Location: Hartford
Top Things to do in Hartford
Top 5 Historic Sites 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. 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
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Harriet Beecher Stowe Center
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 295 reviews
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 regularly offered.
Reviewed By lindao637 - Cranford, United States
This tour is on the same grounds at the Mark Twain house, although they are separate entities. This event offers a ticket discount if you purchase a ticket for the Mark Twain house. This event starts in the welcome center asking the visitors about other controversial books that they may have read. The tour then leads into the house (approx. 7 rooms on 2 floors). At each room, the docent encourages discussion about society and the impact of "Uncle Tom's Cabin " then and now. I was skeptical, but once we got into it, it was quite the amazing and unique tour. I would recommend it to everyone...and, it will only be great is you open up and participate.
5. Isham-Terry House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3 reviews
