Location: Hartford
Top Things to do in Hartford
The 10 Best Sights & Landmarks in Hartford, Connecticut (CT)
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. Cedar Hill Cemetery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 57 reviews
Reviewed By RideTheDonkey - Toronto, Canada
Cedar Hill Cemetery in Hartford Connecticut. Resting place to famous people such as: Samuel Colt, Inventor of the Colt Revolver, Katherine Hepburn, Actress, Katherine Houghton Hepburn, president of the suffragette association in Connecticut, Isabella Beecher Hooker, social activist and sister to Harriet Beecher Stowe, John P. Morgan, Financier, Horace Wells, discoverer of anesthesia and who had a tragic death......and many more. Always a slow and pondering moment to these ones who made some impact in our history.
2. Dunkin' Donuts Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 83 reviews
Reviewed By Countrygirl60 - Hartford, United States
We have been to the Yard Goats Park with business associates and at other times with the grandkids! It's been a home run everytime! Making special arrangements is easy, the games are a blast, local awesome broadcaster Don Lovallo calls the games...The food choices are numerous and they are even a nutfree ball park. Hartford finally has a first class city attraction!
3. Church of The Good Shepherd
4. Calder Stegosaurus Sculpture
5. Old State House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 73 reviews
The Old State House is a registered National Landmark and open to the public year-round. The restored historic chambers and grounds are now the site of events such as exhibits, a curiosity museum, hands-on history, guided/self-guided tours and more! Connecticut's Old State House is managed by the Connecticut General Assembly.
Reviewed By carmenmr47
Took our grandkids for a tour of history. This museum is beautifully kept, very informative , and preserves much of history. Loved it and will definitely return. The staff was very helpful and gracious
6. The Mark Twain House & Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,622 reviews
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.
Reviewed By christinerH1415MU
Located right in Hartford, but tucked away in it's own little area, the Mark Twain house is a must see if you are in the area. It's available only by prebooked tour, and they do book up ahead of time so purchase tickets before driving out there. The cost of an adult ticket is $20, which seemed a little pricey until we were on the tour, and it quickly became apparent the price is worth it. Our tour guide Brendan was phenomenal, his knowledge of the history of both Mark Twain and the house itself was unmatched. The house is rich in history and was very advanced for its time, including having one of the first residential telephones which is still there today. The tour takes about 60-90 minutes, and then plan an extra 20-30 for time at the museum and gift shop.
7. Butler-McCook Homestead
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 12 reviews
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.
8. Cathedral of St Joseph
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 46 reviews
Reviewed By redeco - Warren, United States
The original Cathedral of St. Joseph was devastated by fire in 1956. But, like a phoenix rising from the ashes, the new ultra-modern structure created as a replacement, was dedicated in 1962. The design firm was Eggers and Higgins of New York. The soaring vault is flooded with colored light from the hundreds of stained glass windows throughout the cathedral. No expense appears to have been spared in the construction of this church. The windows were designed by Jean Barillet of Paris, and each stands 67 feet high and 13 and a half feet wide. Traditional new and old testament subjects are depicted in the windows which sparkle like jewels in the sunlight. I could go on and on - the physical beauty of this structure is a testament to the faith and vision of its parishioners. Stop in and sit; soak in the quiet; the solemn atmosphere if this beautiful church. Enjoy.
9. Connecticut State Capitol
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 217 reviews
A tour of the gold-leaf-domed capitol includes the Hall of Flags and, when they're in session, a chance to see the state senate and house of representatives in action.
Reviewed By BillP1123 - Plainville, United States
This gold-domed (gold leaf) building was built from 1871-78 as designed by Richard M. Upjohn and Janes G Batterson (Eastlake style) and opened for the Legislature in 1878. It cost $2.35 million. Exterior marble is from East Canaan, CT and the granite is from Westerly, RI. The House and Senate Chambers are there. The House continues to use the original desks from 1878. Offices for the Governor, Lt. Gov., Sec of State are also there. A replica of the statue originally on the roof, the GENIUS OF CT ( R Rodgers) , is inside. This was originally the site of Trinity College. Many other stayed, Nathan Hale, Prudence Crandall, and others. Free one hour guided tours of both the Capitol & LOB are given and start from the LOB (Legislative Office Building) across the highway entrance also on Capitol Avenue which can be walked to above ground or via tunnel. Jan-June,Sept-Dec, M-F 915, 1015, 1115, 1215, 115 am July-August 915, 1015, 1115, 1215, 115, and 215 Closed on weekends.
10. Trinity College
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 40 reviews
Reviewed By suzzel691 - Bay City, United States
I knew of the history but the architecture was remarkable. The school and campus were just beautiful and everyone very friendly.
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