Top 20 Things To Do In Middletown, Connecticut

1. Hike or bike in the scenic Wadsworth Falls State Park

Wadsworth State Park has lots of biking and hiking trails that meander through the woods, occasionally crisscrossing clear gentle streams. For hiking or biking, the trails will expose you to the beautiful and refreshing environment, including spending some time viewing the scenic waterfalls. Additionally, guests to the park are allowed to picnic and swim in all places, except the area around the Big Falls. Whether alone, with a partner or with your entire family, time spent in this park will be one of the major highlights of your trip.

Wadsworth Falls State Park

Address: 721 Wadsworth St, Middletown, CT 06457, United States

Opening hours: 6am - 6pm (daily)

Price: Free

2. Sample great local beer at Stubborn Beauty Brewing Company

The look from the outside may betray the great taste of the beer served at Stubborn Beauty Brewing Company. This a local brewery, relatively small in size, but with a reputation of producing great tasting brews. They have a small but pretty tasting room where you will meet the super nice staff eager to tell you more about their beers so that you have a great sampling experience. Unlike most breweries, you will be allowed to sample any beer before you buy, and you are also free to just have a taste of all the five beers.

Stubborn Beauty Brewing Company

Address: 180 Johnson St, Middletown, CT 06457, United States

Website: Stubborn Beauty Brewing Company

Opening hours: Thu: 5pm - 8pm; Fri: 5pm - 9pm; Sat: 12pm - 6pm; Sun: 12pm - 5pm (closed from Mon - Wed)

3. Increase your knowledge of astronomy at Van Vleck Observatory

If you love the stars and you would like to see more of what exists above us in space, then you have every reason to check out Van Vleck Observatory. The observatory is owned and operated by the Wesleyan University and it has been in operation since 1914. It has a total of three telescopes – 16-inch (40cm)and 20-inch (50cm) used for public observation nights and a 24-inch (60-cm) telescope which is normally used for research.

Van Vleck Observatory

Address: 96 Foss Hill, Middletown, CT 06459, United States

Website: Van Vleck Observatory

4. Let the little ones have fun at Kidcity Children’s Museum

Three floors full of imaginative plays await your loved ones at the Kidcity Children’s Museum. This museum is full of unique, handmade exhibits created by a team of in-house artists whose passion and drive is to inspire playfulness in all people. Some of the notable exhibits in this kids’ museum include the fishery, where kids try their luck in catching fish; Middleshire Village for building castles; Space Age Road Trip for friendly encounters with aliens on the famous Route 66.

Kidcity Children’s Museum

Address: 119 Washington St, Middletown, CT 06457, United States

Website: Kidcity Children’s Museum

Opening hours: Sun - Tue: 11am - 5pm; Wed - Sat: 9am - 5pm

Price: 10 USD

5. Take a romantic stroll along the river in Harbor Park

Beautiful river views await you as you take leisurely or romantic strolls along the Connecticut River in Harbor Park. The park is located right on the river, and it is one of the most satisfying waterfronts you will ever see in the United States. In addition to casually strolling the banks, this park has breathtaking views of sunsets, especially during summer.

Harbor Park

Address: Middletown, CT 06457, United States

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

Price: Free

6. Enjoy thrilling outdoor adventures at Empower Leadership Sports & Adventure Center

Empower Leadership Sports & Adventure Center has several thrilling outdoor adventures that visitors of all ages can enjoy. They include but are not limited to compass & navigation adventures, scavenger hunting, aerial adventures, ziplining, tree climbing, and several combination adventures. It is also worth noting that this is the only center where visitors will find fully guided zipline tours in the state of Connecticut and the southern New England region. If you are an outdoor enthusiast, then a visit to this center is simply a must.

Empower Leadership Sports & Adventure Center

Address: 2011 S Main St, Middletown, CT 06457, United States

Website: Empower Leadership Sports & Adventure Center

Opening hours: Mon & Sat: 9am - 3pm; Tue - Fri: 8:30am - 4:30pm

Price: From 25 USD

7. Indulge in Tuscany-inspired cuisines at Luce Restaurant

Luce Restaurant specializes in award-winning Tuscany-inspired cuisines prepared with a modern American twist. Their dishes are made from high-quality ingredients sourced from various parts of the world. The dining experience is further enhanced by a well-decorated dining room as well as a glass terrace from where you can enjoy the beautiful sights of stars while you relish your meals. Additionally, there is an adjacent bar with more than 18 beers on tap and an extensive global wine list for your dining pleasure.

