Many visitors and new residents to the Nutmeg State are surprised to find out how much there is to do in Connecticut. We've got museums, outdoor activities, and restaurants galore here, and there are even plenty of wonderful things to do in northeastern Connecticut! If you find yourself looking for under-the-radar hidden gems in Connecticut, look no further! We've got a fun road trip planned that will take you all across the state. Without stops, the trip will take just under three and a half hours of driving time, though you'll want to give yourself much more time to check out all the destinations. This is a great weekend road trip in Connecticut. Strap in and let's go!
Editor's Note: Due to changes in business hours, make sure to verify hours of operation before planning a trip.
1. Ballard Institute and Museum of Puppetry:
Did you know one of the largest collections of puppets in the country is right here in Connecticut? It's true, as strange as that most certainly sounds. The Ballard Institute and Museum of Puppetry houses more than 2,500 puppets of all different kinds. There's so much to learn here about the history of puppetry and how puppets are made. Trust us on this one, as strange as it sounds - it's much, much more intriguing than it sounds.
2. American Clock and Watch Museum
The American Clock and Watch Museum is one of our favorite hidden gems in Connecticut. This spot has one of the largest collections in the world of American-made timekeeping pieces. Connecticut has a history as a major producer of clocks and watches and the museum features lots of exhibits on the Nutmeg State's role in clock making. You can find out more on the museum's official website.
3. Barker Character, Comic, and Cartoon Museum
This one's a fun visit whether you have kids or are a kid at heart. They've got fascinating old toys, including prototype Mickey Mouse dolls and toys from long-gone franchises like Howdy Doody and Shirley Temple. There's an enormous array of toys to see here! Check out some of the collection on the museum's official website.
4. Hogpen Hills Farms
Hogpen Hills Farm is an odd one, but it's a great outdoor activity in Connecticut that is fantastic for families. The 234-acre natural paradise is filled with more than 100 sculptures handcrafted by one man, Edward Tufte. He calls his works "ET sculptures." There are more than five miles of trail on the property, so there is a lot to explore! Check out the farm's website for the most up-to-date ticketing information.
5. The Barnum Museum
The Barnum Museum is currently undergoing renovations and the main building is closed. However, some exhibits are available for viewing at the lobby and they're worth a visit if you are in the area. The museum features artifacts from the life of famed showman P.T. Barnum. This attraction is awesome and shouldn't be missed - we strongly recommend waiting until the renovations are complete before embarking on this road trip because this is one of the best stops along the whole trek!
6. The Glass House
You know what they say about people in glass houses; perhaps this is the glass house they had in mind. The Glass House is a unique house in Connecticut like no other. It was designed by famous architect Philip Johnson and is made almost entirely of glass. It's located on a gorgeous 200-acre property that contains several other unique buildings. Get more information about tours on The Glass House official website.
Connecticut may not be one of those places you think about immediately when thinking about potential vacation or day trip destinations, but we think this is a little unfair - it's an amazing place chock-full of things to do, see, and experience that you won't find anywhere else. Only in Connecticut will you discover some of these amazing things!
What other hidden gems in CT would you add to this road trip? Share your suggestions in the comments! For more ridiculously fun things to do in Connecticut - or to add more items to the bucket list - you can embark upon the delightful hole-in-the-wall restaurants of CT road trip, or perhaps the affordable Connecticut road trip is more your style.
What are some of your favorite things to do in Connecticut? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
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