Hamden Travel Guide

Trek Zone

Town

Facts and practical information

Hamden, located in the beautiful Connecticut region of the United States, is a charming town that offers a mix of natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant cultural attractions. With its close proximity to New Haven and easy access to major cities like New York and Boston, Hamden serves as an ideal base for exploring the wonders of the region.

Nature lovers will be delighted by Hamden's scenic landscapes and outdoor recreational opportunities. The town is home to Sleeping Giant State Park, a breathtaking natural reserve that spans over 1,500 acres. Hikers and nature enthusiasts can explore the park's extensive trail system, which leads to the iconic Sleeping Giant Mountain, known for its resemblance to a slumbering giant. The panoramic views from the mountain's peak are worth the climb and provide a stunning backdrop for outdoor picnics and photography.

For history buffs, Hamden offers a glimpse into its illustrious past. The town is dotted with historic sites and landmarks that provide insight into its colonial heritage. The Eli Whitney Museum, housed in the former factory of the renowned inventor Eli Whitney, showcases his innovative creations and the impact they had on American industry. Visitors can learn about Whitney's contributions to the cotton gin and the development of interchangeable parts, which revolutionized manufacturing processes.

Art and culture thrive in Hamden, with numerous galleries and performance venues showcasing the talents of local artists. The Hamden Art League hosts regular exhibitions, featuring a diverse range of artistic styles and mediums. The Space, a popular music venue, attracts both local and national acts, making it a must-visit destination for music lovers.

Food enthusiasts will find a plethora of dining options in Hamden, ranging from cozy cafes to upscale restaurants. The town's vibrant culinary scene offers a variety of cuisines, including Italian, Asian, and American. Whether you're craving a slice of authentic New Haven-style pizza or a gourmet farm-to-table experience, Hamden has something to satisfy every palate.

Alternative names: Population: 59.8 thous.Area: 33.3 mi²Elevation: 79 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 41°23'4"N, 72°54'20"W

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ConnecticutUnited States

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Hamden Top Attractions

Hamden Attractions - What to See and Explore

Hamden offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Sleeping Giant, Hamden Memorial Town Hall, Eli Whitney Museum, Ireland's Great Hunger Museum. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

State park • Park
Sleeping Giant
Sleeping Giant, is a rugged traprock mountain with a high point of 739 feet, located eight miles north of New Haven, Connecticut.
City hall • Neoclassical architecture • Colonial revival architecture
Hamden Memorial Town Hall
The Hamden Memorial Town Hall houses the municipal offices of the town of Hamden, Connecticut, and serves as a memorial to its military service people. Located at junction of Dixwell and Whitney Avenues and completed in 1924, it is a prominent local example of Colonial and Classical Revival architecture.
Historical place • History museum • Museum
Eli Whitney Museum
The Eli Whitney Museum, in Hamden, Connecticut, is an experimental learning workshop for students, teachers, and families. The museum's main building is located on a portion of the Eli Whitney Gun Factory site, a gun factory erected by Eli Whitney in 1798.