Luce Restaurant

Address: 98 Washington St, Middletown, CT 06457, United States

Website: Luce Restaurant

Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 11am - 3:30pm, 4pm - 11pm; Fri - Sat: 11:30am - 3:30pm, 4pm - 12:30am; Sun: 11:30am - 11pm

8. Tour the famous Wesleyan University

A visit to Middletown, Connecticut, would not be complete without an extensive tour of the famous Wesleyan University. Since its establishment in 1831, the university has grown to become an oasis of knowledge, providing a collaborative, comfortable, and intimate environment for higher learning. The institution offers incredible opportunities for learners in various fields, and as noted earlier, it is one of the best liberal arts colleges in the United States. A tour will not just make you admire the beautiful structures, but also the history and the culture that has made the university become the reputable institution of higher learning that it is today.

Wesleyan University

Address: 45 Wyllys Ave, Middletown, CT 06459, United States

Website: Wesleyan University

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

Price: Free

9. Enjoy the peace and tranquility of Dart Island State Park

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Dart Island State Park comprises of 19 acres (7.7ha) of undeveloped land that you can access only by boat. The area is heavily wooded by various species of river trees, with the common ones being willow, poplar, and red maple. The park has no public facilities, and unless you are looking to soak in the peace and tranquility of nature, or you are interested in boating, birdwatching or fishing, then it may not be a great choice for your outdoor endeavors.

Dart Island State Park

Address: Middletown, CT 06457, United States

Website: Dart Island State Park

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

Price: Free

10. Visit the historic General Mansfield House

General Mansfield House is a historic house constructed in 1817 by Samuel Livingston’s family. They gave the house to their daughter – Louisa, who later married Joseph Mansfield, thus, giving the house its new identity. Over the years, generations of families have lived in the house, though it currently serves as the headquarters of Middlesex County Historical Society. A tour of this mansion is highly recommended for every history lover, especially those interested in learning more about the local history and culture.

General Mansfield House

Address: 151 Main St, Middletown, CT 06457, United States

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

Price: Free

11. Have a great dining experience at The Hop Knot

If you are looking for a chill hangout where you can enjoy a variety of craft beers and gourmet pretzels, then you have every reason to check out The Hop Knot. This joint has a unique menu featuring gourmet pretzels and hotdogs and an extensive selection of beer on tap, that you will find it difficult to make your choice. For further diner’s entertainment, the restaurant usually offers trivia nights and board games to ensure every visitor is adequately entertained.

The Hop Knot

Address: 170 Main St #6, Middletown, CT 06457, United States

Website: The Hop Knot

Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 4pm - 11:30pm; Fri - Sun: 11:30am - 1am

12. Catch a movie at Metro Square Shopping Center

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Metro Square Shopping Center is where you will find Metro Movies – an independent theater with no affiliations to the big movie chains. It means that the theater has the versatility to show a variety of unique movies you wouldn’t normally find in the major movie chain locations. It is a great joint to visit when you need restful weekends characterized by unique and thrilling movies on the big screens.

Metro Square Shopping Center

Address: Middletown, CT 06457, United States

13. Take part in a thrilling escape game at Adventure Rooms Connecticut

Adventure Rooms Connecticut is reputed as one of the leading attractions in Middletown, and it delivers a memorable thrill and experience to anyone keen on engaging in a one-hour live game action that involves solving a series of problems to escape from the rooms. They have a total of four rooms, and with no electronics allowed, the experience calls for a lot of teamwork and determination if you are ever to find your way out of the rooms. As such, it is a suitable bonding adventure for families, friends and colleagues, especially those who still need lessons on the importance of teamwork.

Adventure Rooms Connecticut

Address: 282 Main Street Extension, Middletown, CT 06457, United States

Website: Adventure Rooms Connecticut

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 1pm - 8pm; Sat: 10am - 10pm; Sun: 11:30am - 7pm

Price: From 27 USD

14. Enjoy outdoor water adventures at McCutcheon Park

McCutcheon Park is a very clean and well-maintained park – an ideal venue for a myriad of family outing activities. Also, the park offers fun outdoor water adventures such as swimming, fishing or boating, given that it has a lake suitable for such activities. The 104-acre (42ha) park also has ball fields, trails, and picnic shelters necessary for a great family outing.

