Must-See Sites in Hartford, Connecticut

Though often overshadowed by Boston, the State Capital of Connecticut offers the perfect mix of New England charm. Hartford is home to a variety of interesting sites, including the oldest free public museum in the country and the home where Mark Twain wrote Tom Sawyer. Here are the top sites to see when visiting Hartford, CT.

Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art

Founded in 1842, the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art is the oldest public art museum in the United States. The museum boasts one of the best art collections in the country. It holds over 50,000 artworks that span across 5,000 years. Here you can explore ancient Greek and Roman artifacts, European decorative art, surrealist paintings, early American furniture, African American art, and the finest collection of Hudson River School landscapes. 

Mark Twain House and Museum

The Mark Twain House and Museum is the site of the famed author's family residence from 1874 to 1891. Here he wrote the classics Tom Sawyer and Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. Visitors can learn more about Mark Twain's literary work, as well as his personal life.

Harriet Beech Stowe Center

Mark Twain isn't the only famous author to have lived in Hartford. Hartford was also once home to Harriet Beecher Stowe, the author of Uncle's Tom Cabin. Her novel has sold the most copies out of any book after the Bible and had a significant role in the abolitionist movement. The home was built in 1817 and occupied by the author from 1873 to 1896.

Bushnell Park

Bushnell Park is a beautiful 37-acre park adjacent to the Capitol grounds. America's first public park, Bushnell houses the Pump House Gallery, the Civil War Memorial, the Israel Putnam Statue, and a 1914 Stein and Goldstein carousel.

Traveling to Hartford

Whether you're planning a day trip to Hartford or a week-long getaway, the city is easy to get to. If you're traveling from out of town, the Bradley International Airport is located just outside of city limits. There's also the Hartford Union Station, which is located near the State Capitol Building. No matter where you're coming from, traveling to Hartford is easy with the Bradley Airport and long-term parking options throughout in the city.