If you’re looking for Things To Do In Hartford Connecticut, you’ve come to the right place! This charming New England city is full of history, culture, and outdoor activities. No matter what your interests are, you’re sure to find something to enjoy in Hartford. Check out these five things to do in Hartford, Connecticut!
The Mark Twain House and Museum
The Mark Twain House and Museum is a National Historic Landmark in Hartford, Connecticut. The house was the family home of Samuel Langhorne Clemens (Mark Twain) from 1874 to 1891. The museum is dedicated to preserving the legacy of Mark Twain and his literary works.
The museum offers tours of the historic house, which is furnished with original furniture and belongings of the Clemens family. Visitors can also view exhibits on the life and work of Mark Twain, as well as see a replica of his study where he wrote some of his most famous works.
In addition to the house and museum, there is also a research center on site where scholars can access archives of Mark Twain’s papers and other materials related to his life and work.
The Wadsworth Atheneum
The Wadsworth Atheneum is the oldest public art museum in the United States. It is located in Hartford, Connecticut and was founded in 1842 by Daniel Wadsworth. The museum has a collection of over 50,000 works of art, making it one of the largest museums in the country.
Some of the highlights of the collection include paintings by Rembrandt, Van Gogh, and Monet; ancient Egyptian and Greek sculptures; and a large number of impressionist and post-impressionist paintings. The museum also has a significant collection of American art, including works by John Singleton Copley, Winslow Homer, and Edward Hopper.
In addition to its extensive art collections, the Wadsworth Atheneum also houses a theatre, library, and educational facilities. The theatre hosts a variety of performances throughout the year, including dance, music, and drama. The library contains over 200,000 volumes and is open to the public for research. The educational facilities offer a variety of programs for both children and adults.
The Connecticut Science Center
The Connecticut Science Center is a hands-on museum with 150 interactive exhibits, a planetarium, and an IMAX theater. Visitors can explore the human body, learn about Connecticut’s natural history, and see how technology works. The Science Center also offers educational programs for all ages.
The Hartford Stage Company
The Hartford Stage Company is one of the best things to do in Hartford, Connecticut. This company produces some of the best theatrical performances in the state. The company has been in operation for over 50 years and has won numerous awards for its productions. If you are looking for a great night out, then you should definitely check out the Hartford Stage Company.
The Bushnell Park Carousel
The Bushnell Park Carousel, located in Hartford’s Bushnell Park, is a must-see for anyone visiting the city. The carousel, which was built in 1914, is one of the few remaining hand-carved wooden carousels in the country.
Visitors can take a ride on the carousel for just $1 per person. The carousel is open daily from 11am to 5pm.
The Connecticut State Capitol
When in Hartford, be sure to check out the state Capitol building. The Capitol is located in Bushnell Park, the city’s central park, and is a National Historic Landmark. It is also one of the most beautiful and unique capitols in the country. The building was designed by architect Richard Upjohn and completed in 1879. The exterior is made of granite from Connecticut quarries. And the interior features a grand staircase, murals, and a stained glass skylight. Guided tours are available Monday through Friday.
Conclusion
Hartford, Connecticut is a great place to visit for a weekend getaway. There are plenty of things to do in the area, from exploring the museums and historical landmarks to enjoying the outdoors at one of the many parks. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing trip or an action-packed weekend, Hartford has something for everyone. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip today!
The Mark Twain House
The Mark Twain House was the home of Samuel Langhorne Clemens, better known as Mark Twain. He lived in this house from 1874 to 1891 with his wife and three children. The family left the house in 1891 and it has been a museum since 1962.
The house is a Victorian Gothic Revival style mansion and is located on Farmington Avenue in Hartford. It is a National Historic Landmark and is open for tours. Tours of the house are conducted by guides who are dressed in period clothing. The tour includes the main floor, which has Twain’s study, the library, the parlor, and the dining room. The second floor has the family’s bedrooms and a nursery.
The Harriet Beecher Stowe Center
The Harriet Beecher Stowe Center is a historical museum and research center dedicated to the life and work of author Harriet Beecher Stowe. The Center is located in her former home in Hartford, Connecticut, and offers tours, exhibits, educational programs, and public events.
Harriet Beecher Stowe was a prolific writer and social reformer whose work had a significant impact on American society. Her best-known work, Uncle Tom’s Cabin, was published in 1852 and helped to fuel the abolitionist movement. The Harriet Beecher Stowe Center seeks to preserve her legacy and promote understanding of her life and work.
The Center’s grounds include a replica of the cabin from Uncle Tom’s Cabin as well as a statue of Stowe herself. Visitors can take guided tours of the house or stroll through the gardens. The museum features exhibits on Stowe’s life and work as well as changing exhibitions on topics related to social reform.
The Harriet Beecher Stowe Center also offers educational programs for all ages. These programs include school field trips, youth writing workshops, lectures, and more. The Center is open to the public Tuesday-Saturday 10am-5pm; Sunday 12pm-5pm; closed Mondays. Admission is $8 for adults, $6 for seniors and students, $4 for children 6-17 years old, and free for children 5 years old and under.
The Wadsworth Atheneum
The Wadsworth Atheneum is the oldest public art museum in the United States. Founded in 1842, it is located in Hartford, Connecticut. The museum houses a collection of over 50,000 works of art, making it one of the largest museums in New England. The Wadsworth Atheneum is also home to the Mark Twain House & Museum, which is a National Historic Landmark.
The Connecticut Science Center
The Connecticut Science Center is one of the top attractions in Hartford, Connecticut. This hands-on museum is perfect for families with children of all ages. There are hundreds of interactive exhibits that focus on science, technology, engineering, and math.
The exterior of the capitol building is made of granite and marble. The interior of the capitol building features a rotunda with a mural by James Earle Fraser titled The Puritans Arriving in America. The mural depicts Puritans landing in Boston in 1630. The General Assembly chambers are located on the second floor of the capitol building. The Senate chamber is located on the north side of the rotunda and the House of Representatives chamber is located on the south side of the rotunda.
The capitol building is open to the public Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. Tours of the capitol building are available Monday through Friday from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm.
Conclusion
There’s no shortage of things to do in Hartford, Connecticut. From exploring the outdoors to indulging in some retail therapy, there’s something for everyone in this vibrant city. We hope our list of things to do in Hartford has inspired you to explore all that this great city has to offer. What are your favorite things to do in Hartford? Let us know in the comments below!