McCutcheon Park

Address: Middletown, CT 06457, United States

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

Price: Free

15. Enjoy a refreshing hike on the Scovill Loop Trails

The Scovill Loop Trails are dedicated to hiking only. The trail features the Northern Loop – about 1 mile (2.6km) long, and the Southern Loop – about 0.6miles (1km). The trails have gentle terrain, and they are heavily wooded, helping create the right atmosphere to help you get the most out of your hiking. Some sections of the Southern Loop feature sections of an old foundation and mill site, with very nice views of the Connecticut River. The Northern Loop, on the other hand, snakes through Moellers Pond as it makes its way down to a beach along the banks of the Connecticut River.

Scovill Loop Trails

Address: 3606 River Rd, Middletown, CT 06457, United States

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

Price: Free

16. Bring your family to Butternut Hollow Park

Butternut Hollow Park boasts nearly 6 acres (2.43ha) of scenic grounds with water features and lots of playgrounds. The playgrounds were recently renovated and now feature a kids’ play section with swings, slides, ladders and a horde of other toys. The grounds are large, well-maintained and nestled among tall, mature trees that provide adequate cover for the hot summer suns. Then there are also picnic areas and park benches to complete the set up necessary for an enjoyable family picnic.

Butternut Hollow Park

Address: Middletown, CT 06457, United States

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

Price: Free

17. Relish tasty seafood at Canoe Club

Editor’s note: establishment is temporarily closed, please check before visiting

Canoe Club is the only riverfront restaurant in Middletown, and a must-visit spot if you want a fresh and delicious variety of seafood. The restaurant boasts friendly staff and a cozy atmosphere overlooking the gently Connecticut River. The restaurant has a creative menu, including a variety of cocktails and craft beers. The staff is friendly and ready to leave no stone unturned in ensuring that you have the very best dining experience. And if you are driving, there is more parking than you will ever need.

Canoe Club

Address: 80 Harbor Dr, Middletown, CT 06457, United States

Website: Canoe Club

Opening hours: Sun - Tue: 11:30am - 10pm; Wed - Fri: 11:30am - 11pm; Sat: 11:30am - 2am

18. Go skating at Middletown Roller Skating Rink

Exercise can always be blended with fun, and one of the best places to do so is at the Middletown Rollers Skating Rink. The rink has been in operation since 1948. It is an indoor rink open all year round. This means that irrespective of the time of your visit, you can always lace ‘em up and join other skaters for some rounds of fun. If you don’t feel like getting on the rink for a skating session, then you can simply visit and watch the others as they display their skills and expertise with the rollers.

Middletown Roller Skating Rink

Address: 547 Main St, Middletown, CT 06457, United States

Website: Middletown Roller Skating Rink

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 1pm - 3pm, 6pm - 9pm; Sun: 2pm - 6pm

Price: 8 USD

19. Tour MAC650 Gallery: a place where artists live and work

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Most galleries are designated for exhibitions alone, but that’s not the case with MAC650 Gallery. This is an apartment and condo building where artists not only display their works but also live. It is a small intimate community with great fine art exhibitions and never-ending events. There is always something to see at the gallery, and if you think you have seen it all, you will find it pleasurable to interact with the talented artists as you listen to their stories and inspiration.

MAC650 Gallery

Address: 650 Main St, Middletown, CT 06457, United States

Website: MAC650 Gallery

20. Catch a performance at Oddfellows Playhouse Youth Theater

Oddfellows Playhouse Youth Theatre is dedicated to offering afterschool and weekend classes to the community, and mostly the youth. The theater serves nearly 1,200 kids every year, with lots of productions being pushed through, including shows such as Alice in Wonderland, A Comedy of Errors, and Headin’ West among others. If you have little ones interested in art as a career or a past time, it would be a great idea to bring them to this theater for entertainment and exploration of their talents.

Oddfellows Playhouse Youth Theater

Address: 128 Washington St, Middletown, CT 06457, United States

Website: Oddfellows Playhouse Youth Theater

Enjoy the blend of attractions in Middletown

Check out the above things to do in Middletown, Connecticut, so that you avoid having dull moments during your visit. The town has lots of charming attractions and experiences that will suit both the entertainment and education needs of most visitors. Make your choices carefully so that you start with the experiences that you feel will give you the greatest satisfaction.