There is certainly no shortage of attractions in Connecticut. For such a small state, we really know how to have a good time! Check out this list to find new places, rediscover old favorites and get your bucket list up to date. 2016 was a bit of a whirlwind, but with proper planning and the right attitude, we can make 2017 extra special. See all the awesome attractions in Connecticut now:
- Lake Compounce
Joelip/Flickr 186 Enterprise Drive, Bristol, CT 06010
The oldest continuously operating theme park in America, few historical places are as much fun as Lake Compounce! Spend the weekend in a cabin, eat carnival style food and see the 106 year old carousel that took four master carvers to complete.
- Charles Island
kenneth casper/Flickr Silver Sands State Park; 1 Silver Sands Park Way, Milford, CT 06460
This cursed island can only be visited at low tide! When the water is low, the sandbar reveals itself, making a walkable trail to the island. Just be careful not to get stuck out there when the water level rises!
- The Charles W. Morgan
Ken Mist/Flickr Mystic Seaport; 75 Greenmanville Avenue, Mystic, CT 06355
Step aboard the last remaining wooden whaling ship in the world! Built in 1841, this piece of working history is nothing short of breathtaking.
- Mark Twain House
Ken Zirkel/Flickr 351 Farmington Avenue, Hartford, CT 06105
Step inside the shoes of a beloved American author in this quirky historic home. It’s Hartford location makes it perfect for an afternoon adventure.
- Thimble Islands
slack12/Flickr 4 Indian Point Road, Branford, CT 06405
A lot of folks don’t know Connecticut has islands, but it does! Take a Thimble Island cruise for a relaxing and scenic ride through the collection of funnily named islands.
- Holy Land USA
nick chapman/Flickr Slocum Road, Waterbury, CT 06706
This abandoned religious themed park attracts explorers every year. A recreation of Jerusalem, the remnants of this place are both mesmerizing and haunting.
- Wild Bill’s Nostalgia Store
Wild Bills Nostalgia/Facebook 1003 Newfield Street, Middletown, CT 06457
From the fun house to the yugos balancing on top of balls, this store is crazy! It’s also home to the world’s largest jack-in-the-box, making it a must see locale.
- Essex Steam Train & Riverboat
Essex Steam Train & Riverboat/Facebook 1 Railroad Avenue, Centerbrook, CT 06426
This scenic riverfront ride is one of the most talked about attractions in the state! They offer fun and unique rides all year long, from romantic dinner rides to a chance to meet Thomas the Engine.
- Route 169
Doug Kerr/Flickr When it comes to taking a lazy Sunday, few things are better than a nice drive down Route 169. Take in the fresh air and quaint surroundings for a day of classic New England relaxation.
- Gillette Castle
CJ Oliver/Flickr 67 River Road, East Haddam, CT 06423
This famous castle is loaded with quirky and intricate details, including a collection of doorknobs. But even better, the estate includes sweeping views you’ll never forget.
- Kent Falls State Park
Jaine/Flickr 462 Kent Cornwall Road, Kent, CT 06757
One of the largest (and prettiest) set of falls in the state, you’ll love the ease of climbing the stone steps to the top. This cascading wonder is totally worth it, and the park that surrounds it is picnic heaven.
- Shore Line Trolley Museum
Branford Electric Railway Association/Shore Line Trolley Museum/Facebook 17 River Street, East Haven, CT 0651
If trains aren’t really your style you can travel even further back in time by taking a ride on a vintage trolley. Things can get spooky in October, but it’s a pretty peaceful trip the rest of the year.
- Brownstone Exploration & Discovery Park
Tracey R./Yelp 161 Brownstone Ave, Portland, CT 06480
There’s no end to the fun you can have at this place! Kayaking, inflatable slides, and a zip line are just the beginning.
- The Dinosaur Place at Nature’s Art Village
Peter Rivera/Flickr 1650 Hartford-New London Turnpike, Oakdale, CT 06370
Think Jurassic Park, but without the fear of being eaten. Life size dinosaurs await you at this massive park, and in the summer your can take advantage of the splash pad too.
- Union Cemetery
Neil R/Flickr 850 Sport Hill Road, Easton, CT 06612
Make it a goal to conquer your fears in 2017 and visit a demonically possessed graveyard. One of the most haunted attractions in Connecticut, it’s one of the most likely places to spot a ghost!
- Scranton’s Shops
Scranton’s Shops/Facebook 300 Route 169, South Woodstock, Connecticut 06267
Litchfield may have a reputation for antiques, but Scranton’s is a true hidden gem! Visit here for nearly four thousand square feet of unique finds.
