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Connecticut attractions include sea history, roller coasters, dinosaurs, and more

Connecticut > State > Things to Do and See > Attractions

Connecticut attractions offer an wide variety of great things to do during your CT vacation. Learn about Connecticut’s ship building history at the Mystic Seaport in Mystic, discover the fossilized tracks of dinosaurs at Dinosaur State Park in Rocky Hill, experience the thrill of the Wooden Warrior award-winning roller coaster at Quassy Amusement Park in Middlebury, and enjoy the only steam train to riverboat Connecticut in the entire country at the Essex Steam Train & Riverboat in Essex. The number and variety of family activities is legendary!

Follow these links for : Zoos, Aquariums & Animal Parks - Casinos - Amusement Parks - Outdoor Adventures

Attractions in Connecticut - Wooden Warrior Roller Coaster at Quassy Amusement Park in Middlebury, CT
Onrust at the Dock - Connecticut River Museum - Essex, CT
Connecticut River Museum

67 Main Street, Steamboat Dock Essex, CT, 06426 Phone: 860-767-8269

Lots of fun things to do and see both inside and outside at this educational river museum

Take a cruise aboard a replica of America’s first yacht, examine the very small interior of the Turtle, the first submarine to be used in combat in 1776, and examine historical artifacts and artwork at the Connecticut River Museum, a cultural center for activities and exhibits about the river and the river valley. Museum exhibits explore everything from the history of the river and its Native American communities to a look at the era of speed racing on the river, from 1900 to 1940. You can take an afternoon or evening cruise on the Onrust, a re-creation of a 1614 sailing vessel built in Manhattan, making it the country’s first yacht, or spy an osprey or eagle from the deck of the eco-tour boat RiverQuest.
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Cecilia Ann Yacht
Block Island Express

2 Ferry Street New London, CT, 06320 Phone:

The fun starts before you even arrive

Your Block Island adventure starts the moment you board the Block Island Express. The high-speed ferry departs from New London, CT or Orient Point, NY, whisking you to beautiful Block Island, RI in about 90 minutes. Settle into comfortable indoor seating or head to the open decks for panoramic views of sailboats, lighthouses and the Long Island Sound. The Cross Sound Deli serves sandwiches, snacks, craft beers and specialty cocktails for the ride. On the island, explore famous beaches, bike scenic trails, go kayaking or enjoy al fresco dining and nightlife. Thursdays, catch the half-price Dinner Run from New London. 
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Galleries and Museums
The Mather Homestead

19 Stephen Mather Road Darien, CT, 06820 Phone: 203-202-7602

The Mather Homestead, Darien’s only National Historic Landmark, is a beautifully preserved 1778 home with a rich American story spanning more than two centuries. Built during the Revolutionary War, the home was designed to keep the Mather family safe from Tory raids. Deacon Joseph Mather, son of the influential patriot preacher Reverend Moses Mather, lived here with his wife and their eleven children. In 1906, Stephen Tyng Mather, borax entrepreneur and first director of the National Park Service, occupied the home as his summer residence and added the beautiful gardens that continue to grace the property. Today, guided tours (Monday through Friday) tell the Mather family story and bring American history to life, from the Revolutionary era through the early 2000s, when the home was entrusted to The Mather Homestead Foundation.
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Pick Your Own Apples - Lyman Orchards - Middlefield, CT
Lyman Orchards

32 Reeds Gap Road Middlefield, CT, 06455 Phone: 860-349-1793

Named Connecticut's Best Pick-Your-Own Farm for 2024 by Connecticut Magazine

Centrally located within 30 minutes of Hartford, Waterbury, and New Haven, CT, Lyman Orchards is a must-visit destination for all ages with plenty of events and festivals happening year-round. With nearly 100 varieties of pick-your-own fruits from June to October, it's a perfect outing! Explore the seasonal Sunflower or Corn Maze, offering fun and beautiful views. The Apple Barrel Farm Market provides fresh produce, handmade pies, and delicious sandwiches, while the 1741 Pub & Grill offers tasty meals with a view. Golf enthusiasts can enjoy three award-winning courses. Lyman Orchards blends tradition, nature, and recreation, making it an ideal spot for outdoor fun, farm-fresh flavors, and scenic beauty.
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Atractions Outdoor Adventure - The Dinosaur Place at Nature's Art Village - Oakdale CT
The Dinosaur Place at Nature's Art Village

1650 Hartford-New London Tpke. (Rt. 85) Oakdale, CT, 06370 Phone: 860-443-4367

Water park, playground, mini-golf course and dino trail all rolled into one exciting attraction

A Splash Pad, a challenging maze, a fun state-of-the-art playground, mini golf, a climbing tower — and dinosaurs! The Dinosaur Place at Nature’s Art Village really does have something for everyone. When you’re done shooting water cannons and climbing across balance-beam bridges and sinking that perfect putt, there are still dinosaurs to see — over 60 of them, life-sized, positioned along an easy-to-walk nature trail. Other activities include digging for gems at Jackpot Mine, panning for fools gold nuggets at Thunder Creek and heading over to Lapilli Landing for the equestrian-themed pedal-car track and Lucky Leroy train ride. Grab a burger or a hot dog at Monty’s Munchies, or bring your own picnic! And don’t go home without a treasure from the many shops offering fossils, crystals, beads, toys and trinkets.
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Full View - IT Adventures Rope Course - New Haven, CT
IT Adventure Ropes Course

40 Sargent Drive New Haven, CT, 06511 Phone: 203-812-9981

Climbing walls, zip lines, world’s largest indoor ropes course all in one attraction

