Welcome to Hartford

Hartford, Connecticut's state capital and second largest city, is known as "the insurance capital of the world". Settled 1635-1636 by Massachusetts colonists on the site of a Dutch trading post, it became the nucleus of the Connecticut Colony in 1639. From 1701 to 1875 it was joint capital with New Haven.

Some of the city's top choices for visitors include:

Elizabeth Park Rose Gardens
860-231-9443
The centerpiece of this 102 acre park is its 15,000 bush rose garden. The park also has annual, perennial, shade, and herb gardens as well as a greenhouse. There are lawn areas, wooded sections and a picnic grove. The Pond House Cafe is open Tuesday through Saturday for lunch and dinner and brunch on Sunday..

State Capitol & Legislative Office building
210 Capitol Ave, Hartford, CT 06106
860-240-0222
A Victorian Gothic building with state executive offices, legislative chamber, and historic displays.

Asylum Hill Congregational Church
814 Asylum Ave, Hartford, CT 06105
860-525-5695
A member of the United Church of Christ, this historic church features Gothic architecture and outstanding stained glass windows. Many notables including Mark Twain and Harriet Beecher Stowe have worshipped here.

Crown Palace Odyssey Theatre
330 New Park Ave, Hartford, CT 06106
860-570-0842
Experience an odyssey of sights and sounds at this giant screen theatre that features a variety of large format files meant to entertain and educate viewers.

The Mark Twain House
351 Farmington Ave, Hartford, CT 06105
860-247-0998
Visitors can take a tour of the legendary author's home. Both an oddity and a beauty, this home will be sure to capture your attention and admiration.