Whether looking for a quiet retreat or a bustling city, Connecticut offers much. The state is known for its small towns and coastal cities. The mix of these makes Connecticut activities a unique and exciting experience for everyone.
Submarine Force Library & Museum
Located in Groton, Connecticut, the Submarine Force Library and Museum is the official submarine museum of the United States Navy Submarine Force. This museum is accessible to the public. It is also the only submarine museum in the country run by the U.S. Navy.
The library houses over 6,000 books on submarines, mini-subs, vessels, and other naval technologies. It also contains over 33,000 artifacts and photographs. The main exhibit, the USS Nautilus, is a state-of-the-art submarine open for touring.
The Submarine Force Museum has several exhibits of interest to visitors of all ages. They include a gift shop, a picnic area, a submarine tour, and mini-theaters. The most popular attraction is the Nautilus submarine. The sub is open to the public on a self-guided tour.
Hill-Stead Museum
Located in Farmington, Connecticut, the Hill-Stead Museum is an art museum best known for its French Impressionist works. Among its collection are paintings by Edgar Degas, Claude Monet, and Mary Cassatt.
In addition to its art collections, the museum houses a horticultural center, the Hill-Stead Gardens, and a museum shop. The museum is one of the largest museums in the country, with a total collection of over 50,000 works of art, some dating back to the 18th century.
The museum also houses an extensive collection of works by renowned iron industrialist Alfred A. Pope and works by lesser-known artists such as Louise Bourgeois, Pierre-André Rothschild, and Pablo Picasso.
Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art
Whether you’re an art enthusiast or just looking to get out and enjoy some culture, there are plenty of activities to keep you busy at the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art in Hartford. It is one of the best art museums in the country and offers a rich variety of artistic styles to explore.
The museum’s collection spans over 5,000 years of art and cultural history and includes works from antiquity to modernity. Some of the art collection’s highlights include ancient Egyptian works and Classical bronzes. In addition, the museum’s holdings include American decorative art, European art, and American Impressionist paintings.
Stamford Nature Center
Located in Stamford, Connecticut, the Stamford Museum & Nature Center is an excellent place for families to enjoy. It features a four-story observatory, a historic farm, a working New England farm, and 80 acres of outdoor trails. It also offers a variety of seasonal indoor activities.
The Stamford Museum & Nature Center is home to the Stamford Observatory, a 22-inch reflecting telescope. The observatory is used by the Fairfield County Astronomical Society for research. The observatory will be closed during the summer of 2020 due to state restrictions. The museum is also a part of a capital campaign to build an Astronomy & Physical Science Center.
Goodspeed Opera House
Located in East Haddam, Connecticut, Goodspeed Opera House is a historic theater initially constructed in 1876. The theater has a unique and distinctive view of the Connecticut River. During World War I, the theater was a militia base. It was restored in 1963 and is now a theatre. The theater has been a host to hundreds of performances and productions.
The Opera House offers tours of the theater. The tours last 60 minutes and are held every Saturday from 11 am to 1 pm. They include a tour of the dressing rooms and the backstage. The tours also explore the architecture of the Opera House.
Lake Compounce
Lake Compounce is America’s oldest continuously operating amusement park in Bristol, CT. The park is on 332 acres of land and features many thrilling rides and attractions. The park is also home to the largest water park in Connecticut.
This year, the park is launching a Kids Fest program. Designed to give families a day to remember, the program will feature DJs, jugglers, and stilt walkers. The park also will feature an all-new menu at Bites and Pints, a food and drink festival on the weekends in June and September.
The park also offers a water park and beach. The water park features several waterslides and a wave pool. There is also a lazy river.
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