And you thought nothing in life was free. In Connecticut, we beg to differ. An abundance of great attractions and activities throughout the state are available for you to enjoy, free of charge (although sometimes a donation is requested). So what are you waiting for? Get out and see Connecticut this weekend, or any day, for free. Your wallet will thank you.
Here are 9 Connecticut free weekend getaways, perfect for the entire family:
USS Nautilus and US Navy Submarine Force Library
Board the world’s first nuclear-powered submarine. Museum recounts history of the U.S. Submarine Force. Working periscopes, mini-subs, mini-theaters. Gift shop, picnic area.
Location:
1 Crystal Lake Road, Groton, CT 06349
Hours:
Wednesday – Monday 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Closed Tuesdays, Thanksgiving, Christmas day, New Years day, for one full week in April & October
Contact:
(860) 694-3174, (800) 343-0079
Website:
http://www.ussnautilus.org
Connecticut State Capitol
Opened in 1878 and standing in the picturesque setting of Bushnell Park, this beautiful and unique building houses the executive offices and legislative chambers of the state, as well as historical memorabilia including statues of Nathan Hale, “The Genius of Connecticut” and Governor William Buckingham.
Location:
210 Capitol Avenue, Hartford, CT 06106
Hours:
See website for tour hours and information
Contact:
860-240-0222
Website:
http://www.cga.ct.gov/capitoltours
Silver Sands State Park
Could Captain Kidd really have buried his treasure on Charles Island in 1699? Visit Silver Sands for a fun-filled day in the sun. Activities include saltwater swimming and fishing.
Location:
Silver Sands Park Way, Milford, CT 06460
Hours:
Daily, 8:00 a.m. to sunset
Contact:
(203) 735-4311
Website:
http://www.ct.gov/deep/cwp/view.aspa=2716&q=325262&deepNav_GID=1650
Talcott Mountain State Park
Take in the spectacular vista in all directions from the 165-foot Heublein Tower, the former summer home of a prominent Hartford family. Within the tower is a museum of local history. It’s a scenic 1.25 mile hike to the tower and picnic area.
Location:
Rte. 185, Simsbury, CT 06070
Hours:
Park is open 8:00 am to sunset. From May 24 to August. Tower is open Thursday to Sunday 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. From Labor Day weekend to October 31, open daily 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. Seasonal hours vary.
Contact:
(860) 242-1158
Website:
http://www.ct.gov/dep/cwp/view.asp?a=2716&q=325272&depNav_GID=1650
Yale Center for British Art
Founded by Paul Mellon, the Center houses the largest and most comprehensive collection of British art outside the United Kingdom in a landmark building by Louis Kahn.
Location:
1080 Chapel St., New Haven, CT 06520-8280
Hours:
Tuesday to Saturday 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, Sunday 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm. Closed major holidays.
Contact:
(203) 432-2800 (877)
Website:
http://www.britishart.yale.edu
Elizabeth Park Rose Gardens
First municipal rose garden in the country; greenhouses, nature walks, perennials and rock gardens. Pond House offers restaurant, lounge and auditorium.
Tour time: 2 hours
Location:
Prospect Ave., Hartford, CT 06106
Hours:
Park: daily, dawn-dusk.
Contact:
(860) 231-9443
Website:
http://www.elizabethparkct.org
Weir Farm National Historic Site
Weir Farm National Historic Site, the only National Park Service site dedicated to American painting, was home to three generations of American artists including Julian Alden Weir, a leading figure in American art and the development of American Impressionism. Today, the 60-acre park, which includes the Weir House, Weir and Young Studios, barns, gardens, and Weir Pond, is one of the nation’s finest remaining landscapes of American art.
Other amenities: Dining Nearby, Gift Shop, Parking, Parking, Printed Guides, Self-guided tours
Location:
735 Nod Hill Rd., Wilton, CT 06897
Hours:
Grounds: sunrise to sunset. Buildings and exhibits: 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Guided tours of the Weir House: 11:00 am, 1:00 pm, 2:00 pm, and 3:00 pm.
Contact:
(203) 834-1896
Website:
http://www.nps.gov/wefa
Connecticut Audubon Society Center at Pomfret
Some of the best birding in the state on the sanctuaries’ 702 acres, a nationally recognized important bird area. Includes former farm fields, now managed to provide habitat for hard-to-find grassland birds, large beaver pond, streams, hemlock ravine. Over 10 miles of trails with interpretive signage, including access to Air Line rail trail.
Tour time: 4-6 hours
Location:
218 Day Rd., Pomfret Center, CT 06259
Hours:
Sanctuary: daily, dawn-dusk. Center: Wednesday to Sunday 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm.
Contact:
(860) 928-4948
Website:
http://www.ctaudubon.org
Flanders Nature Center/Land Trust
Van Vleck Farm, Hetzel and Whittemore sanctuaries have hiking trails, nature center, seasonal farm and garden programs, Christmas tree farm, maple syrup, art and educational programs.
Location:
5 Church Hill Rd. at Flanders Rd., Woodbury, CT 06798
Hours:
Daily, dawn-dusk.
Contact:
(203) 263-3711
Website:
http://www.flandersnaturecenter.org
For more I-95 information, visit www.i95exitguide.com, the Internet’s largest and most complete website devoted to America’s Interstate Main Street. Detailed exit service listings… discount lodging, camping, food, gas and more for every exit from Maine to Florida!
Traveling another route? Visit our growing family of exit guides: I-4 Exit Guide, I-5 Exit Guide, I-10 Exit Guide and I-75 Exit Guide.
