Middletown Travel Guide

Trek Zone

City

Facts and practical information

Nestled in the heart of Connecticut, Middletown is a charming city that combines historic charm with a vibrant cultural scene. With its rich history, picturesque landscapes, and diverse range of activities, Middletown is a destination that offers something for everyone.

For history buffs, Middletown is a treasure trove of colonial architecture and landmarks. The Wesleyan University campus, with its beautiful red-brick buildings and leafy campus, is a must-visit. Take a stroll down Main Street and admire the well-preserved 19th-century buildings, or visit the General Mansfield House, a stunning Greek Revival mansion that offers a glimpse into the city's past.

Nature enthusiasts will find plenty to explore in Middletown. The city is surrounded by pristine natural beauty, with the Connecticut River flowing nearby and the sprawling Meshomasic State Forest just a short drive away. Enjoy a leisurely hike through the forest's trails, or rent a kayak and paddle along the river, taking in the scenic views and spotting wildlife.

Art and culture thrive in Middletown, thanks to the presence of Wesleyan University and the city's vibrant arts community. The Wesleyan Center for the Arts hosts a variety of performances, from theater productions to concerts by world-renowned musicians. Explore the city's art galleries and studios, where you can find unique works by local artists, or catch a film at the charming and historic Middletown Cinema.

Food lovers will be delighted by the culinary scene in Middletown. The city boasts a wide array of dining options, ranging from cozy cafes to upscale restaurants. Sample delicious farm-to-table fare made with fresh, local ingredients, or savor international flavors from around the world. Don't miss the chance to try the famous New England clam chowder or indulge in some mouthwatering seafood.

Alternative names: Population: 46.8 thous.Area: 42.36 mi²Elevation: 39 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 41°33'40"N, 72°39'1"W

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ConnecticutUnited States

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Middletown Top Attractions

Middletown Attractions - What to See and Explore

Middletown offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Indian Hill Cemetery, Arrigoni Bridge, Church of the Holy Trinity and Rectory, Kidcity Children's Museum. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Cemetery
Indian Hill Cemetery
Indian Hill Cemetery is a historic rural cemetery located at 383 Washington Street in Middletown, Connecticut on a hill adjacent to Wesleyan University.
Bridge
Arrigoni Bridge
The Arrigoni Bridge, also known locally as the Portland Bridge is a steel through arch bridge carrying Route 66 and Route 17 across the Connecticut River, connecting Middletown, Connecticut to Portland, Connecticut.
Church
Church of the Holy Trinity and Rectory
The Church of the Holy Trinity is an historic Episcopal church at 381 Main Street in Middletown, Connecticut. Completed in 1874, it is one of the city's finest examples of Gothic Revival architecture. Its nearby former rectory, also known as the Bishop Acheson House, is one of its finest Colonial Revival houses.

