Unique Things to do in Connecticut
This content may contain affiliate links. For more information, see our disclaimer.
Connecticut may be small, but it’s packed with unique experiences that will surprise even the most seasoned traveler. Connecticut offers a mix of history and unique spots to check out across the state. There’s truly something for everyone to discover!
The PEZ Visitor Center
The PEZ Visitor Center in Orange is a super fun, family-friendly spot to visit in Connecticut. This spot is dedicated to all things PEZ. It is the largest collection of PEZ memorabilia on public display in the world and home to the world’s largest PEZ dispenser. You can also learn about the history of the brand and get some awesome and unique PEZ flavors and collectibles during your visit.
Gillette Castle State Park
Did you know that Connecticut has a castle? Gillette Castle State Park is home to Gillette Castle. This castle was built between 1914 and 1919 and it was the home of William Gillette, who was known for his portrayal of Sherlock Holmes. In addition to the castle you can tour, this park features hiking trails and beautiful river views.
Henry Whitfield State Museum
This museum in Guilford is home to the Henry Whitfield House, which was built in 1639. It is the oldest house in Connecticut as well as the oldest stone house in New England. The house was built to serve as a protective fort for some of Connecticut’s earliest settlers, and it definitely served its purpose. You can learn about the fascinating history while touring the house!
Submarine Force Museum
This unique museum is located in Groton on the Thames River. This museum is home to the world’s finest collection of submarine artifacts. The museum is operated by the U.S. Navy. Admission and parking are free!
The Book Barn
Let me just start off by saying that the Book Barn in Niantic is a book lover’s paradise. This bookshop has a collection of over 350,000 gently used and rare books. But, this spot is also about the experience. There are gardens, fun games, and even farm animals and cats! You can easily spend hours here.
Mystic Seaport Museum
Mystic Seaport in Mystic is a great place to step back in time. The park features a recreated New England coastal village, a working shipyard, and formal exhibit halls! This is a great spot for families to visit. I loved going here as a kid because there were a lot of interactive activities and demonstrations as you make your way around the grounds!
Harkness Memorial Park
Harkness Memorial State Park in Waterford is one of CT’s most popular state parks. It is located on Long Island Sound and it is known for its beautiful, well-manicured gardens. In addition to the gardens, there’s a mansion you can tour, walking trails, a marsh that’s great for birding, and even a beach!
Castle Craig
Castle Craig in Meriden is something you can hike to or drive to. The castle is located in Hubbard Park and it offers some great views from the top. If you’re going to hike up, I recommend taking the trail along the reservoir for amazing views. Driving up is a great option if you’re not into hiking, but it should be noted that the road is seasonable. Be sure to check the town of Meriden’s website to find out when the road is open.
Essex Steam Train & River Boat
The Essex Steam Train and River Boat is a unique experience along and on the Connecticut River. You’ll ride the steam train from Essex to Deep River enjoying views of the river along the way. Once you arrive in Deep River, you’ll get off the train and get on to the river boat that will take you to East Haddam where you’ll see Good Speed Opera House, the East Haddam Swing Bridge, and even Gillette Castle! We also were able to see some wildlife as well.
Antiques Marketplace
This spot in Putnam is my absolute favorite antique store in the state. I am not kidding when I say that I used to go here multiple times a month (despite it being almost an hour from where I live). This antique store has four different floors to explore and there’s no shortage of cool items to discover. I have bought some of my favorite paintings here and I’ve also done a ton of Christmas shopping here for unique gifts.
Weir Farm National Historical Park
Did you know that Connecticut has a National Historical Park? Weir Farm National Historical Park is a 68-acre park in Wilton. The park is dedicated to preserving the life and work of Julian Alden Weir who was a prominent American Impressionist painter. During your visit, you can tour the various buildings on the property while learning the history as well as walking the paths and trails in the park.
Sheffield Island Lighthouse
Visiting Sheffield Island Lighthouse in Norwalk is such a fun experience. Cruise out to the island with the Norwalk Seaport Association to spend a couple hours on the island. On the way, you’ll enjoy a narrated tour of the Norwalk harbor and its three historic lighthouses. Once on the island, you can tour the lighthouse, walk the shores, and explore the nature trails!
Boothe Memorial Park and Museum
Boothe Memorial Park and Museum in Stratford is a cool spot to visit if you’re interested in historical items. This park features a collection of buildings and artifacts collected by the Boothe Brothers. This park is regarded as one of the most unique architectural building displays in New England. Additionally, there is a beautiful rose garden in the park to enjoy.
Old New-Gate Prison
Old New-Gate Prison is a former prison and mine in East Granby. This is a cool spot to visit if you’re interested in history, but it’s also a cool spot to visit if you’re interested in going into an old mine. In the fall, you can check out their Light Into The Dungeon: A Jack O’ Lantern Experience where they decorate the 1707 copper mine with hundreds of jack o’ lanterns! The event is one of my favorite fall activities to do in Connecticut.
NewSylum Brewing
Grab a drink and some pizza at NewSylum Brewing in Newtown. This Connecticut brewery is unique because it’s located in one of the buildings at the Fairfield Hills Campus. Fairfield Hills Hospital was a psychiatric hospital until it closed in 1995. How many other breweries have you been to that are in an old psychiatric hospital building?
Florence Griswold Museum
The Florence Griswold Museum in Old Lyme is a great spot to visit for those that are interested in art history. The Florence Griswold House served as a boarding house for Impressionist artists. In fact, this spot was the home of the Lyme Art Colony. During your visit, you can learn about the history of the property, view art galleries, tour the house, stroll through the garden, and walk the path along the Lieutenant River.
Cross Sound Ferry Cruises
Cross Sound Ferry offers two tours out of New London: the Classic Lighthouse Tour and the Lights & Sights Cruise. The Classic Lighthouse Tour is great if you’re interested in seeing and learning about multiple Connecticut lighthouses as well as some New York lighthouses. On the Lights & Sights cruise, you’ll get to see lighthouses and various historic sites, such as the Ocean House and Fort H.G. Wright. They’re both great options and the tour guides are extremely knowledgeable!
I’ve never been to Connecticut and hadn’t heard much about it. Thank you for sharing all the fantastic things to do there. I would definitely love to visit the castles and the Book Barn.
Glad you enjoyed the post 🙂 The Book Barn is a local favorite and so are the castles!
I would have never imagined Connecticut of have a proper castle, let alone two. Your post has so may unique things to do.
There’s definitely a lot of hidden gems here in Connecticut!
I’ve visited Connecticut multiple times and I haven’t been to any of these cool places! I’d love to check out the Gillette Castle. Being from NYC, this would be a quick drive perfect for a weekend trip.
I’ve been visiting Gillette Castle since I was a kid, it’s such a great place to visit! Not only is the castle super cool, but the grounds are also beautiful. It’s so worth a visit.
Being from the UK, I had no idea what Connecticut was like until I read this blog post. It looks like my kind of place, with lots of heritage places to visit. I also clicked on your fall guide for Connecticut, which has some great ideas for Halloween and fall.
I feel like even a lot of people in the US don’t really know what Connecticut is like!! It really is a great place to explore with a lot of colonial history.
I’ve driven through Connecticut more times than I can count, and even stayed with friends who lived in the area. After reading this though, I feel like we missed out on some great and unique things to do. We’ll have to budget more time on our next road trip through the area.
I feel like for most people, Connecticut is just a state they drive through to get to other places! But, it’s definitely worth exploring if you get the chance 🙂