Location: Hartford
Top Things to do in Hartford
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What to do and see in Hartford, Connecticut (CT): The Best Free Things to do
From its origins as a Connecticut River trading post in 1633, Hartford has become not only the state capital but also the insurance capital of the world, with a slew of historical attractions, a thriving arts and entertainment center, a revitalized riverfront and beautiful parks and public gardens. It was here that the lovable Huck Finn and Tom Sawyer were born in the imagination of celebrated author Mark Twain and immortalized on paper during the writer's Hartford years. Twain's home and those of fellow literary figures Harriet Beecher Stowe and Noah Webster are open to the public. The Wadsworth Atheneum, the oldest public art museum in the U.S., houses Pilgrim-Century furniture, the Amistad collection and a special treasure hunt system to entice kids to explore the museum's works. If your timing is right (end of June, beginning of July), you'll catch the Elizabeth Park rose gardens in bloom, but fall is also great for brilliant leaf colors, and spring yields colorful gardens and blossoming trees. For a bird's-eye view of the city, visit the observation deck of Travelers Tower, where you might also spot two resident falcons.
Restaurants in Hartford
1. Cedar Hill Cemetery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 57 reviews
Reviewed By RideTheDonkey - Toronto, Canada
Cedar Hill Cemetery in Hartford Connecticut. Resting place to famous people such as: Samuel Colt, Inventor of the Colt Revolver, Katherine Hepburn, Actress, Katherine Houghton Hepburn, president of the suffragette association in Connecticut, Isabella Beecher Hooker, social activist and sister to Harriet Beecher Stowe, John P. Morgan, Financier, Horace Wells, discoverer of anesthesia and who had a tragic death......and many more. Always a slow and pondering moment to these ones who made some impact in our history.
2. Cathedral of St Joseph
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 46 reviews
Reviewed By redeco - Warren, United States
The original Cathedral of St. Joseph was devastated by fire in 1956. But, like a phoenix rising from the ashes, the new ultra-modern structure created as a replacement, was dedicated in 1962. The design firm was Eggers and Higgins of New York. The soaring vault is flooded with colored light from the hundreds of stained glass windows throughout the cathedral. No expense appears to have been spared in the construction of this church. The windows were designed by Jean Barillet of Paris, and each stands 67 feet high and 13 and a half feet wide. Traditional new and old testament subjects are depicted in the windows which sparkle like jewels in the sunlight. I could go on and on - the physical beauty of this structure is a testament to the faith and vision of its parishioners. Stop in and sit; soak in the quiet; the solemn atmosphere if this beautiful church. Enjoy.
3. Connecticut State Library and State Archives
4. Connecticut State Capitol
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 217 reviews
A tour of the gold-leaf-domed capitol includes the Hall of Flags and, when they're in session, a chance to see the state senate and house of representatives in action.
Reviewed By BillP1123 - Plainville, United States
This gold-domed (gold leaf) building was built from 1871-78 as designed by Richard M. Upjohn and Janes G Batterson (Eastlake style) and opened for the Legislature in 1878. It cost $2.35 million. Exterior marble is from East Canaan, CT and the granite is from Westerly, RI. The House and Senate Chambers are there. The House continues to use the original desks from 1878. Offices for the Governor, Lt. Gov., Sec of State are also there. A replica of the statue originally on the roof, the GENIUS OF CT ( R Rodgers) , is inside. This was originally the site of Trinity College. Many other stayed, Nathan Hale, Prudence Crandall, and others. Free one hour guided tours of both the Capitol & LOB are given and start from the LOB (Legislative Office Building) across the highway entrance also on Capitol Avenue which can be walked to above ground or via tunnel. Jan-June,Sept-Dec, M-F 915, 1015, 1115, 1215, 115 am July-August 915, 1015, 1115, 1215, 115, and 215 Closed on weekends.
5. Trinity College
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 40 reviews
Reviewed By suzzel691 - Bay City, United States
I knew of the history but the architecture was remarkable. The school and campus were just beautiful and everyone very friendly.
6. Ancient Burying Ground
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 63 reviews
Reviewed By glacierhiker78 - Hartford, United States
Smack in the middle of Hartford is a ticket back to the 1700's. Surrounded by traffic and high rises is a cemetery with classic tomb stones, benches and monuments to when Hartford was a small town. Great place to learn about local history!
7. Mortensen Riverfront Plaza
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 32 reviews
8. Riverside Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 25 reviews
Reviewed By dustythoughts - Manchester, United States
This wonderful park is a great place to enjoy a combination of nature and an urban environment, situated as it is on the river right in Hartford. There's space for walking, sitting and enjoying the river, and also a big waterfront where they have various festivals throughout the year - although lately they can't because of COVID. Nonetheless, you can still come here and admire the statues, like the Abe Lincoln and Harriet Tubman statues. The park is clean and well-maintained, and there's plenty of space for everyone to practice physical distancing.
9. Hartford Public Library
10. Bushnell Park
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 197 reviews
The first public park in America that was financed with public funds, Bushnell Park draws visitors to its 1914 carousel, and also features memorials honoring Civil War and Spanish-American War soldiers and some 150 varieties of trees.
Reviewed By dialam
As far as parks go, this is a nice one. Not much goes on in the winter time. A place to ice skate. I think that's about it. The summer time is when it comes to life. Jazz bands and other things. Nice place to run and walk around. As well to play in the park it self. For something/Nothing to do for free, this is your place.