41°33'44"N • 72°39'3"W
Kidcity Children's Museum
Children's museum • Museum • Entertainment
Church
St. Mary of Czestochowa Parish
St. Mary of Czestochowa Parish is a Catholic church parish in Middletown, Connecticut that was founded for Polish immigrants. The St. Mary of Czestochowa Church is a church building at 79 South Main Street in Middletown. The parish was founded in 1903.
Church
St. Sebastian Church
Saint Sebastian is a Roman Catholic church in Middletown, Connecticut, part of the Diocese of Norwich.
Observatories and planetariums
Van Vleck Observatory
Van Vleck Observatory is an astronomical observatory owned and operated by Wesleyan University. It was built in 1914 and named after the former head of the Department of Mathematics and Astronomy at the university, Prof. John M. Van Vleck.
Town • Area
Portland
Portland is a town in Middlesex County, Connecticut, United States. The population was 9,384 at the 2020 census. The town center is listed as a census-designated place. It is situated across the Connecticut River from Middletown.
Museum • History museum
Wadsworth Mansion
The Wadsworth Mansion at Long Hill Estate is located at 421 Wadsworth Street in Middletown, Connecticut. It is a 16,000-square-foot classical revival house situated on 103 acres wooded area. It is currently owned by the City of Middletown and is operated by the Long Hill Estate Authority.
Dam
Starr Mill
Two 19th century factory buildings are sited on a bank beside Starr Mill pond on Beverly Heights just off Middlefield Street.
Bridge
Providence & Worcester railroad bridge
The Middletown–Portland railroad bridge is a swing truss bridge crossing the Connecticut River and Route 9 in Middletown, Connecticut, just south of the Arrigoni Bridge. Built in 1911, the bridge is a Warren through-truss swing bridge with an overall length of 1,142 feet. The center span rotates to allow vessels to pass through.
Art gallery • Universities and schools
Wesleyan University
Wesleyan University is a private liberal arts university in Middletown, Connecticut. Founded in 1831 as a men's college under the auspices of the Methodist Episcopal Church and with the support of prominent residents of Middletown, the college was the first institution of higher...
Romanesque revival architecture
Xi Chapter
The Xi Chapter, Psi Upsilon Fraternity is a fraternity chapter at Wesleyan University in Middletown, Connecticut. Its 1891 building, the Psi Upsilon Fraternity Building, is an architecturally significant example of Romanesque and Jacobethan architecture, and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2009.
Water park • Amusement park
Portland Brownstone Quarries
The Portland Brownstone Quarries are a set of historic quarries in Portland, Connecticut. The brownstone mined from these quarries was an important source for construction in the latter half of the 19th century.
Bridge
Arrawanna Bridge
The Arrawanna Bridge is a historic bridge, spanning the Coginchaug River near Berlin Street in Middletown, Connecticut, USA. Built in 1918, it is an early example in the state of an open-spandrel concrete arch bridge, and is one of the state's oldest bridges.
Temple
Buddhist Faith Fellowship of Connecticut
The Buddhist Faith Fellowship is a non-denominational Buddhist Church, located in Middletown, Connecticut, situated in Middlesex County. It was founded in 2001.
41°33'36"N • 72°39'1"W
Old Middletown Post Office
The Old Middletown Post Office, in Middletown, Connecticut, also known as the U.S. Post Office, was built in 1916. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1982.
41°33'30"N • 72°39'22"W
Richard Alsop IV House
The Richard Alsop IV House is a historic house at 301 High Street in Middletown, Connecticut. Completed in 1839, the house is a distinctive example of transitional Greek Revival and Italianate architecture, and is nationally significant for the extremely well-preserved drawings on its interior walls. The site was designated a U.S.
41°33'42"N • 72°39'18"W
Saint Luke's Home for Destitute and Aged Women
St. Luke's Home for Destitute and Aged Women was incorporated by an act of the Connecticut State Assembly on June 22, 1865. For twenty-seven years the home was conducted in an old house on the southwest corner of Court and Pearl Street. in 1892 a large legacy enabled a new home...

Day trips

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

In the vicinity of Middletown, it's worth seeing attractions such as: XL Center (Hartford), Mark Twain House (Hartford), Peabody Museum of Natural History (New Haven).

14 milesN
Sport venue, Sport, Arenas and stadiums
XL Center, Hartford
The XL Center, nestled in the heart of downtown Hartford, Connecticut, stands as a premier sports and entertainment destination in New England. This versatile arena, with its expansive seating capacity, hosts a diverse range of events, from high-energy hockey games...
14 milesN
Museum, History museum, Gothic Revival architecture
Mark Twain House, Hartford
The Mark Twain House, nestled in the heart of Hartford, Connecticut, stands as a testament to the life and legacy of one of America's most celebrated authors. This distinctive museum offers visitors a glimpse into the personal and professional world of Samuel Clemens...
22 milesSW
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...
23 milesSW
Museum, Art gallery, Art museum
Yale University Art Gallery, New Haven
The Yale University Art Gallery is the oldest university art museum in the Western Hemisphere. It houses a major encyclopedic collection of art in several interconnected buildings on the campus of Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut.
21 milesSW
Park, Queen Anne architecture, Shingle style architecture
East Rock Park, New Haven
East Rock Park is a park in the city of New Haven and the town of Hamden, Connecticut that is operated as a New Haven city park. The park surrounds and includes the mountainous ridge named East Rock and was developed with naturalistic landscaping. The entire 427-acre park is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

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Best Time To Visit Middletown

Learn when is the best time to travel to Middletown weather-wise and what to expect in each season.

Popularity among visitors

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June, July, August and September are the busiest months in this location. Slightly fewer tourists decide to visit in May.

Average temperatures in °F

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The highest air temperature is in June, July and August. While the coldest is in January and February.

Monthly rainfall in inches

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The lowest rainfall is recorded in January, February, August and October. Most of it rains in March, April, May, June, September, November and December.

Length of day in hours

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We can expect the longest days in June, while the shortest in December.

Sunrise

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the top attractions to visit in Middletown?

The top attractions to visit in Middletown are:

What is the best time to visit Middletown?

June, July, August and September are the busiest months in this location. Slightly fewer tourists decide to visit in May. The highest air temperature is in June, July and August. While the coldest is in January and February.