Trails To Take You Around Connecticut For America's 250th

The America 250 Connecticut Veterans Coalition (CTVets250) is working to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States by elevating the voices and stories of those who served. They're introducing a statewide Connecticut Revolutionary War Tourism Trail, featuring military heritage sites to foster public understanding of Connecticut’s role in the founding and defense of the nation. 

Check out the digital, interactive map, marking battles and other sites across the state that proved vital in the fight for liberty. Destinations include the Connecticut River Museum in Essex, Fort Griswold Battlefield State Park in Groton, the Nathan Hale Homestead in Coventry, Old New-Gate Prison in East Granby, and the Webb Deane Stevens Museum in Wethersfield. 

Looking for a new outdoor adventure this year, or want to learn more about American history in your local state park or forest? Check out the Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection (DEEP)’s 2026 Sky’s the Limit Hiking and Walking Challenge.

This self-guided challenge encourages participants to explore 20 designated locations across the state, capturing specific photos along the journey. This year’s theme is “America’s 250th," chosen as part of the nationwide commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. As part of this theme, the 20 locations have been selected for their cultural and historical significance.

Check out the Sky’s the Limit website for this year’s full list of historic hikes across the state.

What does “American” look like? In 2026, the CT Art Trail invites you to find your own answer. Purchase your art trail passport and get free admission to 30 museums and galleries statewide.  As the nation marks 250 years, these destinations are opening their vaults to share exclusive exhibitions that challenge, inspire, and illuminate. Follow the trail to discover hidden narratives and iconic masterpieces. Your journey through two and a half centuries starts here.

The Connecticut Freedom Trail illustrates important aspects of Connecticut's African-American history, as well as the history of our state. The trail highlights places and objects of national, state or local significance, including historic districts, churches, residences, government buildings, cemeteries, gravesites, monuments, and archaeological sites.

Explore the Amistad Center for Arts & Culture in Hartford, with more than over 7,000 art objects, posters, broadsides, photographs, memorabilia and rare books that evidence the many contributions of African Americans to American culture. Honor the service of Connecticut’s first all-Black military regiment with a visit to the 29th Colored Regiment Monument at Criscuolo Park in New Haven. Learn about the impact of Harriet Beecher Stowe's 1852 anti-slavery novel Uncle Tom's Cabin at the Stowe Center for Literary Activism in Hartford, and engage with collections that belonged to Stowe and her family.

The Washington Rochambeau Revolutionary Route is a National Historic Trail that commemorates the journey made by the Continental Army under the command of George Washington and allied French troops under the command of Jean-Baptiste de Rochambeau. During 1781 and 1782, the allied armies traveled 680 miles by land and by water to and from the victorious Siege of Yorktown. 

The trail passes through Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. Connecticut makes up one-fifth of the route, more than any other state, and is a testament to the critical role "The Provision State" played in the success of the march. You can experience this pivotal point in American history at many historic properties and cultural attractions along the route.