Central Region

Dinosaur State Park - One of the largest dinosaur track sites in North America. Beneath a geodesic dome, you will find an exceptional display of early Jurassic fossil tracks that were made 200 million years ago. Surrounding the Exhibit Center are more than two miles of nature trails and the Dinosaur State Park Arboretum.

Gillette Castle - Unique fieldstone castle was home to legendary stage actor, William Gillette. The 184 acre park is situated on a hill overlooking the Connecticut River. Gillette, best known for his portrayal of Sherlock Holmes on stage, designed his house with intricately carved locks and elaborate wood doors. The grounds have extensive hiking trails and picnic spots.

New Britain Museum of American Art - Over 5,000 American works of art from 1740 to the present. Works include Benton, Cassatt, Church, Cole, LeWitt, Sargent, Stuart, Whistler, and Wyeth; changing exhibitions. Gift shop.

Hill-Stead Museum - This house museum contains some of the world's finest French Impressionist masterpieces which are still displayed amidst the furnishings of their original collector. The enchanting home is surrounded by extensive grounds and a sunken garden, open to the public daily for recreation and quiet contemplation.

New Britain Youth Museum - Farm and exotic animals, wildlife, trail system, pond, weather station, and gardens; changing exhibits on science, natural history, geology, and agriculture.

LUTZ Children's Museum - Explore and join in special activities. The museum also features hand-on exhibits, live animals, picnic area and more.

International Skating Center of Connecticut - The International Skating Center of Connecticut is a world-class, twin rink skating facility designed to meet the needs of first time competitors and Olympic Champions alike. Olympic Gold Medalists Ekaterina Gordeeva and Viktor Petrenko headline a growing list of international skating champions who train at ISCC. Visitors welcome to watch Olympic figure skaters' workout sessions.

The New England Air Museum - The New England Air Museum is the largest aviation museum in the Northeast, with more than 70 aircraft dating from 1909 to modern jets.

Connecticut River Museum - Today Steamboat Dock is home to the Connecticut River Museum where the Connecticut River Valley story is told through year round changing exhibitions, activities and programs. One of the most popular Museum exhibits is a full scale working reproduction of the first submarine, the American Turtle, invented by David Bushnell in 1776.

Amy's Udder Joy Exotic Animal Farm Park & Nature Center - Leisurely stroll through 50 or more indoor and outdoor exhibits of permanently injured, abused and unwanted exotic and wild animals and read the informational signs. Feed Llamas and Rare Sheep! Pet/hold animals such as, Baby Chicks, Giant Hissing Cockroaches, Land Hermit Crabs and Large Land Tortoises. 27 North Road, Cromwell.  (860) 635-3924.

Old State House - Oldest State House in the nation. Completed in 1796, Charles Bulfinch-designed National Historic Landmark. Tourists from around the world, school children, neighborhood and civic groups, corporations and public officials can enjoy the restored rooms, educational programs and special events at the Old State.

Harriet Beecher Stowe House - A tour of the Stowe House provides an intimate glimpse into the life of the author of Uncle Tom's Cabin. The Day House offers magnificent interiors with changing exhibits and a research library. Visitors will enjoy the Center's tranquil surroundings, accented with historical Victorian gardens.

Roaring Brook Nature Center - Replica of an Eastern Woodland Indian longhouse, dioramas, seasonal exhibits, live animals, and self-guiding nature trails.

Vintage Radio & Communications Museum - See displays of radio, television, motion picture and telephone equipment, as well as vintage advertising and memorabilia.

The Connecticut Audubon Center at Glastonbury - Offers a wide range of environmental programs and events throughout the year for all ages. The Center is adjacent to the 48 acre Earle Park with its forested trails, Tom's Pond, meadows, Holland Brook, and bluffs along the Connecticut River.

Science Center of Connecticut - Hands-on museum that explores science, nature, and technology. Planetarium, Turtle Town, Idea Zone, World Weather Window, live animals and more.

Antiquarian & Landmarks Society - Antiquarian & Landmarks Society (A & L), Connecticut's statewide heritage organization, promotes interest in historic properties by preserving and interpreting significant personal stories and collections.

The Mark Twain House - Step back to the Gilded Age during guided tours of the 19-room, Tiffany decorated mansion where Mark Twain wrote and raised his family from 1874 to 1891. During this productive period, Twain created such classics of American literature as The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, Adventures of Huckleberry Finn and A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court.

Essex Steam Train & Riverboat Ride - The steam train will take you through some of the most beautiful country in the state. You will find forests and streams, beautiful vistas and nostalgic towns, and some gorgeous views of the Connecticut River. The riverboat will take you for a relaxing and informative ride up the beautiful Connecticut River, from Deep River to East Haddam.

Old New-Gate Prison & Copper Mine - Abandoned tunnels of one of New England's first copper mines (1707) were used by Colony, later State of Connecticut as a prison between 1773-1827. Remains of prison, exhibits, mine tunnels, spectacular views, picnic area, hiking trails.

Goodspeed Opera House - Nationally acclaimed musicals performed in a historic Victorian theater overlooking the Connecticut River.