Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection

Emergency Burn Ban In Effect 10/26/24 - An emergency burn ban is now in effect for all Connecticut State Parks, Forests, and Wildlife Management areas, prohibiting the use of all outdoor grills, firepits, and campfires, and the kindling and use of flame outdoors. DEEP and local agencies are working to contain several active fires across the state. Please avoid all affected State Parks and Forests, as well as the blue-blazed Mattabesett Trail. The Enduro Trail in Voluntown and portions of North Stonington within the Pachaug State Forest are closed at this time. Please note that today's forest fire danger report remains at an 'extreme' level. More information about the current fire danger, burn ban and recommended safety measures can be found here

Press Releases

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06/05/2018

Gov. Malloy Encourages Residents to Explore the State's Tourist Attractions During Connecticut Open House Day This Saturday

Special Discounts and Promotions Will Be Offered at Over 240 Destinations on June 9

Governor Dannel P. Malloy is encouraging residents and visitors to take advantage of the special discounts and unique promotions that will be offered at over 240 tourist destinations across Connecticut this Saturday, June 9, 2018 as part of the state’s 14th annual Connecticut Open House Day.
Coordinated by the Connecticut Office of Tourism, the one-day event is designed to showcase Connecticut’s diverse mix of history, art, culture, and excitement.  Residents can look forward to free admission at over 85 attractions, free tours at over 25 properties, and special offers and giveaways at over 100 businesses.
“Connecticut has an incredible array of museum, galleries, theaters, vineyards, shops, restaurants, historic properties, and other locations that make our state so unique, and we are proud to showcase all of them during this special event on Saturday,” Governor Malloy said.  “Residents and visitors alike are encouraged to take advantage of the special deals and discounts that businesses will offer throughout the day.  It’s the perfect opportunity to explore a destination you may have never visited before.”
**To view the full list of attractions participating in Connecticut Open House Day, click here**
Just a small sampling of some of the promotions being offered across the state includes:
  • Barnum Museum (Bridgeport): Free admission from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m., along with free Barnum bookmarks, guided tours, post cards and red noses (while supply lasts).
  • New England Carousel Museum (Bristol): Free admission from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m.
  • Osborne Homestead Museum (Derby): Museum open from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. with a special presentation on the Japanese art form ukiyo-e, a crafts workshop, and free tours of the museum featuring Japanese woodblock prints and Asian art.
  • Goodspeed Opera House (East Haddam): From 9 a.m. until 1 p.m., enjoy free tours of the historic Victorian theater built in 1876.
  • Witness Stones African American History Walking Tour (Guilford): Free walking tour at 9 a.m. Departs from the Visitors Kiosk, located at 32 Church Street.
  • Connecticut River Expeditions – RiverQuest (Haddam): Take a special 40-minute cruise for a special price of $5, for all ages. Begins at 9 a.m., when RiverQuest meets capacity, will leave the dock. Return and reload with last boat departing at 12:30 p.m. First come, first serve, no reservations. No credit cards, cash only.
  • Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art  (Hartford): Free admission from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m.
  • Lutz Children’s Museum (Manchester): Free admission from noon until 5 p.m., with “Touch-a-Truck” where visitors can climb inside big trucks and heavy equipment.
  • Mystic Aquarium (Mystic): Offering $6 off general admission, good up to four guests when you mention Connecticut Open House Day at the admission gate.
  • Monte Cristo Cottage (New London): Free tours from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m., to the boyhood home of Nobel Prize-winning playwright Eugene O'Neill.
  • Yale Center for British Art (New Haven): Open 10 a.m. until 5 p.m., offering free introductory tour (11 a.m.), a tour of the special exhibition “Celia Paul” (1 p.m.), and an architecture tour (3 p.m.). In addition, the Museum Shop is offering 10% off visitors’ entire purchase.
  • PEZ Visitor Center (Orange): Free admission from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m.
  • Dinosaur State Park (Rocky Hill): Free admission from 9 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.
  • National Helicopter Museum (Stratford): Free admission from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m.
Discounts and special offers, as well as hours of operation, vary by attraction.  More information can be found on the state’s official tourism website at www.CTVisit.com.  Also, follow @CTvisit on Twitter and Instagram, post photos and comments using the hashtag #CTOpenHouse, and RSVP to the event on Facebook.
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