Location: Hartford
Top Things to do in Hartford
5 Nature & Parks in Hartford That You Shouldn't Miss
From its origins as a Connecticut River trading post in 1633, Hartford has become not only the state capital but also the insurance capital of the world, with a slew of historical attractions, a thriving arts and entertainment center, a revitalized riverfront and beautiful parks and public gardens. It was here that the lovable Huck Finn and Tom Sawyer were born in the imagination of celebrated author Mark Twain and immortalized on paper during the writer's Hartford years. Twain's home and those of fellow literary figures Harriet Beecher Stowe and Noah Webster are open to the public. The Wadsworth Atheneum, the oldest public art museum in the U.S., houses Pilgrim-Century furniture, the Amistad collection and a special treasure hunt system to entice kids to explore the museum's works. If your timing is right (end of June, beginning of July), you'll catch the Elizabeth Park rose gardens in bloom, but fall is also great for brilliant leaf colors, and spring yields colorful gardens and blossoming trees. For a bird's-eye view of the city, visit the observation deck of Travelers Tower, where you might also spot two resident falcons.
Restaurants in Hartford
1. Mortensen Riverfront Plaza
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 32 reviews
2. Riverside Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 25 reviews
Reviewed By dustythoughts - Manchester, United States
This wonderful park is a great place to enjoy a combination of nature and an urban environment, situated as it is on the river right in Hartford. There's space for walking, sitting and enjoying the river, and also a big waterfront where they have various festivals throughout the year - although lately they can't because of COVID. Nonetheless, you can still come here and admire the statues, like the Abe Lincoln and Harriet Tubman statues. The park is clean and well-maintained, and there's plenty of space for everyone to practice physical distancing.
3. Bushnell Park
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 197 reviews
The first public park in America that was financed with public funds, Bushnell Park draws visitors to its 1914 carousel, and also features memorials honoring Civil War and Spanish-American War soldiers and some 150 varieties of trees.
Reviewed By dialam
As far as parks go, this is a nice one. Not much goes on in the winter time. A place to ice skate. I think that's about it. The summer time is when it comes to life. Jazz bands and other things. Nice place to run and walk around. As well to play in the park it self. For something/Nothing to do for free, this is your place.
4. Charter Oak Landing
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 7 reviews
