MAIN Travel USA Connecticut

Part of an early Dutch settlement first explored by Adriaen Block, the area was later controlled by English colonists throughout much of the 1700's - when Connecticut would play a crucial role in the American Revolution as the major supplier of arms and ammunition to the Continental Army.

Today, hundreds of miles of shoreline on Long Island Sound provide opportunities for fishing and swimming along acres of Connecticut beaches. Heading inland, the central part of the state boasts acres of natural woodlands and scenic lakes plus opportunities for exploring - surprise! - Connecticut vineyards and wineries.

For the best of old New England, also check out historical attractions like the Yale University Art Gallery, a restored 19th century whaling community at Mystic Seaport, the Connecticut Science Center in Hartford, and the Maritime Museum in Norwalk.

Top attractions in Connecticut include the Yale Art Gallery, the Mystic Seaport
Museum, and the Connecticut Science Center in Downtown Hartford.

2023 Connecticut travel special events and festivals

Dogwood blossoms, food trucks and music, a plant and garden boutique, and more at the Fairfield Dogwood Festival in May

Just up ahead, check out our 2023 Connecticut travel calender featuring memorable events and major festivals happening throughout the state with dates, locations and official links for more information. Happy travels!

April 22, 2023 -- Connecticut Craft Beer Fest XL Center, Hartford

May 13 - May 14, 2023 -- Dogwood Festival Fairfield

June 22 - June 25, 2023-- SHAG Music Festival Spring Hill Vineyard, Litchfield Hills

July 13 - July 16, 2023 -- Greater Harford Festival of Jazz Bushnell Park, Hartford

August 2023 -- Hey Stamford! Food Festival Mill River Park, Stamford

September 2023 ,- Norwalk Oyster Festival Veteran's Memorial Park, Norwalk

Kid-friendly Connecticut

Also one of the top family-friendly attractions in the state, Mystic Seaport (see above) offers exhibits, hands-on history and entertainment one sweet package. While here, also don't miss a visit to the nearby Mystic Aquarium for more modern maritime adventures.

Check out a reall working farm at The Stamford Museum and Nature Center.

For other fun trips back in time, circus fans will also enjoy a stop at the Barnum Museum in Bridgeport.

With toddlers in tow, head south to Norwalk's Stepping Stones Museum for dozens of fun hands-on exhibits so creative that the kids won't even know they're actually learning.

Train enthusiasts might want to travel farther north to visit the Danbury Railway Museum and learn about the history of trains and a thrilling ride aboard one of the museum's working locomotives.

Elsewhere around the state, the Stamford Museum and Nature Center features a real working farm, related nature exhibits and planetarium shows, while the kid-friendly New England Air Museum in Windsor Locks offers an entertaining timeline of aircraft history and Open Cockpit days that puts kids in the flyer's seat (with some choice photo ops!)

also see -> 2023 Connecticut Fall Foliage | Christmas in Connecticut 2023

DID YOU KNOW? Connecticut Travel Fun Facts

Bushnell, the oldest public park in America.

.• Home to a vintage 1914 carousel, Bushnell Park in Hartford, America's oldest public park.

.• Mystic Seaport:is the largest maritime museum in the world.

.• Mashantucket is home to the largest resort casino in the world, Foxwoods Resort Casino.

.• The USS Nautilus, world's first nuclear powered submarine, was built in Groton, Connecticut in 1954 and now resides at the the Submarine Force Museum.

also see feature story -> Visiting Mashantucket Pequot Museum

Connecticut Ski Resorts

More about Connecticut travel around the Web:

Mystic Seaport - One of the state's most popular tourist spot with facts and information on the restored 19th century whaling community exhibit with group tour info, related courses, ticket info, pictures, map & directions, and a guide to hotels, dining and nearby attractions.

Connecticut Attractions, Roadside America - The weird and offbeat around the state including the Museum of Natural and Other Curiosities in Hartford, and the Lock Museum in Terryville.