The Greater Hartford area has many sights and activities of all types. We have gathered a list some of the many attractions that range in distance from across the street to no further than a 30 minute drive. If you are willing to travel farther, there is even more to see and do. You can find more at ctvisit.com .
Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art
600 Main Street Hartford
In our opinion, one of the best museums in New England.
The Austin House
130 Scarborough Street, Hartford
The Austin House, a National Historic Landmark, is the largest object in the Wadsworth Atheneum’s collection and is the former West End home of the legendary and innovative A. Everett “Chick” Austin, Jr.
Cheney Homestead
106 Hartford Rd Manchester
The first of the Cheney family homes in Manchester, built circa 1785. Now a museum of the Manchester Historical Society
Museum of Connecticut History
231 Capitol Avenue Hartford
The Museum is part of the Connecticut State Library and focuses on Connecticut’s government, industrial and military history. It is well know for it's firearms collection.
Old Wethersfield
Main Street Wethersfield
The site of the first permanent European-American settlement in the state of Connecticut. Tours of one of the oldest houses in Connecticut, as well as other historically interesting sites.
Connecticut Historical Society Museum & Library
One Elizabeth Street Hartford
A private, nonprofit, educational organization established in 1825, the Connecticut Historical Society is the state’s official historical society and one of the oldest in the nation. The CHS collection, programs and exhibits help Connecticut residents connect with each other, have conversations that shape our communities, and make informed decisions based on our past and present.
Manchester History Center
175 Pine Street Manchester
Located in the former Cheney Machine Shop, the History Center houses displays on local history, the Museum Store and Historical Society administrative offices. Admission is free, check the website for open hours.
Two of the most noted American authors of the 19th century were neighbors at Nook Farm, Hartford. You can park in the shared lot and receive a discount if you visit both houses.
Connecticut Science Center
250 Columbus Blvd. Hartford
More than 165 hands-on exhibits, a state-of-the-art 3D digital theater and more.
Connecticut State Capitol Tours
210 Capitol Avenue Hartford
This beautiful and unique building houses the executive offices and legislative chambers of the state, as well as historical memorabilia including statues of Nathan Hale and Prudence Crandall.
Bushnell Park
99 Trinity St. Hartford
The Soldier's and Sailor's Memorial Arch and the historic Carousel are just 2 of the many features of this beautiful historic park, found right next to the State Capitol.
The Fire Museum
230 Pine St Manchester
Collection of historical fire fighting equipment. Tours Fridays and Saturdays or by appointment.
Old Manchester Museum
126 Cedar St Manchester
Originally build in 1859 as the Cheney School, the building was relocated in 1914, and has had a multitude of uses. In 1985 it was restored and renovated into the Museum of Local History and Manchester Sports Hall of Fame.
The Old State House
800 Main Street Hartford
Completed in 1796, the Old State House was made a National Historic Landmark in 1960. It is open for tours, and hosts a number of historical exhibits and a seasonal farmers' market.
Beautiful theater with great acoustics. A large variety of shows and performances from Broadway to comedy.
Hartford Stage Company
50 Church Street Hartford
Renowned for producing innovative revivals of classics, as well as provocative new plays and musicals, Hartford Stage has earned many of the nation’s most prestigious awards, including the 1989 Tony Award for Outstanding Regional Theatre.
OUR MISSION: To foster interest in and appreciation of the performing arts; to present a wide variety of performing arts programs; to provide training for the development and perfection of skills of every phase of the dramatic arts; to present a variety of live theatre productions, concerts and other performing arts programs; and to operate Cheney Hall, the oldest operating theater in Connecticut, as a core cultural treasure in the State.
New Britain Museum of American Art
56 Lexington Street New Britain
The NBMAA collection represents over three centuries of the major artists and movements of American art. Today it contains over 8,400 paintings, works on paper, sculptures, videos, and photographs.
University of St. Joseph Art Museum
1678 Asylum Avenue West Hartford
With more than 2,100 works of art, six exhibition galleries, changing installations, a print study room and a variety of programs for the University and the public, the Art Museum provides countless opportunities for the study and enjoyment of art.
Hill-Stead Museum
35 Mountain Road Farmington
Hill-Stead is considered “perhaps the finest Colonial Revival house and museum in the United States” (National Historic Landmark Report) and houses some of the most important Impressionist paintings in the world, including works by Mary Cassatt, Edgar Degas, Édouard Manet, Claude Monet, and James McNeill Whistler.
Elizabeth Park Rose Garden
Asylum Avenue on the Hartford / West Hartford town line
Visitors can enjoy the formal gardens, green spaces, picnic areas, and recreational facilities in Elizabeth Park. Also, at various times throughout the year, the Elizabeth Park Conservancy presents special events, outdoor concerts, tours, lectures and garden workshops in the Park—many of them free to the public. Dining is available at the Pond House Café.
Connecticut Science Center
250 Columbus Blvd. Hartford
More than 165 hands-on exhibits, a state-of-the-art 3D digital theater and more.
Rentschler Field
615 Silver Lane East Hartford
Pratt & Whitney Stadium at Rentschler Field is the home field of the UCONN football team. We are located between UCONN Storrs campus and Rentschler Field, right off I 384.
XL Center
1 Civic Center Plaza, Hartford
Known as the Hartford Civic Center until 2007, the Coliseum is home to Hartford Wolf Pack hockey. It also hosts some UCONN basketball and hockey games as well as many other events.
Hiking, Biking & Walking
Just some of the many opportunities to enjoy the outdoors.
Other activities
Click for more information.
Buckland Hills Mall shopping area