Hartford Tourist Attractions

The Old State House is built on the site of the former Hartford Convention and the first Amistad trail. Built in 1796, this National Historic Landmark is one of the nation's oldest state houses. Visit the Museum Store at the Old State House. Experience the interactive audio tour, Hartford Begins Here: Connecticut's Old State House exploring the magnificient historic rooms.On the second floor is the Steward's Museum with paintings and miscellaneous collections.

This land was willed to the city of Hartford by Charles H. Pond, who asked that it be used as a horticultural park and that it be named for his wife, Elizabeth. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.The park encompasses 102 acres and contain more than 15,000 plants with 800 varieties of roses. In the winter the park is open for ice skating.

The Mark Twain House & Museum is the site of Twain's Hartford home, where he and his family lived from 1874 to 1891, when he wrote his most popular works, including Huck Finn and Tom Sawyer. In addition to providing tours of the restored home the institution offers programs that underscore Twain's legacy.This Victorian Gothic mansion is a National Historic Landmark.

The Wadsworth Atheneum has one of finest American arts collections, particularly works of the Hudson River school. It is the oldest free public museum in the United States and is housed in a Gothic-style building.Major donors including J.P. Morgan have left good collections of Greek and Roman bronzes, Meissen porcelain, early American furniture, decorative arts and paintings.

This is the restored house of author Harriet Beecher Stowe. It was built in 1871 and was occupied by the author from 1873 to 1896. The kitchen design is based on the kitchen described in her book "The American Woman's Home". On display are a number of person items of Mrs. Stowe, including her paintings and furniture.

The museum is housed in the 1910 State Library and Supreme Court Building. It features a gallery with portraits of Connecticut Governors as well as historical artifacts and documents, including the 1662 Royal Charter, the 1639 Fundamental Orders, and the 1818 and 1964 State Constitutions.

Located on Capitol Hill overlooking Bushnell Memorial Park is the 1879 State Capitol. It contains the State Senate Chamber, the Hall of the State House of Representatives and the offices of the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and Secretary of the State.

The Ancient Burying Ground is Hartford's oldest historic landmark. The oldest gravestone is from 1648 and there are about 6,000 graves as it was Hartford's only graveyard until the early 1800's.

This 37 acre park, located next to the Capitol grounds, is noted for being America's first public park. It contains the Civil War Memorial, the Pump House Gallery, the Israel Putnam statue, and a 1914 Stein and Goldstein carousel.

Built in 1782, Butler-McCook Homestead is the oldest house in Hartford. On display here is a collection of art, antiques and other household items. Also of interest is the Victorian garden which was designed by Jacob Weidenmann.

Charter Oak Cultural Center is housed in a former synagogue that was built in 1876. There is a large gallery and performance area. Temporary exhibits are regularly presented.

The Connecticut Historical Society Museum displays changing exhibits on the history of Connecticut, as well as a permanent display of furniture and decorative arts. There is also a research library.

Located within this building are the State Library agency, the State Archives, and the Museum of Connecticut History. The museum contains a collection of firearms, portraits, and other historical items.

Bradley International Airport is located 12 miles north of Hartford. Flights from this airport service the USA, Canada, and parts of Central America.

The Hartford Stage Company presents a variety of productions ranging from classical to contemporary. They have launched 54 world and American premieres.

Real Art Ways is a center for contemporary arts featuring a variety of art forms including film, performing arts, poetry, and music.

The Trash Museum in Hartford provides details regarding solid waste management and recycling.

ATTRACTION IS CLOSEDPart of the collection is moving to the UConn Health Center.