Connecticut Tourism

Hartford, Connecticut

Located at the heart of Connecticut, Harford was settled in 1633. It is home to the oldest continuously published newspaper in America, The Harford Courant. Today, it is known as the insurance capital of the world, and has numerous major companies headquartered here.

Things to do in Hartford

Ancient Burial Grounds -- As Hartford’s oldest historic site, history buffs will be interested in the burial spots of Revolutionary War Soldiers and 17th century soldiers.

Cedar Hill Cemetery – A 270 acre cemetery established in 1864, and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. You will find sculpted monuments, majestic landscaping, woodlands and waterways.

Butler-McCook House & Garden / Martin Street History Center – Hartford’s oldest home and one of the best documented homes in America. The Connecticut landmark has a history center which displays assorted exhibits.

Connecticut Historical Society Museum – For programs, exhibits, displays, events and a variety of history artifact galleries, spend a day at this significant historical location.

Harriet Beecher Stowe Center – With changing exhibitions, museum shop, research library (appointment needed), Victorian grounds and gardens, as well as Harriet Beecher Stowe’s home and the Katharine Seymour day house this is a wonderful way to learn about the author of Uncle Tom’s Cabin.

The Mark Twain House and Museum – This National Historic landmark is where writer Mark Twain lived from 1874 to 1891. You can see the restored kitchen, butler’s pantry, gallery, a Ken Burns documentary and interior design by Louis Comfort Tiffany.

Old State House – The 1796 National Historic Landmark tells the role of Hartford history as it affects the rest of America. You can see the interactive multimedia exhibit, an audio tour, and use the education center.

Connecticut Science Center – This new attraction offers 150 hands on exhibits, a 3D theater with a heart pounding 18,000 watt Dolby sound system, four labs and programs for all ages. Activities include a virtual ride through the Milky Way, levitating cars you can race along a maglev track, futuristic music instruments with built in light show plus much more.

Trash Museum – Hands-on exhibits, tours and the Temple of Trash, everything you wanted to know about waste management and recycling.

The Artist Collective -- For an evening a jazz, this is the place. Call for (860) 527-3205 for specific show info.

The Austin Arts Center – With over 40 annual shows and exhibits, this a great place to see the rising area artist.

Bushnell Center for Performing Arts -- As Connecticut’s leading cultural art center this is the place for Broadway productions, symphony, opera, dance and more.

Charter Oak cultural center – Originally Connecticut’s first symphony, today you can see exhibits, concerts and cultural performances.

Hartford Stage – A small award winning theater which performs dramas, classics, and new or neglected works

Real Art Ways – Nightly movies and contemporary art exhibits, as well as evening concerts are offered year round.

Wadsworth Athenaeum and Museum of Art – America’s oldest continuously operating public art museum. You will see landscapes, old masters, impressionist, American furniture, decorative and contemporary art.

Charter Oak Landing Park – Bring your boat, rent one, or simply sit and relax. You can see ships of all sizes as you stroll the lighted and paved river walks here at this downtown park.

Mortensen Riverfront Plaza – beautifully landscaped plaza area near the river, it is a great location for concerts.

Riverside Park – Public boat launch, crew docs for rowing, picnic area and river walks; it is home to the greater Hartford Jaycees Community Boathouse.

Photo Credits: Old State House & Graveyard Photos by Cliff;