Specialty museum • History museum • Museum
Ireland's Great Hunger Museum
Ireland's Great Hunger Museum was founded in 2012 in Hamden, Connecticut as part of Quinnipiac University to document and educate the public on the Irish Great Famine of 1845–1852, as well as its causes and consequences.
Church • Greek Revival architecture
Whitneyville Congregational Church
The Whitneyville Congregational Church, now the Whitneyville United Church of Christ, is a historic Congregational Church at 1247-1253 Whitney Avenue in the Whitneyville section of Hamden, Connecticut. The congregation is now affiliated with the United Church of Christ.
Church
Mount Carmel Congregational Church and Parish House
The Mount Carmel Congregational Church and Parish House is a historic church complex at 3280 and 3284 Whitney Avenue and 195 Sherman Avenue in Hamden, Connecticut. It consists of an 1840 Greek Revival church with a tetrastyle temple front portico, a 1911 Colonial Revival parish house, and a 1925 sexton's house.
Universities and schools
Quinnipiac University
Quinnipiac University School of Law is located in North Haven, Connecticut. It is one of Quinnipiac University's graduate schools.
41°25'2"N • 72°54'11"W
Orrin Todd House
The Orrin Todd House is a historic house at 3369 Whitney Avenue in Hamden, Connecticut. Built about 1800, it is one of the best surviving examples of Federal period architecture in the town.
Colonial architecture
Elam Ives House
The Elam Ives House is a historic house at 95 Ives Street in Hamden, Connecticut. Built in 1790, it is one of Hamden's oldest houses, and was home to the economically important Ives family, from whom the Ivesville area takes its name. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2010.
Italianate architecture • Greek Revival architecture
Alphonso Johnson House
The Alphonso Johnson House is a historic house at 1 Gilbert Avenue in Hamden, Connecticut. Built in 1859, it is one of the town's few 19th-century brick houses, and a distinctive example of transitional Greek Revival-Italianate architecture. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1992.
Greek Revival architecture
Pistol Factory Dwelling
The Pistol Factory Dwelling is a historic house at 1322 Whitney Avenue in Hamden, Connecticut. Built in 1845 and enlarged before 1860, it is an unusual example of a Greek Revival worker's boarding house, built by Eli Whitney II to house workers at his nearby pistol factory.
Colonial architecture • Gothic Revival architecture
Atwater-Linton House
The Atwater-Linton House, also known historically as Appledore, is a historic house at 1804 State Street in Hamden, Connecticut. Built about 1781 by a descendant of one of the area's first settlers, it was the home of engraver and political activist William James Linton in the late 19th century.
Synagogue
Congregation Mishkan Israel
Congregation Mishkan Israel, in Hamden, Connecticut, is the oldest Jewish congregation in Connecticut, the 14th oldest continuous operating synagogue in America as well as the oldest continuing synagogue in New England.
Neighbourhood
Spring Glen
Spring Glen is a neighborhood in the southeastern portion of the town of Hamden, Connecticut. It is primarily residential, mostly single-family homes with a few two-family. Commercial development is entirely on its principal street, Whitney Avenue.
Universities and schools
Quinnipiac University
Quinnipiac University is a private university in Hamden, Connecticut. The university grants undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees through its College of Arts and Sciences, School of Business, School of Engineering, School of Communication, School of Health Sciences...
Education • Beer garden • Universities and schools
Paier College
Paier College is a private for-profit art college in Hamden, Connecticut. Paier is the only independent art college in Connecticut.

Day trips

Hamden – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Hamden, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Discovery Museum and Planetarium (Bridgeport), Quassy Amusement Park (Middlebury), Great Hollow Lake (Monroe).

21 milesSW
Museum, Children's museum, Observatories and planetariums
Discovery Museum and Planetarium, Bridgeport
Nestled in the heart of Bridgeport, Connecticut, the Discovery Museum and Planetarium stands as a beacon of learning and exploration for individuals of all ages. This educational landmark offers a wealth of interactive exhibits and displays that ignite curiosity...
16 milesNW
Water park, Theme park, Amusement park
Quassy Amusement Park, Middlebury
Quassy Amusement Park, nestled in the picturesque town of Middlebury, Connecticut, is a charming family destination that has been delighting visitors for over a century. Established in 1908, this traditional amusement park offers a slice of Americana with a blend of...
18 milesW
Lake
Great Hollow Lake, Monroe
Nestled in the tranquil town of Monroe, Connecticut, Great Hollow Lake offers visitors a serene escape amidst nature's splendor. This picturesque lake is a cherished spot for both locals and tourists looking to enjoy outdoor activities and the peaceful surroundings.
19 milesSW
Animals from North and South America
Beardsley Zoo, Bridgeport
Nestled in the heart of Bridgeport, Connecticut, Beardsley Zoo offers an enchanting wildlife experience for visitors of all ages. As the only zoo in the state, it has been a cherished destination for families, tourists, and animal lovers since its opening in 1922.
4.8 miS
Museum, Natural history museum, History museum
Peabody Museum of Natural History, New Haven
Nestled in the heart of New Haven, Connecticut, the Peabody Museum of Natural History offers a captivating journey through the Earth's past for visitors and locals alike. This renowned institution is a part of Yale University and stands as an educational landmark...