East Hartford ConnecticutATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near East Hartford, Connecticut.
1. Iwo Jima / World War II Museum
MILITARY HISTORY AND HERITAGE
The Iwo Jima / World War II Museum features changing displays about various topics related to World War II, including the Normandy Invasion, Army Air Force, and Purple Heart Recipients. Visitors can explore exhibits highlighting women's contributions during WWII and the role of military corpsmen. The museum offers a unique opportunity to connect with American military history through authentic artifacts and educational presentations.
2. Rentschler Field
HOME OF UCONN FOOTBALL
Rentschler Field serves as the premier sports arena and stadium in East Hartford, hosting the University of Connecticut's football games and other major sporting events. The stadium offers an exciting atmosphere for sports enthusiasts, though visitors should plan ahead for parking and access during game days. Many fans enjoy the tailgating experience which helps bypass most of the traffic problems on game days.
3. Olde Burnside Brewing Company
CRAFT BEER AND ATMOSPHERE
Olde Burnside Brewing Company delights visitors with its awesome beer selection and relaxed atmosphere featuring music from an old jukebox. The brewery offers a covered patio where patrons can enjoy handcrafted beverages in a casual setting. Visitors are encouraged to make this local brewery a priority stop when exploring East Hartford's food and drink scene.
4. Great River Park
RIVERSIDE RECREATION AND VIEWS
Great River Park offers stunning views of the Connecticut River with walking paths and biking trails for outdoor enthusiasts. The park features a public boat launch, making it accessible for water activities and river exploration. Visitors can enjoy the natural beauty while taking advantage of recreational opportunities along the riverfront.
5. Selden Brewer House
ELEGANT HISTORICAL RESIDENCE
The Selden Brewer House is an elegant historical home being restored with authentic Victorian furniture on the first floor. Visitors can enjoy free guided tours describing the history and significance of this important local landmark. The preservation efforts showcase the architectural heritage and domestic life of a bygone era in East Hartford.
6. Huguenot House
COLONIAL HISTORY PRESERVED
The Huguenot House is maintained by the East Hartford Historical Society, offering excellent tours that showcase this significant historic site. The well-preserved colonial structure features steep stairs to the second floor, providing glimpses into early American life. Summer months are the best time to visit this important landmark that highlights the Huguenot influence in Connecticut's development.
7. Pratt and Whitney Headquarters
AEROSPACE ENGINEERING HERITAGE
Pratt and Whitney Headquarters stands as a monument to American aerospace innovation and engineering excellence in East Hartford. The facility represents the company's long history of aircraft engine manufacturing and technological advancement. Visitors interested in aviation history can appreciate the architectural significance of this corporate landmark and its impact on Connecticut's industrial heritage.
8. East Hartford Golf Course
LINKS AND LEISURE
East Hartford Golf Course offers a pleasant golfing experience for players of all skill levels in a well-maintained setting. The course features strategically placed hazards and scenic views that enhance the recreational experience. Golfers can enjoy affordable rates while testing their skills on this public course that serves as a community gathering spot for sports enthusiasts.
9. Cabela's
OUTDOOR RECREATION SUPERSTORE
Cabela's in East Hartford is a massive outdoor recreation retailer offering everything from hunting and fishing gear to camping equipment and outdoor apparel. The store features impressive wildlife displays and aquariums that create an immersive shopping experience beyond typical retail. Outdoor enthusiasts can browse extensive collections of specialized equipment while also enjoying the store's educational displays and rustic ambiance.
10. Connecticut Science Center
INTERACTIVE LEARNING FOR ALL
The Connecticut Science Center offers an engaging educational experience with hands-on exhibits covering diverse scientific fields just minutes from East Hartford. The modern facility features over 165 interactive stations designed to inspire curiosity and learning among visitors of all ages. With its striking architectural design overlooking the Connecticut River, the Science Center has become an iconic destination for families and school groups seeking both entertainment and education.
11. The Mark Twain House & Museum
LITERARY LEGEND'S HOME
The Mark Twain House & Museum preserves the Victorian Gothic home where Samuel Clemens wrote his most famous works, including "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer" and "Adventures of Huckleberry Finn." Guided tours take visitors through the beautifully restored 19-room mansion featuring original furnishings and personal artifacts of America's beloved humorist. The adjacent museum provides further context about Twain's life, literary significance, and lasting cultural impact through interactive exhibits and educational programs.
12. Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art
AMERICA'S OLDEST PUBLIC ART MUSEUM
The Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art, founded in 1842, holds the distinction of being America's oldest continuously operating public art museum with a collection spanning 5,000 years. The museum's impressive Gothic-style building houses over 50,000 works of art, including masterpieces by Caravaggio, Salvador Dalí, and Georgia O'Keeffe. Visitors can explore diverse galleries featuring everything from ancient artifacts to contemporary installations, all within a short drive from East Hartford.
13. Bushnell Park Carousel
HISTORIC WOODEN MERRY-GO-ROUND
The Bushnell Park Carousel, built in 1914, features 48 hand-carved wooden horses and two chariots housed in a beautiful pavilion amid Hartford's modern skyline. The historic carousel, moved to Hartford from Canton, Ohio in 1974, showcases the exceptional artistry of Russian immigrants Solomon Stein and Harry Goldstein. Visitors can experience a nostalgic ride while listening to music from the authentic Wurlitzer band organ, creating magical memories just minutes from East Hartford.
14. Black-Eyed Sally's Southern Kitchen & Bar
BLUES, BBQ AND HOSPITALITY
Black-Eyed Sally's Southern Kitchen & Bar serves up authentic Southern cuisine and barbecue in a vibrant atmosphere filled with blues music and colorful decor. The restaurant has become a Hartford institution known for its live music performances, soulful cooking, and welcoming environment. Patrons from East Hartford and beyond flock to this establishment for its famous ribs, jambalaya, and the distinctive cultural experience it offers in downtown Hartford.
15. Coltsville National Historical Park
INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION HERITAGE
Coltsville National Historical Park preserves the industrial complex where Samuel Colt manufactured his revolutionary firearms that changed American history. The site includes the iconic blue onion dome of the armory, historic worker housing, and Armsmear, the elaborate Colt family mansion. Visitors can discover how Colt's manufacturing innovations and business practices helped shape modern industrial production while exploring this newly designated national park unit near East Hartford.