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Rendering of the Exterior of Great Wolf Lodge Foxwoods Mashantucket Connecticut
 

THINGS TO DO IN  CONNECTICUT



Welcome to Mashantucket, Connecticut, home to Great Wolf Lodge’s indoor water park as well as countless opportunities for family fun, cultural exploration, and outdoor recreation in the surrounding areas. Just minutes away, discover the historic charm of Mystic, CT, with its renowned aquarium and seaport village where maritime history comes alive. Venture to nearby Norwich, CT, known for its colorful colonial architecture, vibrant arts scene, and scenic riverfront. Whether you're seeking casino entertainment right in Mashantucket, tranquil nature escapes, or fascinating historical sites, our central location puts you within easy reach of New England's most treasured destinations. 


QUICK VIEW

BEST THINGS TO DO


  1. Great Wolf Lodge
  2. Foxwoods Casino
  3. Mystic Aquarium
  4. (Eat at) Mystic Pizza
  5. Mystic Seaport Museum
  6. Olde Mystic Village
  7. Harkness Memorial State Park
  8. Mashantucket Pequot Museum
  9. Bluff Point State Park
  10. Shennecossett Golf Course
  11. (Hike at) Mohegan Park
  12. Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center
  13. Mystic Museum of Art
  14. Downtown Mystic
  15. Mystic Drawbridge Ice Cream
  16. Fort Trumbull State Park
  17. Slater Memorial Museum
  18. Mystic River Bascule Bridge
  19. Mystic River Cruises
  20. Haley Farm State Park
  21. Leffingwell House Museum
  22. New London Harbor Light
  23. Norwich Arts Center
  24. Captain Nathaniel B. Palmer House Museum
  25. Downtown Norwich Historical District

1. Great Wolf Lodge

Great Wolf Lodge South Florida, open since 2025, is the ideal family getaway. With its 92,000-square-foot indoor water park, themed attractions, comfortable suites, and delicious dining, Great Wolf Lodge has incredible fun for kids of all ages. We hope to see you soon!

Great Wolf Lodge Connecticut

 

2. Foxwoods Casino

Adults can try their luck at one of North America's largest resort casinos offering thousands of gaming options, world-class entertainment, luxury accommodations, and diverse dining experiences on the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation reservation. Visit Foxwoods Website

Casino Building

 

3. Mystic Aquarium

Kids can get up close with beluga whales, African penguins, and thousands of other marine animals while learning about ocean conservation through interactive exhibits and demonstrations.

Mystic Aquarium

 

4. (Eat at) Mystic Pizza

Savor a "slice of heaven" at the world-famous pizzeria that inspired the 1988 Julia Roberts film and continues to serve delicious, hand-crafted pizza with movie memorabilia adorning the walls.

Mystic Pizza Storefront

 

5. Mystic Seaport Museum

Step back in time at America's premier maritime museum where you can explore historic ships, watch skilled craftspeople at work, and experience life in a recreated 19th-century coastal village.

Mystic Seaport Museum

 

6. Olde Mystic Village

Wander through a charming recreation of a New England village featuring unique specialty shops, art galleries, and restaurants nestled among colonial-style buildings and landscaped walkways.

Olde Mystic Village

 

7. Harkness Memorial State Park

Wander through formal gardens surrounding a magnificent Renaissance Revival mansion set on 230 acres of shorefront property with sweeping lawns perfect for picnicking and photographing Long Island Sound.

Girl running in the Harkness Memorial State Park

 

8. Mashantucket Pequot Museum

Journey through thousands of years of Native American history at North America's largest indigenous museum featuring immersive exhibits, authentic artifacts, and a recreated 16th-century Pequot village.

Pequot Museum

9. Bluff Point State Park

Hike, bike, or beach-comb at this coastal preserve offering miles of trails through one of the last undeveloped stretches of Connecticut shoreline with spectacular water views.

Bluff Point State Park

 

10. Shennecossett Golf Course

Play a round on this historic Donald Ross-designed municipal golf course offering challenging holes and breathtaking views of Long Island Sound that has tested golfers since 1898.

Shennecossett Golf Course

 

11. (Hike at) Mohegan Park

Escape to 360 acres of natural beauty with scenic hiking trails, a peaceful pond, and a vibrant rose garden perfect for outdoor recreation year-round.

