Here are some fun activities to do while you are in the area. We have included a little blurb about each and linked websites for more information. Hopefully, this will be helpful in finding some fun things to do while in the area! If you would like any additional information about these or any other activities, feel free to reach out to Groomsman Daniel McCloskey at dmccloskey103@gmail.com.

Parks

Wadsworth Falls State Park, Middletown – This 285-acre park is a fantastic little recreation area right in Middletown. It features an impressive set of falls on the Coginchaug River at the south end of the park as well as smaller falls on Wadsworth Brook which are accessible from the north end of the park via a short hike. A map of the park is available here. Admission is free with CT license plates and $15 for vehicles with out of state plates.

Gillette Castle State Park, East Haddam – Perched high above the banks of the Connecticut River is one of the strangest features of Connecticut’s landscape: Gillette Castle. Built between 1914 and 1919, this mansion was the home of actor William Gillette. Famous for portraying Sherlock Holmes, his home emulates a castle and is full of unique and mysterious features. There is a visitor center with information about William Gillette’s life and tours of the castle are available April through October. Admission to the park grounds is free, but there is a small fee for tours (under 5: free, 6-12: $2, 13+: $6).

Dinosaur State Park, Rocky Hill – Discovered by accident in 1966, Dinosaur State Park preserves one of the largest fossil trackways in North America. This area features more than 2,500 dinosaur tracks that date to some 200 million years ago. The park has a great museum about these tracks and prehistoric Connecticut. Although this is generally geared towards kids, it is fun for all ages. Admission to the park grounds is free, but there is a small fee for the museum (under 5: free, 6-12: $2, 13+: $6).

Hubbard Park, Meriden – This 1,800-acre park is a gem of Central Connecticut. Featuring a manicured city park to the south and a wild recreation area to the north it has something for everyone. The most notable feature of this park, however, are the Hanging Hills. These traprock cliffs jut out from the landscape and serve as the highest point within 25 miles of the coast from Florida to Maine. Atop East Peak sits the 125-year-old Castle Craig which is accessible via a moderate 2.5-mile round trip hike or a park road which is open May through October. A park map is accessible here. Admission is free.

Sights

Wadsworth Mansion, Middletown – Adjacent to Wadsworth Falls State Park sits the stately Wadsworth Mansion. This classical 16,000-square foot mansion was built between 1908 and 1911 and was home to businessman and philanthropist Clarence S. Wadsworth. This beautiful home is situated on over 100-acres are manicured parkland that was meticulously planned by Clarence Wadsworth himself. Although the house itself is closed to the public, the grounds are open and free.

Comstock Covered Bridge, East Hampton – One of only three extant covered bridges in the State, Comstock Covered Bridge is an excellent example of New England covered bridge construction. Dating to 1873, this beautiful bridge is set idyllically over the Salmon River and provides access to the adjacent Salmon River State Forest. The grounds feature benches and interpretive materials about the bridge and the tradition of covered bridges in New England.

Goodspeed Opera House, East Haddam – A summer haven for performing artists looking to escape New York City, this opera house has a long history of musical theater. Built between 1876 and 1877, this theater has seen the debut of many notable musicals including Annie and Man of La Mancha. Although it is still an active theater and, thus, not open to tours, it is a sight to see sitting above the Connecticut River and framed by the East Haddam Swing Bridge. The best place to view both of these sights is across the river at Eagle Landing State Park.

Connecticut State Capitol, Hartford – Home to the Connecticut General Assembly, this legislative building is a striking part of the Hartford skyline. The third building to house the state legislature since Connecticut’s founding in 17th century, it dates to 1878. Although the building is only open and tours are only available during the week, the tall rotunda and goldleaf dome are still worthwhile to see from the outside.

Museums

Connecticut’s Old State House, Hartford – Home to the Connecticut General Assembly from 1796 to 1878, this stately legislatively building sits in the heart of downtown Harford. With a mix of historic rooms and modern exhibits, this museum has plenty to say about Connecticut’s civic history. It is open from noon to 5pm, Tuesday through Saturday, admission is under 5: free, 6-17: $4, 18+: $8.

Kidcity Children’s Museum, Middletown – Geared specifically to families with children 7 and under, this museum is full of hands-on exhibits that are scaled down for little ones. This is a perfect haven for children and families to come and play. Open daily from 9am to 4pm, admission is $13 per person, and prior reservations are required through the website.

Connecticut Science Center, Hartford – Opened in 2009, this state-of-the-art children’s science museum has nine stories of fun and learning. Exhibits range from engineering to ecology and geology to health, it has hands-on learning for every interest. Plus, there is a rooftop garden with impressive views of Hartford and the Connecticut River Valley. Open daily 9am to 4pm, admission is under 3: free, 3-12: $23, 13+: $29.

Experiences

Brownstone Adventure Sports Park, Portland – On what was once one of America’s preeminent brownstone quarries, this adventure park has all of the summer activities one could ask for. Activities include swimming, ziplining, cliff jumping, and rock climbing, all in a beautiful and unique setting. Open daily 10am to 6pm, tickets range depending on activities. A waiver is required.

Essex Steam Train & River Boat, Essex – Operating on the historic Connecticut Valley Railroad, Essex Steam Train & River Boat features a narrated 2.5-hour train ride and 1-hour boat ride up and down the Connecticut River Valley. This is an informative and exciting experience for people of all ages. Operating on weekends with multiple departures a day, tickets range depending on accommodations.

Berlin Batting Cages, Berlin – If you are looking for some classic all-American fun, look no further than Berlin Batting Cages. With mini golf, bumper boats, and go karts in addition to batting cages, you can brush up on your swing, but you can also do so much more. This place is fun for the whole family. Open Saturday and Sunday 11am to 6pm, tickets range depending on activities.