At the It Adventure Ropes Course in New Haven, CT, there are so many ways to have fun, you might want to have a plan before you go! The world’s largest indoor ropes course offers a huge variety of challenges for adults and kids, from zigzag swinging beams and bridges to cargo nets, rope ladders and zip rails. It's the perfect place for birthday parties, field trips, private functions, and even corporate retreats! Worried you aren’t fit enough for the course? If you can climb stairs, you’re good to go! And there are no set paths, so you can choose your own direction. And your littlest thrill-seeker won’t miss out on the fun. The Little It course features platforms three feet off the ground, where adults can assist their kids (if needed!). Over at the Climb It attraction, four different walls provide a new take on traditional climbing.
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Big Fish 500x250 - Black Hawk Party Boat - Niantic, CT
Black Hawk Sport Fishing

Sailing from Cini Memorial Park Niantic, CT, 06357 Phone: 860-448-3662 Toll-Free: 800-382-2824

Let this sport-fishing service show you the very best of what’s below, and above, the sea

Starting in early May, Black Hawk Sport Fishing provides the kind of fishing and sightseeing experiences that continue to make it one of Connecticut’s favorite party boats. Clean, comfortable and meticulously maintained, the Black Hawk is one of the fastest vessels of its kind in New England, and one of the most well-equipped to find fish, from blue fish and stripers to sea bass, cod and fluke. Mates will fillet and clean your catch for you to take home or donate to a local soup kitchen or food bank. For those interested more in what’s above sea level, there are a variety of sightseeing cruises, including trips to view sunsets, fireworks, seals and eagles. A galley serves hotdogs, burgers, snacks and beverages. Private charters are available.
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Lighthouse Cruise
Cross Sound Lighthouse Cruises

2 Ferry Street New London, CT, 06320 Phone: 860-444-4620

See New England's Most Storied Lighthouses by Catamaran

Few experiences along the New England coast are as memorable as a Cross Sound lighthouse cruise. Choose from three two-hour tours departing New London, CT or Orient Point, NY, each passing a remarkable collection of historic lighthouses — including Race Rock Light (said to be haunted), Watch Hill Light (authorized by President Jefferson) and New London Harbor Light, one of the original 12 colonial lighthouses in the country. Knowledgeable guides share the history and legends behind each one. Ride in comfort aboard a catamaran with air-conditioned lounges, sun-soaked decks and full snack and bar service.
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Cruising off Rathbuns New - Argia Mystic Cruises - Mystic, CT
Argia Mystic Cruises

75 Steamboat Wharf Mystic, CT, 06355 Phone: 860-536-0416

Explore New England's coast aboard a traditional sailing ship

Return to the romantic Age of Sail aboard the 81-foot schooner Argia. She is a US Coast Guard-inspected vessel and one of the last sailing ships in New England. Departing from Mystic CT, the ship sails in Fishers Island Sound, a calm, protected body of water, from May to mid-October. Bask in the sun on her spacious wooden deck while you sail past the seafaring village of Mystic, the surrounding islands, and historic lighthouses. Delight in quirky sea stories of the area, told by the crew and Captain of Argia. Feel free to bring your own picnic and beverages. Wine and beer are permitted. Enjoy a 2 hour day-sail, or experience the romance of the sea at twilight with a sunset sail.
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Guided Adventures
Mark Twain House & Museum

351 Farmington Avenue Hartford, CT, 06105 Phone: 860-247-0998

Explore the Iconic Gilded Age Home of Mark Twain

One of Hartford’s signature attractions, the Mark Twain House & Museum invites visitors into the 25-room Victorian home where Mark Twain lived during the Gilded Age and wrote many of his best-known books, including Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn. Tours showcase the home’s striking architecture and richly decorated interiors, plus exhibits in the museum center that explore Twain’s life, legacy, and the era that inspired “The Gilded Age.” Make it a highlight of your Connecticut itinerary. 
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Foliage View - Visit New Haven, CT - Photo Credit Visit New Haven
Visit New Haven

28 Orange Street North Haven, CT, 06473 Phone: 203-777-8550

A restaurant renaissance has made Greater New Haven a most exciting culinary destination. And then there's Yale University: with its medieval courtyards and stunning buildings -- from Gothic revival to acclaimed modernism. Can you name another area this size with world-class museums, theater and music? There are town greens to rival any in New England and preserved historic homes in even the smallest village. And alongside every town green are tiny boutiques and eclectic shops as well as superb bookstores. Now add the outdoors for long: sandy shores, nature preserves, centuries-old orchards, rocky hikes.
Mashantucket Pequot Museum and Research Center - Ledyard, CT - Photo Credit Mashantucket Pequot Museum
Mashantucket Pequot Museum & Research Center

110 Pequot Trail Ledyard, CT, 06338 Phone: 860-396-6910 Toll-Free: 800-411-9671

Permanent exhibits on the Native and natural history of southern New England include a cool descent into a glacial crevasse from 18,000 years ago. Walk through a 1550 Pequot Village. Interactive computer programs, films providing additional information and interpretation of the exhibits. Two research libraries, one for children. Museum store and restaurant.
Hours: Wednesday-Saturday, 9am - 5pm.
Admission: Adults $22, Seniors & Students with ID $17, Youths 6-17 $13, Children under 6 Free.
Castle Craig Fall View - Central CT Regional Tourism District - Photo Credit CTVisit
Central CT Regional Tourism District

One Constitution Plaza Hartford, CT, 06103 Phone: 860-787-9640

Since 1974, the Central CT Regional Tourism District has marketed and promoted the Hartford region as a convention and meeting destination. We provide complimentary services to all convention and meeting planners. We can assist you in finding a meeting facility, provide promotional literature and much more. For more information, please give us a call!