Do you love spending time in nature? Here are the best gardens and parks in Connecticut:
1Harkness Memorial State Park
Waterford, CTHarkness 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. 2Bartlett Arboretum and Gardens
Stamford, CTThe 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. 3Connecticut College Arboretum
New London, CTThe 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.- 4
Glebe House Museum & Gertrude Jekyll Garden
Woodbury, CTThe Glebe House, located at 49 Hollow Road in Woodbury, Connecticut, is a historic house museum that was built around 1740. It stands as a significant local example of Georgian colonial architecture. This museum offers a unique opportunity to explore the architectural style of the period and gain insights into the history of the region. 5Florence Griswold Museum
Old Lyme, CTThe Florence Griswold Museum, located at 96 Lyme Street in Old Lyme, Connecticut, is an art museum that focuses on the home of Florence Griswold. This home was the heart of the Old Lyme Art Colony, a significant hub of American Impressionism. The museum offers a unique insight into the life and times of Florence Griswold and the artists who lived and worked in her home. 6New Canaan Nature Center
New Canaan, CTThe 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. 7Bellamy-Ferriday House and Garden
Bethlehem, CTThe Bellamy-Ferriday House and Garden is a historic house museum situated at 9 Main Street North in Bethlehem, Connecticut. This property was built between 1754 and 1767 by the Rev. Joseph Bellamy, a prominent Congregationalist minister who played a significant role in the First Great Awakening. The house and its surrounding gardens are owned and operated by Connecticut Landmarks, and admission is charged for entry. 8Roseland Cottage
Woodstock, CTRoseland Cottage, also known as the Henry C. Bowen House or Bowen Cottage, is a historic house situated on Route 169 in Woodstock, Connecticut, United States. This historic site offers a glimpse into the past, showcasing the architectural style and interior decorations of the time. It's a great place for history enthusiasts and those interested in architecture. 9Butler-McCook House & Garden
Hartford, CTThe Butler-McCook Homestead, located at 396 Main Street in Hartford, Connecticut, is a historic house museum that was built in 1782. It is one of the few surviving 18th-century houses in the city and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1971. The house is now operated as the Butler-McCook House & Garden by Connecticut Landmarks. 10Harrison House
Branford, CTThe Harrison House, located at 124 Main Street in Branford, Connecticut, is a historic house museum. It was built in 1724 by a descendant of the founders of Branford. This house is a significant example of a Connecticut saltbox structure, a traditional architectural style in the region. The house has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1975 and is a contributing property to the Canoe Brook Historic District. 11Stanley Whitman House
Farmington, CTThe Stanley-Whitman House, located at 37 High Street in Farmington, Connecticut, is a historic house museum. Constructed around 1720, it stands as one of the oldest houses in Farmington, offering a glimpse into the architectural and cultural history of the area. 12Putnam Memorial State Park - "Connecticut's Valley Forge"
Redding, CTPutnam Memorial State Park, located in the town of Redding, Connecticut, is a public recreation area with a rich historical background. The park preserves the site where Major General Israel Putnam chose to encamp his men during the harsh winter of 1778/1779 amidst the American Revolutionary War. This site offers visitors a glimpse into the past, providing a tangible connection to the events and people that shaped the nation's history. 13Gillette Castle State Park
East Haddam, CTGillette Castle State Park is a unique attraction located in the towns of East Haddam and Lyme, Connecticut. The park is situated high above the Connecticut River, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The castle itself was designed and built by William Gillette, a renowned American actor famous for his portrayal of Sherlock Holmes on stage. The park is a testament to Gillette's creative genius and offers a fascinating glimpse into his life and work.- 14
Institute For American Indian Studies
Washington, CTThe 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. - 15
Thankful Arnold House - Haddam Historical Society
Haddam, CTThe Thankful Arnold House Museum, located in Haddam, Connecticut, is a historic house museum that offers a glimpse into the past. The museum features a gambrel-roofed house that was built around the year 1800. In addition to the house, the museum also includes a garden and grounds that visitors can explore. The museum is open to the public year-round, making it a great destination for tourists regardless of the season.