What are some attractions within walking distance to the Museum of Connecticut History?
If you visit us in Hartford, there are many interesting places nearby that you can visit before or after the museum. Here are several recommendations that are great for kids, families, or anyone who loves history, science, or just a fun day out.
Why these places are great together
All these attractions are close, so you don’t need a car to see many of them. You can walk or take a short bus ride. There’s something for everyone: history, art, science, gardens, fun rides, and old government buildings.
You can make it a fun day out: visit us, then go to a park or another museum, maybe grab a treat, and enjoy the city.
Bushnell Park
Bushnell Park is the second-oldest publicly funded park in the United States. It has many trees, walking paths, and peaceful green spaces.
Bushnell Park Carousel is an old-fashioned merry-go-round built in 1914, with wooden horses and a pavilion. It’s a fun ride for kids or anyone who’s young at heart!
The park also has monuments and fountains, like the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Arch.
The arch honors the 4,000 Hartford people who served in the Civil War and the 400 who died fighting for the Union.
The park is perfect if you want a relaxing break, a ride on a historic carousel, or a fun stroll after the museum.
Connecticut’s State Capitol and Old State House
Book a tour of the Capitol and the Museum of CT History.
Contact: 860-240-0222 or Capitol.Tours@cga.ct.gov.
Visit The League of Women Voters of Connecticut (LWV).
The State Capitol is the building with the gold-leaf dome. It continues to show how the government looked long ago.
The Old State House is Connecticut’s first Capitol building and is a 15-20 minute walk from the museum.
These places are wonderful if you want to learn about how Connecticut’s government and history have changed over time.
Connecticut Science Center
The Connecticut Science Center is a big science museum with many interactive exhibits.
It’s fun for kids and adults who like learning about science.
It’s close enough to be part of the same day trip as the Museum of CT History.
This spot is great for something different: instead of history or art, explore science and how things work in a hands-on way.
The Mark Twain House and Museum and The Stowe Center for Literary Activism
The Mark Twain House and Museum is where the famous author lived. It’s a bit farther, but many people visit if they like stories, history, or old houses.
The Stowe Center for Literary Activism is where the author of Uncle Tom’s Cabin, an anti-slavery novel, lived.
Stowe’s memory lives on through the Center. Their main goal is to promote social justice and freedom throughout literature.
The Center is located next door to the Mark Twain House.
The above spots are especially good if you like stories, books, or learning about how people lived long ago.
It includes three historic buildings surrounded by beautiful gardens.
Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art
Wadsworth Atheneum is the oldest public art museum in the U.S. It’s only a few blocks from the Museum of CT History.
Inside, you’ll find lots of art from different eras. It’s perfect for anyone who enjoys paintings, sculptures, or exploring creative ideas.
If you like art, this museum is a great way to see how people express ideas and history through pictures and sculptures.
Connecticut Landmarks
Central Office
59 South Prospect Street
Hartford, CT 06106
860-247-8996
https://ctlandmarks.org/
Connecticut Museum of Culture & History
One Elizabeth Street
Hartford CT, 06105
860-236-5621
https://www.connecticutmuseum.org/
Connecticut's Old State House
800 Main Street
Hartford, CT 06103
860-240-5340
Connecticut Science Center
250 Columbus Blvd.
Hartford, CT, 06103
860-724-3623
www.ctsciencecenter.org
Mark Twain House & Museum
351 Farmington Avenue
Hartford, CT, 06105
860-247-0998
https://marktwainhouse.org/
Stowe Center for Literary Activism
77 Forest Street
Hartford, CT, 06105
860-522-9258
https://stowecenter.org/
The Wadsworth Atheneum
600 Main Street
Hartford, CT 06103
860-278-2670
https://www.thewadsworth.org/