treat yourself to a trolley ride at the Shoreline Trolley Museum just around the corner on River St. And just down Main Street across from the Town Hall is the First Congregational Church, known as the Old Stone Church, built in 1772-74,See more..
4.0Huguenot House(1 review) - Museum Complex at Martin Park Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Ghost Towns
The Makens Bemont House, also known as the Huguenot House, the Goodwin Schoolhouse and Burnham Blacksmith Shop are all part of the museum complex at Martin Park. The East Hartford Historical Society offers excellent tours (there are steep stairs to 2nd floor) during the summer months, but you can walk around the site anytime the park is open. There is talk (check different web sites for "evidence") that the Makens Bemont House is haunted.See more..
5.0The Isaac C. Lewis Mansion(1 review) - Beautiful old building Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings Very large structure. Former home (single family) of a mayor of Meriden. Intricate & Detailed craftsmanship. Unique architectural style. Large old trees adorn the property. Lots of stonework. See more..
Bridgewater Congregational Church(0 review) Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • Religious Sites Quintessential Historic New England Church. Stone walls, mature trees and ample lawn create a picturesque backdrop. Air conditioned parish house with commercial kitchen available to rent. Perfect for any occasion. Lovely outdoor meditation labyrinth. Wheelchair accessible.See more..
