Best Tourist Spots in Hartford

The Insurance Capital of the World – Hartford, is one of the oldest cities in the state of Connecticut. Hence, it is home to some of the most important and historic tourist sites in the country. From iconic landmarks, world class museums to war memorials and historic houses that once belonged to famous writers, Hartford is the quintessential place to go if you are total history buff. Here are some famous tourist spots in Hartford city.

The Mark Twain House & Museum

As the name suggests, this beautiful home one belonged to Samuel Langhorne Clemens, also known as Mark Twain, and his family between the period of 1874 and 1891. Mark Twain House was also featured in 1000 Places To See Before You Die.



Visit the house and its wonderful rooms including his personal library, Billiard Room, children’s room and the servants’ wing and see the place where Mark Twain wrote some of his best works like The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, The Prince and the Pauper and more. You can also visit the museum and bask in its wonderful treasures or eat a delicious snack at the Nook Farm Nook cafe. Daily guided tours are also available over here.

Address: 351 Farmington Ave, Hartford, CT 06105, United States
Phone: 1 860 247 0998
Timings: 09:30 am to 05:30 pm (Monday to Sunday, 04:30 pm is the last tour)
Website: https://www.marktwainhouse.org/

Wadsworth Atheneum

Founded in the year 1842, Wadsworth Atheneum is the oldest art museums in the country. Built in a Gothic Style, the museum is known for its many prominent collections including American Decorative Art, European Art, Contemporary Art, American Painting and Sculpture, and Customer and Textiles. The museum also hosts a number of exhibitions throughout the year. Entry to Wadsworth Atheneum is free to the public.

Address: 600 Main St, Hartford, CT 06103, United States
Phone: 1 860 278 2670
Timings: 11:00 am to 05:00 pm (Wednesday to Friday), 10:00 am to 05:00 pm (Saturday and Sunday), Monday and Tuesday Closed
Website: https://thewadsworth.org/

Elizabeth Park and Rose Gardens

Spread over 102 acres, Elizabeth Park and Rose Gardens is home to more than 15,000 plants along with 800 different kinds of roses. In 1894, the park was bestowed to the city by Charles M. Pond, who wanted the park to be used for horticulture and for it to be named after his late wife – Elizabeth. In the year 1983, the park was added to the National Register of Historic Places. It is a great place to visit, especially during autumn, when the foliage is in full form. In winters, the park also offers ice skating to its visitors.

Address: 1561 Asylum Ave, West Hartford, CT 06117, United State
Phone: 1 860 231 9443
Timings: 11:00 am to 08:00 pm (Tuesday to Saturday), 09:30 am to 02:30 pm (Sunday), Monday Closed
Website: http://elizabethparkct.org/

Harriet Beecher Stowe Center

Constructed in the year 1871, Harriet Beecher Stowe Center is another popular historic home that once belonged to one of the most prominent writers of that time - Harriet Beecher Stowe. She occupied this house for 23 years, from 1873 to 1896, and wrote several famous novels including the renowned Uncle Tom's Cabin. The Stowe Center represents her life’s experiences and paints a picture of its impact in the country. The house is open throughout the year with several guided tours easily available.

Address: 77 Forest St, Hartford, CT 06105, United States
Phone: 1 860 522 9258
Timings: 09:30 am to 05:00 pm (Monday to Friday), 09:30 am to 05:30 pm (Saturday), 12:00 pm to 05:00 pm (Sunday)
Website: https://www.harrietbeecherstowecenter.org/

The Museum of Connecticut History and the State Library

The Connecticut State Library is a part of the State of Connecticut and houses a number of public records, archival, library information, museum and other administrative services for the citizens. In the same building, The Museum of Connecticut History is also a must visit in the city. If you are interested in the history of the state, then this is the place to be. From its early development to being the economic powerhouse, the museum has everything there is know along with a wide collection of portraits, firearms and other items.

Address: 231 Capitol Ave, Hartford, CT 06106, United States
Phone: 1 860 757 6535
Timings: 09:00 am to 04:00 pm (Monday to Friday), 09:00 am to 02:00 pm (Saturday), Sunday Closed
Website: http://museumofcthistory.org/, http://ctstatelibrary.org/

Bushnell Park

Spread over 50 acres of expansive green spaces, Bushnell Park is the oldest and the first-ever publicly funded park in the country. In the year 1970, the park was listed among the National Register of Historic Places. The park is home to a number of attractions including several rare champion trees, Corning Fountain, Civil War Memorial, Israel Putnam statue, Pump House Gallery, 1914 Stein and Goldstein carousel and much more. Several memorial tours are also conducted daily over here.

Phone: 1 (860) 232 6710
Carousal Timings: 11:00 am to 05:00 pm (Friday to Sunday)
Website: http://www.bushnellpark.org/

Old State House

Completed in the year 1796, the Old State House is constructed on the location of the former Hartford Convention center. In the year 1960, it became a National Historic Landmark. With an array of architectural styles, the Old State House is a must-visit in the city. While the exterior of the building and the Senate are built in a Federal Style, the halls and courtroom are built in Colonial Revival and the Representative chamber is built in a Victorian Style design. Moreover, there are also several exhibits that display a wide selection of paintings and other collections. Several guided and self-guided tours are also available over here.

Address: 800 Main St, Hartford, CT 06103, United States
Phone: 1 860 522 6766
Timings: 10:00 am to 04:00 pm (Monday to Friday), Saturday and Sunday Closed
Website: https://www.cga.ct.gov/osh/

Butler-McCook Homestead

Another popular historic house museum, Butler-McCook Homestead is known for being the oldest house in the city. Built in 1782, the house became a part of the National Register of Historic Places in the year 1971. Since the house was occupied by one family for almost two centuries, it is home to a number of items, ranging from Colonial to Victorian era, on display. It even has an exceptionally beautiful rose garden, which was designed by the renowned Jacob Weidenmann. The house is open for public tours between the months of May and December.

Address: 396 Main St, Hartford, CT 06103, United States
Phone: 1 860 522 1806
Timings: 12:00 pm to 04:00 pm (Thursday to Sunday between May and September, Saturday and Sunday between October and December)
Website: http://www.ctlandmarks.org/

Connecticut Science Center

Opened in 2009, Connecticut Science Center is a fun nine-level museum with more than 150 interactive hands-on exhibits, four educational laboratories, live demonstrations and high-tech 3D digital theater along with a number of daily events. The museum is divided into several galleries like Exploring Space, Forces in Motion, Invention Dimension, Kid Space, Picture of Health and more, each offering something unique and fun for both children and adults.

Address: 250 Columbus Blvd, Hartford, CT 06103, United States
Phone: 1 860 724 3623
Timings: 10:00 am to 05:00 pm (Tuesday to Sunday), Monday Closed
Website: https://www.ctsciencecenter.org/

The Children's Museum

Another popular children’s museum near the city, the new Children's Museum is a great place to visit, especially for families with kids between the age of 2 and 12 years. Established in 1927, the museum offers a variety of practical exhibits, workshops, demonstrations and interactive laboratories for kids. Along with that, it is also home to a huge planetarium and summer science camps for children.

Address: 950 Trout Brook Dr, West Hartford, CT 06119, United States
Phone: 1 860 231 2824
Timings: 09:00 am to 04:00 pm (Tuesday to Saturday), 11:00 am to 04:00 pm (Sunday), Monday Closed
Website: http://www.thechildrensmuseumct.org/

A Complete Map Guide of Best Tourist Spots in Hartford