Feeling like a little history exploration? Connecticut has its fair share of historical landmarks, from college campuses to Victorian mansions. So whatever you find yourself in the mood for, we’ve got you covered! The best part is that none of these are too far from a good restaurant, so you could make a fun day trip out of any one of these historical landmarks. Check them out:
Please note, Old Newgate Prison is temporarily closed.
- The Charles W. Morgan
Rhvanwinkle/Wikimedia 105 Greenmanville Avenue (Rte. 27), Mystic, CT 06355
This historic boat is the world’s oldest surviving merchant vessel, and the only surviving wooden whaling ship from the 19th-century American merchant fleet. Built in the 1800s, it’s a jaw-dropping sight!
- State Capitol
jglazer75/Wikimedia 210 Capitol Avenue, Hartford, CT 06106
You can’t visit Connecticut without saying hello to its capitol! Especially since it sits right next to the scenic Bushnell Park, making it a great afternoon excursion for families.
- Glass House
Carol M. Highsmith/Wikimedia 199 Elm Street, New Canaan, CT 06840
This historic house museum is an immersive experience, as the house itself is just as much on display as its contents. Art lovers will undoubtedly enjoy the time they spend here, exploring both the indoors and the surrounding property.
- Mark Twain House
Makemake/Wikimedia 351 Farmington Ave., Hartford, CT 06105
Mark Twain called this place home for nearly twenty years, and his quirky personality is reflected in its walls. It’s a fan favorite locale, attracting visitors from al over the country.
- Old Newgate Prison
5ju989nfhs50/Wikimedia 106 Newgate Road, East Granby, CT 06026
The former prison and mine has been closed to tours, but you can still visit the property. And luckily, it’s expected to be reopened pretty soon. In the meantime, you’ll love looking at this stone beauty and reading up on its history.
- Fort Griswold
Staxringold/Wikimedia 57 Fort Street, Groton, CT 06340
This fort played an important part in the American Revolutionary War, and it also happens to be an incredible picnic spot, complete with panoramic views. This is definitely one of the dreamiest forts you’ll ever visit.
- Gillette Castle
Mstrsail/Wikimedia 67 River Road, East Haddam, CT 06423
This stunning castle sits high above the Connecticut River, and will make you feel like royalty. The detailed work and scenic views are made even better by the knowledge that William Gillette built this place.
- Lake Compunce
Wildcat1/Wikimedia 186 Enterprise Dr., Bristol, CT 06010
How many states can say an amusement park counts as history? Opened in 1846, this is the oldest continuously-operating amusement park in the United States.
- Yale University
Shmitra/Wikimedia 38 Hillhouse Avenue, New Haven, CT 06511
One of the oldest, and most prestigious universities in America, stop by and take a college tour for a fun walk around New Haven. And make sure to try the apizza while you’re in town!
- Harkness Memorial State Park
I, Postman1107/Wikimedia 275 Great Neck Road, Waterford, CT 06385
This 230 acre park and botanical garden wraps around a massive mansion. Its springtime charm has made it the place of many proposals, likely because the air always smells of roses.
These historical landmarks are cool, but you can experience actual living history by stopping by the Oldest General Store In Connecticut. It’s not only historic, but the food’s delicious too!
Rhvanwinkle/Wikimedia
105 Greenmanville Avenue (Rte. 27), Mystic, CT 06355
This historic boat is the world’s oldest surviving merchant vessel, and the only surviving wooden whaling ship from the 19th-century American merchant fleet. Built in the 1800s, it’s a jaw-dropping sight!
jglazer75/Wikimedia
210 Capitol Avenue, Hartford, CT 06106
You can’t visit Connecticut without saying hello to its capitol! Especially since it sits right next to the scenic Bushnell Park, making it a great afternoon excursion for families.
Carol M. Highsmith/Wikimedia
199 Elm Street, New Canaan, CT 06840
This historic house museum is an immersive experience, as the house itself is just as much on display as its contents. Art lovers will undoubtedly enjoy the time they spend here, exploring both the indoors and the surrounding property.
Makemake/Wikimedia
351 Farmington Ave., Hartford, CT 06105
Mark Twain called this place home for nearly twenty years, and his quirky personality is reflected in its walls. It’s a fan favorite locale, attracting visitors from al over the country.
5ju989nfhs50/Wikimedia
106 Newgate Road, East Granby, CT 06026
The former prison and mine has been closed to tours, but you can still visit the property. And luckily, it’s expected to be reopened pretty soon. In the meantime, you’ll love looking at this stone beauty and reading up on its history.
Staxringold/Wikimedia
57 Fort Street, Groton, CT 06340
This fort played an important part in the American Revolutionary War, and it also happens to be an incredible picnic spot, complete with panoramic views. This is definitely one of the dreamiest forts you’ll ever visit.
Mstrsail/Wikimedia
67 River Road, East Haddam, CT 06423
This stunning castle sits high above the Connecticut River, and will make you feel like royalty. The detailed work and scenic views are made even better by the knowledge that William Gillette built this place.
Wildcat1/Wikimedia
186 Enterprise Dr., Bristol, CT 06010
How many states can say an amusement park counts as history? Opened in 1846, this is the oldest continuously-operating amusement park in the United States.
Shmitra/Wikimedia
38 Hillhouse Avenue, New Haven, CT 06511
One of the oldest, and most prestigious universities in America, stop by and take a college tour for a fun walk around New Haven. And make sure to try the apizza while you’re in town!
I, Postman1107/Wikimedia
275 Great Neck Road, Waterford, CT 06385
This 230 acre park and botanical garden wraps around a massive mansion. Its springtime charm has made it the place of many proposals, likely because the air always smells of roses.
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