One of the oldest states in the nation with a European settlement history dating back to Puritan colonizers in the mid-1600s, it’s no surprise that there are tons of amazing historical Connecticut landmarks. Thanks to its geographical position in the scenic northeastern part of the country, it’s got some fabulous natural landmarks to explore, too.
Here are some must-see attractions worth adding to your Connecticut to-do list.
Top Landmarks in Connecticut
Connecticut Landmarks
The Mark Twain House
Although Mark Twain may have been born in Missouri and his most famous stories take place down south, his family made their home in Hartford, Connecticut, where visitors can still visit the Mark Twain House today.
These days, it’s not only a preserved living space but also a museum, displaying artifacts from the author’s life as well as both permanent and rotating exhibitions and films depicting life during this era of American history. The Mark Twain House and Museum also regularly holds events and writing contests to get the community in on the action.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
The capital of the state and a mid-sized city with a population of over 100,000, there are plenty of things to see and do while you’re in Hartford including the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art and Connecticut Science Center. Plus, nearby wildernesses like Black Rock State Park offer a way to get away from the urban hustle-bustle.
As far as camping goes, we recommend Portland Riverside Campground.
Dinosaur State Park
Small, as state parks are concerned, but mighty, Dinosaur State Park comprises approximately 80 acres of the Connecticut town of Rocky Hill. The best part? This little green space holds a big secret. It’s home to one of the largest and best-preserved dinosaur track sites in North America.
It also hosts an on-site arboretum protecting and displaying more than 200 varieties of plants that were already on Earth by the time the dinosaurs arrived.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
Just a few miles outside of Hartford, Dinosaur State Park is convenient to many other attractions in the area, such as the Bushnell Park Carousel.
One of the best area campgrounds is Lake Compounce Campground.
Mystic Seaport
The town of Mystic grew up around its famous seaport, which has today been turned into a large, open-air museum preserving and presenting all things oceanic. From the untold history of the whaling era to opportunities to get out on the water and experience the sea for yourself, Mystic Seaport is an absolute must-visit for anyone in this area.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
Wander the town of Mystic to enjoy some of the freshest seafood you’ll have in your life, not to mention its quaint boutiques, spas, and more and visit the Mystic Museum of Art. Mystic is also closeby to some beautiful wildernesses and coastline beaches for those who need a break from city life.
Some lovely RV campsites can be found at Sun Outdoors Mystic.
Mystic Aquarium
Another can’t-miss in Mystic, right near the Seaport itself: Mystic Aquarium, which houses some 2,000 species of marine mammals, fish, invertebrates, and even reptiles.
Along with its plethora of wet and wild friends, Mystic Aquarium is one of only two facilities in the United States where visitors can see Steller sea lions, and is also home to the only captive beluga whales in all of New England. Touch habitats and encounter programs truly allow guests to get up, close, and personal with wildlife, and many educational events are also offered.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
Looking for a big-town Connecticut experience? New Haven is only an hour or so away and offers plenty of to-dos including Yale Peabody Museum and Yale University Art Gallery.
You can set up camp nearby at Mystic KOA Holiday.
Gillette Castle State Park
Set between East Haddam and Lyme overlooking the Connecticut River, Gillette Castle State Park is a truly one-of-a-kind Connecticut experience and landmark. Appearing as a Medieval fortress from the outside, the interior of this castle is decked out with luxurious creature comforts. The entire interior design was conceived by William Gillette, an American actor-manager, playwright, and stage-manager who lived in the late 1800s and early 1900s.
Along with the castle itself, the park also offers picnic facilities, a visitor center and food concessions.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
Located about midway between Mystic and New Haven, Gillette Castle State Park is just across the river from Cockaponset State Forest, which offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities.
RV camping can be found nearby at GrandView CampResort and Cottages.
Yale University
Perhaps Connecticut’s most famous set of buildings — and certainly a famed U.S. landmark that people travel from thousands of miles to visit and attend — Yale University is a New Haven must-see. This is true whether you’ve got a young graduate planning to apply or you just want to take a look at its storied architecture. The University also offers a variety of exhibits to the public including an art gallery and museum of natural history.
Both self-guided and docent-led tours of campus are available, and can help visitors learn more about the school’s history as well as modern campus life.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
New Haven is awash with things to see, do, and experience, including some beautiful natural spaces such as Lighthouse Point Park and East Rock Park.
Camping can be found near the university at Totoket Valley RV Park.
The Glass House
Known also as the Johnson house, or by its full name — The Glass House, National Trust for Historic Preservation — this New Canaan home was designed by Philip Johnson. Johnson was a famous American architect who designed major buildings in New York City and elsewhere.
Exemplifying the minimal structure and hosting exhibits, films, and events, this house is as fascinating to visit for its history as its architectural mastery and uniqueness.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
New Canaan is a suburb of Stamford, a midsized city with plenty of shopping, dining, and to-dos such as the Stamford Museum and Nature Center. You’re also just a hop, skip and a jump from New York City from this area, so you can check out attractions like Times Square, Central Park, and the Statue of Liberty.
For camping, head to Croton Point Park Campground.
Kent Falls State Park
Connecticut may not be as well known as, say, North Carolina for its waterfalls — but make no mistake about it, it does have cascades. Kent Falls State Park is one of the best to add to your itinerary, featuring a serene yet awe-inspiring 250-foot tiered falls, as well as fishing and picnicking opportunities. A short nature walk to the falls offers plenty of beautiful viewpoints.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
Located in the western portion of Connecticut, Kent Falls State Park is close to other Connecticut state parks, including Black Rock State Park, Ivy Mountain State Park and more.
Looking for camping? Try Macedonia Brook State Park.
Mohawk Mountain Ski Area
Think there’s no good skiing in New England? Think again. Mohawk Mountain Ski Area has been known by Connecticut residents and northeasterners far beyond as a great spot to shred some slopes for more than half a decade now.
The park offers groomed mountain ski rails for both skiers and snowboarders, and is open during nighttime hours for those looking for an extra layer of adventure.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
Another location deep in the heart of Connecticut’s wilds, Mohawk Mountain Ski Area’s closest major town is Torrington. In Torrington, you can find shopping, dining, and attractions like the KidsPlay Children’s Museum and Burr Pond State Park.
One of the best lodging options for RVers is the nearby Cozy Hills Campground.
Bear Mountain
Standing more than 2,300 feet high, Bear Mountain represents the highest point in Connecticut. There are many ways to access this incredible viewpoint, including both a fairly challenging hike seeing approximately 2,000 feet of elevation gain along a 6.5-mile round trip length, and a much shorter and more level way to access the peak via Bear Mountain Road.
You can also see the remains of a stone tower at the summit, along with the endless vistas that make the viewpoint so worth climbing for.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
Located in the extreme northwestern corner of the state of Connecticut, Bear Mountain is closer to Massachusetts’ Washington State Forest than many attractions in its home state.
Planning an RV Trip to Connecticut
As you can see, Connecticut is bursting at the seams with things to see, do, and experience — and these famous Connecticut landmarks are just the start. Make sure you also make time to see the best Connecticut state parks and take some urban adventures. Not sure where to sleep while RVing in Connecticut? Try one of the best campgrounds in the state.
