Things to Do in Middletown, Connecticut
Middletown is a city in the state of Connecticut. It is located along the Connecticut River, approximately 16 miles south of the state’s capital city, Hartford. There are many things to do in Middletown. If you are planning to move to the area, you should make sure to visit the area during your stay. You will definitely love the friendly atmosphere and the great restaurants. It is a great place to raise a family. Here are some fun things to do in Middletown!
In 2005, Sebastian Giuliano won the mayor’s election and replaced John Thornton, who was criticized for raising taxes and for his ties with the Tomasso Brothers, Inc., which was under federal investigation for alleged corruption. Giuliano served as mayor for three terms and pushed for development of the city’s North End neighborhood. The neighborhood had been plagued with poverty and crime, and he aimed to change that by encouraging developers to relocate there.
Many immigrants to Middletown were from the British Isles, and later from Ireland. The town was founded in 1802 and named for its position between Dayton and Cincinnati. Its settlers also included a large number of Italian immigrants from Melilli, Sicily. While most of these people were Roman Catholic, it is important to note that the Middletown area has a large Muslim population. The community also hosts a Hindu temple. These groups brought a variety of cuisines to the area.
Kidcity Children’s museum #1
Three floors make up the Kidcity Children’s Museum. They offer imaginative play opportunities for children aged one to seven years old, as well as their families. Each exhibit is handmade and unique by Kidcity’s inhouse artists, who are passionate about instilling playfulness in children of all ages.
The Fishery is a place where children can use pulley conveyors and conveyors to catch their catch. Middleshire, a small medieval village, allows children to build a castle. Space Age Roadtrip lets friendly aliens travel along Route 66.
More Details About Kidcity Children’s museum
| Website: | http://www.kidcitymuseum.com/ |
| Address: | 119 Washington St, Middletown, CT 06457, United States |
| Contact: | +1 860-347-0495 |
Wadsworth Falls State Park #2
This beautiful piece of land that included streams, waterfalls, forests, and meadows belonged to Colonel Clarence C. in the early 20th Century. Wadsworth (1871-1941), was a member the New York National Guard but also a conservationist and linguist. Wadsworth Mansion, Long Hill, his palatial home is located on the Middletown side. It can be rented for events.
The park’s main attraction is Wadsworth Big Falls and Wadsworth Little Falls. Both are easily accessible by trails. Wadsworth Big Falls falls more than nine meters from a Hampden basalt shelf, while Wadsworth Little Falls slides down shelves from a sandstone outcrop at a height of twelve metres.
There is also a sandy beach and a pond that can be used for swimming in the summer, as well as streams and fishing spots. The park also includes a picnic area and a well-kept playground.
More Details About Wadsworth Falls State Park
| Website: | https://portal.ct.gov/DEEP/State-Parks/Parks/Wadsworth-Falls-State-Park |
| Address: | 721 Wadsworth St, Middletown, CT 06457, United States |
| Contact: | +1 860-345-8521 |
| Opened: | 1942 |
Empower Leadership Sports & Adventure Center #3
The south end of Middletown’s hardwood forest is rich in adventure. Empower offers just that at Empower.
You can enjoy zip-lining on hundreds of metres and other tree-top adventures.
The Zip Line Canopy Tour is the signature experience. This two-hour tour takes you through the forest canopy and involves riding zip lines up 200m long. You will also have to face high-ropes challenges such as tight wire traverses and cargo nets.
You can also enjoy a Map & Compass Scavenger Hunt. On the Tree Climb Adventure, you will scale a 150-year-old oak tree, swing between two huge hickories, and climb it.
You can also book evening experiences such as Twilight Zip Line Canopy Tours at Sunset and Moonlight Zip Tours between May and November.
More Details About Empower Leadership Sports & Adventure Center
| Website: | https://leadwithempower.com/ |
| Address: | 240 Governors Hwy, South Windsor, CT 06074, United States |
| Contact: | +1 860-652-5690 |
Van Vleck Observatory, Middletown CT Tourism #4
The Wesleyan University of Middletown owns and operates the Van Vleck Observatory, which was built in 1914. John M. Van Vleck was the former head of the university’s Department of Mathematics and Astronomy.
The observatory’s name is Van Vleck Observatory. Three telescopes are housed in the Van Vleck Observatory. During the weekly public observation nights, the 16-inch telescope is used and the 20-inch telescope is used. These nights are open to all. A 24-inch Perkins Telescope is the third telescope located within Van Vleck Observatory. It is used mostly for research. One of the largest telescopes in New England is the Perkins Telescope.
More Details About Van Vleck Observatory
| Website: | https://www.wesleyan.edu/astro/ |
| Address: | 96 Foss Hill, Middletown, CT 06459, United States |
| Contact: | +1 860-685-2130 |
Artfarm #5
ARTFARM was founded in 2001 as an independent non-profit organization. The arts organization is dedicated to producing high-quality theater performances while also focusing on social action, environmental sustainability and simple living.
ARTFARM is concerned about farm preservation and open space. The increasing rate at which developers are destroying Connecticut’s precious lands is a concern. ARTFARM is a small, working organic farm that also serves as a theatre, a retreat center, and a workshop where activists, youth from underserved communities, and other good people can find inspiration and renewal.
More Details About Artfarm
| Website: | http://www.art-farm.org/ |
| Address: | 119 Highland Ave, Middletown, CT 06457, United States |
| Contact: | +1 860-346-4390 |
Dart Island State Park #6
Technically, the Dart Island State Park is located in Middletown, Connecticut. It’s a recreational area that’s open to the public. The park is comprised of nineteen acres of undeveloped land located on an island surrounded by sandbars.
Dart Island State Park can be reached only by boat. It is located in the middle Connecticut River. This sandy island is home to a forest area that’s filled with “typical river trees”, such as poplar, red maple, and willow. Dart Island State Park is a private area that offers no public facilities and is used often for fishing, boating and bird watching.
More Details About Dart Island State Park
| Address: | Middletown, CT 06457, United States |
| Opened: | 1918 |
Arrigoni Winery #7
Connecticut’s wine industry is small, but it is thriving. It can be traced back to 1788. Middletown has a vineyard and winery that produces reds from Malbec and Merlot, Cab Franc and Marquette, as well as whites from Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling and Vidal Blanc. Arrigoni Winery is home to 20 wines that have been awarded. You can visit the winery for a tasting from Friday through Sunday.
The Classic package ($10.95), which includes five wines, also includes the highly-recommended varieties Ruby (Merlot), Rozy (Pinot Noir), and the Classic package ($12.95). You can also enjoy live music and an indoor tasting room.
More Details About Arrigoni Winery
| Website: | https://arrigoniwinery.com/ |
| Address: | 1287 Portland-Cobalt Rd, Portland, CT 06480, United States |
| Contact: | +1 860-342-1999 |
