Connecticut, known as the “Nutmeg State,” sits sandwiched between New York and Rhode Island, boasting a blend of stunning coastlines, delicious seafood, and classic New England charm. However, beyond these conventional offerings, Connecticut reveals a spectrum of unusual attractions that tempt the curious traveler. Embarking on a journey off the beaten path showcases the state’s eccentric side, uncovering an exciting array of hidden gems that are both captivating and unexpected.
### The Witch’s Dungeon Classic Movie Museum, Bristol:
The world’s longest-running wax museum specializing in horror movies, The Witch’s Dungeon Classic Movie Museum is quintessentially macabre. Thousands of tourists flock here each year to marvel at life-sized figures from classic suspense films. Brief audio-visual presentations accompany each figure, customarily recorded by the actual actor or actress. The authentic costumes add to the eerie atmosphere of these unforgettable cinematic eeriness.
### Frog Bridge, Willimantic:
Driving across the Thread City Crossing Bridge in Willimantic you will notice four giant 11-foot tall frog statues perched on giant spools of thread. These larger-than-life bronze frogs commemorate the Great Windham Frog Fight of 1754. Amid the Revolutionary-era, panicked residents mistook the nocturnal croaking of frogs for enemy attack. The unconventional statues serve to add a smidge of humor to Connecticut’s otherwise compelling history.
### PEZ Visitor Center, Orange:
For avid sweet tooth enthusiasts, the PEZ Visitor Center is an essential destination. This eye-catching center is home to a dazzling array of PEZ memorabilia, a representation of the iconic candy’s long history and global influence. Visitors can enjoy a bird-eye view of the production floor, witness the sweet innovations in PEZ packaging, and snag a snapshot with a novelty-sized PEZ dispenser.
### Gillette Castle State Park, East Haddam:
Built by actor William Gillette, famed for his on-stage portrayal of Sherlock Holmes, this hilltop fortress has an eccentricity worthy of a history book. The castle’s unique accents include carved wooden latches on each door, an intricate security system of mirrors, and a walkable thespian trail. Overlooking the Connecticut River, Gillette Castle draws in lovers of idiosyncratic architecture, nature, and drama, all at once.
### Mark Twain House and Museum, Hartford:
The place where Twain penned his famous works, including ‘Huckleberry Finn’ and ‘The Adventures of Tom Sawyer’, this 19-room Victorian mansion brings literature and history enthusiasts on a journey of discovery. The house, known for its Gothic architectural style, grand library, and billiard room, offers tours that reveal Twain’s witty wisdom and offer a closer look at his life, far from his public persona.
### Holy Land USA, Waterbury:
Born from the vision of John Greco in the 1950s, this 18-acre theme park was once a thriving attraction drawing in tens of thousands of visitors annually. Now a surreal wasteland, filled with decaying religious structures and a massive glowing cross, Holy Land USA offers a unique mix of history, religion, and post-apocalyptic strangeness.
### Submarine Force Library and Museum, Groton:
Submarine Force Museum takes visitors on an incredible journey through the history of submarine development. It is home to ‘USS Nautilus’, the world’s first nuclear-powered submarine, easily making it one of Connecticut’s most unusual attractions. Take a self-guided tour to view hundreds of artifacts, thousands of historical documents, and an array of interactive exhibits, making it an educational retreat for adults and children alike.
### The Barker Character, Comic and Cartoon Museum, Cheshire:
Step back into your past at The Barker Character, Comic, and Cartoon Museum. This heavenly place for nostalgia seekers houses over 80,000 toys and characters, dating from the 20th century to the present. As you wander through the vibrant displays of familiar faces and cuddly creatures, you can’t help but get lost in the magical world of make-believe, revisiting the bygone era of your childhood.
### Yale Art Gallery, New Haven:
One can’t mention Connecticut’s unique attractions without highlighting the crown jewel of the Ivy League, Yale Art Gallery. Free to the public, the gallery exhibits an enormous collection of artwork from ancient times to the present day, covering global cultures. Its wide array of African, Asian, and American indigenous art is only rivalled by its highly prized impressionist and contemporary galleries, making it a truly eclectic must-visit.
Connecticut’s unusual attractions serve to remind us of the richness and diversity that resides in the quieter corners of this undeniably charming state. Outlandish and captivating, these sites provide unique windows into Connecticut’s eclectic history, culture, and eccentricities – treasures that invite exploration, beyond the standard tourist traps. By embracing the unexpected, visitors can discover a Connecticut that is engaging, eccentric, and truly extraordinary.
