Top Rated Attractions in Hartford

One of the nation's oldest state houses, Hartford's Old State House dates back to 1796. A Federal-style building designed by famed architect Charles Bulfinch, the Old State House has been restored on numerous occasions and has been on the list of National Historic Landmarks since 1966. The state house bears an assemblage of architectural influences, where a Federal Styled-facade gives way to a Victorian chamber and a courtroom awash in Colonial Revival style. Home to the Museum of Natural and Other Curiosities, this regal, brick-hued edifice overlooks a pristine lawn, and lords over the sleek cityscape of Hartford. Even though it has not served the Connecticut government since the construction of the new State Capitol building, the Old State House is a stirring canopy lending insights into the history of the state.

Since 1970, this independent theater has showcased films, plays and other performance art to the people of Hartford. Founded by a group of Trinity College students, it functions as a cooperative where the students star, direct and write all of the scripts. Seven days a week, visitors can see original content as well as vintage films and cult classics. It's location on the Trinity College campus is also convenient for both students as well as guests.

Located in the downtown area, the Butler-McCook House & Garden is one of the oldest structures in Hartford. Established in 1782, the home was designed by Jacob Weidenman in a Victorian style, and everything reflects this era, from the pretty garden that surrounds the home to the interior details. The home was owned by the Butler and McCook family for two centuries and now it functions as a museum, with exhibits reflecting the four generations that lived in this house, and the changes that the neighborhood saw over the years.

The Witch's Dungeon Classic Movie Museum is a popular spot in the city of Bristol during Halloween season. The reason for its popularity is its distinctive collection of classic, life-size movie monsters. The museum was established in 1966 and it's housed in a magnificent Swiss chalet-style building. It's a small museum, however the amount of classic movie monsters like Dracula, the Creature from the Black Lagoon, the Mummy and many more make it worth the trip. Visitors be warned, the museum is only open during the month of October.

Noah Webster was a pioneer of education and learning in Colonial America and his birthplace and childhood home is an educational, often overlooked, attraction for adults and kids alike in northern Connecticut. Throughout the year, visitors come to the Noah Webster House to learn more about the man who inspired generations of Colonial Americans to read and write in a uniform fashion, forgoing British spellings and pronunciation guides.

The Connecticut Historical Society expounds upon the history of America's fifth State. Visit their museum and center to learn more about Northeastern history through exhibitions, programs and Connecticut-related collections. It also features one of the largest costume and textile collections in New England. The research center has over 270,000 artifacts and graphics, and over 100,000 books and pamphlets. Overall, an interesting spot to visit, especially if you're from Connecticut.