- Riga Falls
Decaseconds/Flickr Mount Riga State Park; 29 Berkshire Dr, Salisbury, CT 06068
It’s just a quick hike to this awesome swimming hole. If you’ve been dreaming of swimming at a waterfall, definitely keep this place in mind for the new year!
These attractions in Connecticut are sure to delight you! But if you’re looking for a quick fix, check out this amazing Winter Slide in Connecticut for a thrilling high speed adventure.Winter Slide in Connecticut for a thrilling high speed adventure.
Joelip/Flickr
186 Enterprise Drive, Bristol, CT 06010
The oldest continuously operating theme park in America, few historical places are as much fun as Lake Compounce! Spend the weekend in a cabin, eat carnival style food and see the 106 year old carousel that took four master carvers to complete.
kenneth casper/Flickr
Silver Sands State Park; 1 Silver Sands Park Way, Milford, CT 06460
This cursed island can only be visited at low tide! When the water is low, the sandbar reveals itself, making a walkable trail to the island. Just be careful not to get stuck out there when the water level rises!
Ken Mist/Flickr
Mystic Seaport; 75 Greenmanville Avenue, Mystic, CT 06355
Step aboard the last remaining wooden whaling ship in the world! Built in 1841, this piece of working history is nothing short of breathtaking.
Ken Zirkel/Flickr
351 Farmington Avenue, Hartford, CT 06105
Step inside the shoes of a beloved American author in this quirky historic home. It’s Hartford location makes it perfect for an afternoon adventure.
slack12/Flickr
4 Indian Point Road, Branford, CT 06405
A lot of folks don’t know Connecticut has islands, but it does! Take a Thimble Island cruise for a relaxing and scenic ride through the collection of funnily named islands.
nick chapman/Flickr
Slocum Road, Waterbury, CT 06706
This abandoned religious themed park attracts explorers every year. A recreation of Jerusalem, the remnants of this place are both mesmerizing and haunting.
Wild Bills Nostalgia/Facebook
1003 Newfield Street, Middletown, CT 06457
From the fun house to the yugos balancing on top of balls, this store is crazy! It’s also home to the world’s largest jack-in-the-box, making it a must see locale.
Essex Steam Train & Riverboat/Facebook
1 Railroad Avenue, Centerbrook, CT 06426
This scenic riverfront ride is one of the most talked about attractions in the state! They offer fun and unique rides all year long, from romantic dinner rides to a chance to meet Thomas the Engine.
Doug Kerr/Flickr
When it comes to taking a lazy Sunday, few things are better than a nice drive down Route 169. Take in the fresh air and quaint surroundings for a day of classic New England relaxation.
CJ Oliver/Flickr
67 River Road, East Haddam, CT 06423
This famous castle is loaded with quirky and intricate details, including a collection of doorknobs. But even better, the estate includes sweeping views you’ll never forget.
Jaine/Flickr
462 Kent Cornwall Road, Kent, CT 06757
One of the largest (and prettiest) set of falls in the state, you’ll love the ease of climbing the stone steps to the top. This cascading wonder is totally worth it, and the park that surrounds it is picnic heaven.
Branford Electric Railway Association/Shore Line Trolley Museum/Facebook
17 River Street, East Haven, CT 0651
If trains aren’t really your style you can travel even further back in time by taking a ride on a vintage trolley. Things can get spooky in October, but it’s a pretty peaceful trip the rest of the year.
Tracey R./Yelp
161 Brownstone Ave, Portland, CT 06480
There’s no end to the fun you can have at this place! Kayaking, inflatable slides, and a zip line are just the beginning.
Peter Rivera/Flickr
1650 Hartford-New London Turnpike, Oakdale, CT 06370
Think Jurassic Park, but without the fear of being eaten. Life size dinosaurs await you at this massive park, and in the summer your can take advantage of the splash pad too.
Neil R/Flickr
850 Sport Hill Road, Easton, CT 06612
Make it a goal to conquer your fears in 2017 and visit a demonically possessed graveyard. One of the most haunted attractions in Connecticut, it’s one of the most likely places to spot a ghost!
Scranton’s Shops/Facebook
300 Route 169, South Woodstock, Connecticut 06267
Litchfield may have a reputation for antiques, but Scranton’s is a true hidden gem! Visit here for nearly four thousand square feet of unique finds.
Decaseconds/Flickr
Mount Riga State Park; 29 Berkshire Dr, Salisbury, CT 06068
It’s just a quick hike to this awesome swimming hole. If you’ve been dreaming of swimming at a waterfall, definitely keep this place in mind for the new year!
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