Connecticut has lots to offer visitors to the state. Whether you enjoy outdoor recreation, history, or good food, there is something here for everyone. In fact, there is so much to experience that you might want to create a Connecticut bucket list.
Below, we’ve put together an incredible list of things to see, do, and try in the Constitution State.
Coltsville National Historical Park
Located in New Haven, Coltsville National Historical Park encompasses a variety of buildings, including the old Colt factory and worker housing. The park tells the story of Samuel Colt, who was one of the first to take on precision manufacturing of firearms in the US. It also helps visitors understand how his factory and company influenced the area.
Weir Farm National Historical Park
Weir Farm National Historic Park is the home and studio of impressionist painter J. Alden Weir. Explore the beauty of the place that has inspired so many artists, create your own art, and learn about Weir’s life and times.
Go on a Pizza Tour in New Haven
The New Haven area is all about pizza. Pick one spot to try, or choose a few and go on a pizza tour. Some favorites are: BAR, Frank Pepe’s, Zuppardi’s, and Modern Apizza.
Visit the Town of Mystic
Mystic is a historic seaside town with restaurants, shops, and other places to explore. Be sure to check out historic Main Street while you’re there, and do some shopping at Olde Mystic Village. While there, try to imagine what this beautiful town might have been like when it was first built.
Step Back in Time at Mystic Seaport Museum
Also located in Mystic, the Mystic Seaport Museum is an interesting attraction, especially if you’re a history or maritime enthusiast. Step back in time and explore the recreated 19th-century seafaring village, climb aboard a historic ship, or learn something new at one of the excellent exhibits.
Dive Deep at Mystic Aquarium
Yet another Mystic attraction, the Mystic Aquarium features sea lions, beluga whales, African penguins, and even a ray and shark touch pool. Kids also love the “Jurassic Giants” dinosaur exhibit.
Hike to Heublein Tower
Located in Talcott Mountain State Park on Talcott Mountain, the historic Heublein Tower is a 165-foot-tall mountaintop lookout. It’s the perfect destination for those looking for a mountain hike and offers excellent views as a reward for your hard work.
See a Yard Goats Game
Sports fans will love Dunkin Donuts Park, where they can enjoy an exciting game played by Connecticut’s minor league baseball team, the Hartford Yard Goats.
Taste Some Amazing Wine
Not everyone is aware of the wine scene in Connecticut, but it’s growing quickly. In fact, the Connecticut Wine Trail is one of the fastest-growing wine regions in the country. Pay the area a visit, take a tour, and try some excellent wine.
Ride a Ferry
Connecticut is home to two historic ferry crossings – the Chester-Hadlyme Ferry and the Rocky Hill-Glastonbury Ferry. The latter is the nation’s oldest continuously running ferry, but both are fun to ride as you take in the beauty of the Connecticut River.
Check out Mark Twain’s House
Samuel L. Clemens, whose pen name was Mark Twain, was an author who wrote some of the most enduring and controversial works in American literature. Clemens was also an inventor, and his house had the latest modern innovations for 1874. These days, people can tour the Mark Twain House & Museum, see all of its gadgets, and learn about the man behind classic literary favorites such as The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.
Walk the Yale Campus
Yale University boasts one of the most gorgeous university campuses in the country and is an excellent place to go for a stroll while in New Haven. Admire the well-manicured grounds, take in the beauty of the architecture, and pay a visit to the Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History.
Stroll the Harkness Memorial State Park Gardens
Harkness Memorial State Park in Waterford is a stunning historic preservation area. The park features Eolia, a large Renaissance Revival-style historic mansion. The house is surrounded by gardens and greenhouses that are perfect for a stroll.
Enjoy a Connecticut Lobster Roll
As a coastal state, Connecticut is well known for its delicious seafood. Hot buttered Connecticut lobster rolls are an especially tasty way to sample seafood in the state. Grab one for lunch at a local park, or while you’re watching the water.
Explore Gillette Castle State Park
Gillette Castle State Park features scenic views that overlook the Connecticut River as well as plenty of hiking trails and train tunnels. The park also houses William Gilette’s historic castle – a medieval-style stone castle, which you can tour. There is camping in and near Gillette Castle State Park as well.
Ride the Essex Steam Train and Riverboat
The Essex Steam Train and Riverboat tour is the perfect solution. Each tour begins at the historic 1892 Essex Station and makes a 2.5-hour round-trip journey into the Connecticut River Valley.
Catch a Race at Lime Rock Park
If you have a need for speed, you’ll enjoy Lime Rock Park. The park first opened in 1957 and has been hosting car races ever since. Some of the most famous cars in history have raced here, and fans love watching their favorite racers zoom by.
Learn How PEZ is Made
See how PEZ – the fun, poppable treat – is made by touring the PEZ Visitor Center in Orange. Not only does the center offer a peek into the factory, it also features tons of PEZ-related exhibits, including a PEZ motorcycle, the world’s largest PEZ dispenser, an interactive timeline of the history of PEZ, and more.
Take in Kent Falls State Park
Kent Falls State Park is the perfect park for waterfall lovers. It features a series of waterfalls that drop a total of 250 feet in under a quarter of a mile. Pack a picnic lunch (or grab some lobster rolls) and enjoy this beautiful natural area.
Snag a Fresh Apple Cider Donut
Connecticut makes a wonderful fall destination, with its leafy trees that turn a rainbow of colors. You’ll also enjoy the state’s apple cider donuts. Enjoy the bounty of local apples which are turned into apple cider and then, in turn, made into delicious donuts to enjoy after a day of sightseeing and leaf peeping.
There is a lot to see in Connecticut. Of course, you’ll need someplace to stay while you explore the state. Consider a Connecticut RV rental. You can explore an area, sleep in a comfortable bed, and move on without having to pack and unpack your suitcase each night at a new destination.
Download the Top 10 Bucket List Destinations in Connecticut.
