Nature & natural history museums in Connecticut

The Peabody Museum of Natural History, situated within the prestigious Yale University, was established in 1866. The museum was founded by philanthropist George Peabody as a gift to his nephew, Othniel Charles Marsh, who was a renowned paleontologist. This historical connection adds a layer of intrigue to the museum's rich history.

The Fort Griswold site, spanning 17 acres, is preserved and maintained as the Fort Griswold Battlefield State Park by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. The park offers visitors a chance to explore the grounds and learn about the fort's historical significance.

Dinosaur State Park and Arboretum is a state-owned natural history preserve located in the town of Rocky Hill, Connecticut. The park spans 80 acres and is dedicated to preserving the natural history of the area, particularly its rich dinosaur heritage. It is managed by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, ensuring the preservation and conservation of this unique site.

Harkness Memorial State Park, located in Waterford, Connecticut, is a state park that also features a greenhouse and a botanical garden. The park spans an impressive 220 acres, providing ample space for visitors to explore and enjoy the natural beauty of the area.

The Bartlett Arboretum and Gardens is a sprawling 91-acre park, botanical garden, and arboretum situated in Stamford, Connecticut. This vast expanse of greenery offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, providing visitors with a serene environment to explore and enjoy.

The Stamford Museum & Nature Center, situated in Stamford, Connecticut, is a unique blend of art, history, nature, and agricultural sciences. The museum spans a vast area of 118 acres, offering a diverse range of exhibits and experiences for visitors. The property was originally a private estate and has since been transformed into a vibrant center for learning and exploration.

The Connecticut College Arboretum, founded in 1931, is a sprawling 750-acre arboretum and botanical garden. It is situated on the campus of Connecticut College and extends into the towns of New London and Waterford in Connecticut, United States. This vast expanse of greenery offers a tranquil escape and a chance to explore the diverse flora of the region.

Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo, located in Bridgeport, Connecticut, is a unique combination of a zoo, greenhouse, and botanical garden. It is a member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and houses one of the largest greenhouses in the state. The zoo is open every day from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., making it a convenient destination for tourists.

The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk is situated in the South Norwalk section of Norwalk, Connecticut. This location is easily accessible and offers a variety of marine life exhibits for visitors to explore. The aquarium is home to harbor seals, river otters, sharks, jellyfish, loggerhead turtles, and hundreds of other animals living in re-creations of their natural Long Island Sound habitats.

The Marsh Botanical Garden is a spacious 8-acre botanical garden and arboretum that is administratively part of Yale University. It is located in the city of New Haven, Connecticut. This garden offers a wide variety of plant species and is a great place for nature lovers to explore.

The New Canaan Nature Center is a preserved area, botanical garden, and arboretum that spans 40 acres. It is located in New Canaan, Connecticut. The center focuses on the plants of the region, the ecology, and the character of southwestern New England. It is a non-profit environmental organization and nature sanctuary.

The White Memorial Conservation Center, located in Litchfield, Connecticut, is a natural history museum and nature center. It is supported by the White Memorial Foundation and offers a unique blend of history and nature. The museum is a testament to the region's rich history and the impact humans have had on it, starting from the Peantam group of the Potatuck tribe to the growth and decline of European-American agriculture.

The Old State House in Hartford, Connecticut, is a historic building that was completed in 1796. It is generally believed to have been designed by the renowned American architect Charles Bulfinch, marking his first public building. This architectural gem stands as a testament to Bulfinch's skill and the rich history of the state.

The Connecticut Audubon Society Birdcraft Museum and Sanctuary, located in Fairfield, Connecticut, holds the distinction of being the oldest private songbird sanctuary in the United States. It was established in the year 1914 by Mabel Osgood Wright, a renowned ornithologist and conservationist. This sanctuary has been a haven for songbirds for over a century, providing a safe and nurturing environment for these beautiful creatures.

The museum is responsible for the stewardship and preservation of a wide range of natural history and archaeological collections from Connecticut and beyond. The natural history collections include over 6,000 objects such as fossils, minerals, shells, and taxidermied insects, birds, and mammals. One of the highlights of the collection is the “Pope Mastodon," excavated in 1913, which is one of the largest and most complete mastodon skeletons discovered in New England.

The Peoples State Forest Nature Museum is a state-run institution situated on Greenwood Road within the Peoples State Forest in Barkhamsted, Connecticut. This location offers visitors the opportunity to explore the museum within the context of the surrounding forest, providing a comprehensive experience of the local natural environment.

Old New Gate Prison, located on New Gate Road in East Granby, Connecticut, is a historical site that once served as a prison and mine. Today, it is managed by the state of Connecticut and is known as the Old New Gate Prison & Copper Mine Archaeological Preserve. This site offers a unique glimpse into the past, showcasing the state's rich history and heritage.

The Lutz Children's Museum, located in Manchester, Connecticut, is a non-profit institution that was established on March 4, 1953. The museum was developed by the Manchester Parent Teacher Association (PTA) Council, with the aim of providing supplemental enrichment to students in their classrooms. The museum has since grown and expanded, offering a variety of exhibits and programs for children to explore culture, history, and the natural sciences.

Earthplace is a non-profit science education organization located in Westport, Connecticut, USA. The organization's primary focus is on the natural world and sustainability. It provides an excellent opportunity for visitors to learn about the environment and the importance of preserving it for future generations.

The Institute For American Indian Studies (IAIS) is a museum and research center located in Washington, Connecticut. It is a place where visitors can learn about the culture and history of Native American peoples, particularly those from the Northeastern Woodlands.