Unique Sites to See in Hartford, CT

Heading to visit the capital of Connecticut? You’ll have your pick of historical landmarks and destinations you can’t miss, and while you’re playing tourist, give these unique sites a visit.

Museum of Natural and Other Curiosities

Located in the Old State House in Hartford, Connecticut, this small room is home to a collection of natural and other weird oddities. Think of it as a historical version of Ripley’s Believe It Or Not, but without some of the most outrageous oddities found in the popular museum. This little room of colonial history includes artifacts from the 1700 and 1800s, all curated by Mr. Joseph Steward, a former, well-known painter of political figures in Connecticut.

Site of the First Public Payphone

Blink and you might miss this sight that will throw you back to the years before smartphones took over the world. The very first public payphone was installed at a bank in Hartford, Connecticut. If you’re interested in history at all or just want to check out the place where William Gray invented the first public payphone in 1889, then head over to the corner of Main Street and Central Row and snap a selfie in front of the little blue plaque where a public payphone once stood that revolutionized communication to the masses.

A. Everett Austin House

At first glance, this looks like your typical, historical house turned museum, but once you step into (with shoe covers over your feet, or no shoes at all), you’ll furrow your brows and wonder what happened to the rest of the house. Its more commonly recognized nickname, the “Facade House,” comes about from the illusion that the house is 86 feet from one end to the other, but in reality, is just a measly 18 feet inside. The home’s design was inspired by Italian villas in the 1500s. It’s still an interesting sight to see while you’re in Hartford, Connecticut and may give you some inspiration for when you build your dream home.

Hartford is Home to the Unique

Every city has unique sites to see, and Hartford, Connecticut is no exception. Any of the places above will pique your interest if history is something you find intriguing. Make sure you have your camera ready, so you don’t miss a moment of uniqueness.