Mohegan Park Hiking

 

12. Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center

Explore 350 acres of diverse habitats along well-maintained trails where you can observe native wildlife, participate in educational programs, and connect with Connecticut's natural environment.

Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center

 

13. Mystic Museum of Art

Discover works by regional artists in a historic building overlooking the Mystic River, featuring changing exhibitions that showcase New England's rich artistic heritage.

Mystic Museum of Art

 

14. Downtown Mystic

Families can stroll through this picturesque waterfront district lined with boutique shops, galleries, and restaurants housed in historic buildings along the banks of the Mystic River.

Downtown Mystic

 

15. Mystic Drawbridge Ice Cream

Try some award-winning homemade ice cream in unique flavors served in the perfect location to watch boats pass beneath the famous Mystic drawbridge.

Mystic Drawbridge Ice Cream

 

16. Fort Trumbull State Park

Explore a meticulously restored 19th-century fort featuring interactive exhibits about military history and technology while enjoying spectacular views of the Thames River and New London harbor.

Fort Trumbull State Park

 

17. Slater Memorial Museum

The Slater Memorial Museum showcases an impressive collection of global art and artifacts spanning 4,000 years of history. Perfect for families looking for an educational experience.

slater

 

18. Mystic River Bascule Bridge

Watch boats glide beneath the iconic 1920s drawbridge that opens hourly during summer, providing the perfect photo opportunity in the heart of historic downtown Mystic.

Mystic River Bascule Bridge

 

19. Mystic River Cruises

Gain a new perspective of Mystic's charming coastline and historic sites during a narrated boat tour that navigates the scenic river and harbor while sharing tales of the area's maritime past.

Mystic River Cruises

 

20. Haley Farm State Park

Discover tranquility along scenic trails winding past historic stone walls, meadows, and woodlands perfect for hiking, mountain biking, or bird watching just minutes from the coast.

Haley Farm State Park

 

21. Leffingwell House Museum

The Leffingwell House Museum provides fascinating insights into early Connecticut life through its period furnishings, historical artifacts, and engaging guided tours.

leffingwell house museum

 

22. New London Harbor Light

Climb Connecticut's oldest and tallest lighthouse for panoramic views of Long Island Sound and learn about its crucial role in guiding mariners since 1760.

New London Harbor Light

 

23. Norwich Arts Center

Immerse yourself in local culture through rotating art exhibitions, live performances, and community events held in a beautifully restored 19th-century church.

Norwich Arts Center

 

24. Captain Nathaniel B. Palmer House Museum

Tour the preserved 1850s home of the sea captain credited with discovering Antarctica, filled with period furnishings and maritime artifacts that tell the story of Mystic's seafaring history.

Captain Nathaniel B. Palmer House Museum

 

25. Downtown Norwich Historical District

Wander through centuries of architectural history in Norwich's downtown district, where beautifully preserved Federal, Greek Revival, and Victorian buildings line the streets. The area offers a charming mix of boutique shops, restaurants, and historical markers that tell the story of this once-thriving mill town.

Downtown Norwich Historical District

 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Connecticut most famous for?

Southern Connecticut is most famous for its coastal charm, particularly in Mystic with its renowned Seaport Museum and Aquarium. The historic city of Norwich offers preserved colonial architecture, Mohegan Sun casino, and the new Great Wolf Lodge indoor water park resort. Yale University in New Haven, New Haven-style "apizza," and the maritime heritage along Long Island Sound complete the region's distinctive character.

What is the number one attraction in Connecticut?

Mystic Seaport Museum consistently ranks as Connecticut's top attraction, drawing visitors to America's largest maritime museum with its historic ships and recreated 19th-century coastal village. Nearby attractions enhance the Mystic experience, including Mystic Aquarium, Olde Mistick Village for shopping, the scenic Mystic River, and the historic Mystic Pizza restaurant made famous by the 1988 film.

Does Connecticut have an indoor water park?

Yes, Connecticut has indoor water parks, including the Great Wolf Lodge in Mashantucket which will open in 2025. This 91,000-square-foot facility features numerous water slides, pools, and attractions for families year-round regardless of weather.