8 Strangest Landmarks in Connecticut

The third-smallest state in the US (only Delaware and Rhode Island are smaller), Connecticut, packs a lot of strange landmarks inside its borders. Some, like Gungywamp, have such strange names that you don't even know what they are until you dig into them further. Some, like the PEZ Factory, are lighthearted but amazing. Others are results of the times from when they were named, such as Devil's Hopyard, which was named in the Puritan era when many people feared the Devil and other mysterious unknowns.

Devil's Hopyard State Park

The Puritans believed the perfectly round holes in this park's glorious waterfalls' rocks were the work of the Devil. They theorized he got his tail wet and, in his anger and haste to get free, burned holes in the rock. Geologists say they are pothole formations caused by rapidly swirling water, often containing small rocks and sediment, that erode the rock over time. You can be the judge at Chapman Falls in this state park in East Haddam.

Several different trails will get you to the falls depending on how long you want to hike. Chapman Falls Loop is a 0.4-mile, very scenic, moderately challenging trek that starts and ends at the parking lot. Once you reach the falls, you can see the schist formations, where silt deposits formed rocks millions of years ago and, heated over time, were crushed and formed into folds resembling stairs, similar to several falls in Scotland. Other trails range from 2 miles to 5 miles long. The park's Eightmile River and streams are great spots for trout fishing. The park also has campgrounds.

Gungywamp

This curious archaeological site is in the Denison Pequotsepos State Park in Groton. The origin and meaning of the name 'Gungywamp' are uncertain. Researchers have associated it with ancient Gaelic, Mohegan, Pequot, and Algonquin languages, suggesting meanings such as 'church of the people,' 'place of ledges,' 'swampy place,' 'all-powerful,' and 'white.'

The site includes many features, including stone chambers, house foundations, a double stone circle, and multiple cairns built on the ground and atop boulders. Although there is evidence that Native Americans used the site thousands of years ago and usage during Colonial times, researchers theorize it may have been used for anything from ancient rituals to the practical corralling of livestock. DPNC guides lead monthly 1.5-mile hikes of Gungywomp, which last about 2 hours. The terrain is rocky, swampy, and uneven, so be prepared with good hiking gear.

While in the area, take in the town of Groton, known as the Submarine Capital of the World, from when General Dynamics Boat Division built submarines there during WWII. Nautilus, the world's first nuclear-powered submarine and a national historic landmark, is docked here. Its Submarine Force Library and Museum is open for the whole family to explore,e and sometimes the Nautilus itself can be toured. Ask at the information desk about self-guided tours and scavenger hunts.

(I could not find photos of Gungywamp on Shutterstock. However, photos are available on Wikipedia, the DPNC's website, and many other websites. https://dpnc.org/dpnc-announces-gungywamps-inclusion-in-connecticut-state-register-of-historic-places/. Shutterstock does have photos of Groton.)

PEZ Factory and Visitor Center

The world's largest display of PEZ memorabilia is found in Orange, CT. Here at the PEZ factory, you'll find the world's largest PEZ dispenser and a PEZ motorcycle built by Orange County Choppers. Play games, win a prize, see PEZ collections through the years, and watch the PEZ factory in production.

While in Orange, which was named after William of Orange, visit the Sunflower Farm of Orange for seasonal items plus jellies, relishes, and baked goods; natural soaps and candles; jewelry and more. Winter hours are Thursday and Friday Noon to 5 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Closed Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday.

The town has several restored homes that can be toured. The Stone-Otis House has been restored to its modified Greek Revival style and includes a parlor, nursery, Grandma's Attic, and a general store, which was the second one in town.

Dinosaur State Park

In 1966, while excavating for a building, 2,000 dinosaur fossil tracks were found in this park in Rocky Hill, which houses one of the largest collections of actual dinosaur tracks in North America. Its geodesic dome holds 500 fossil tracks believed to have been made 200 million years ago by a theropod similar to Dilophosaurus. The remaining tracks were left buried to conserve them for future generations.

The park also includes over two miles of trails surrounded by rocks and native plants that existed during the dinosaur age, such as beech, birch, hickory, oak, red maple and sugar maple trees as well as swamps, meadows, and hardened lava rocks. Park grounds are open daily from 9 am to 4:30 pm, weather permitting; trails close at 4 pm. The exhibit center is open Tuesday through Sunday from 9:30 am to 4 pm.

While in Rocky Hill, visit the 68-acre Dividend Pond Trails and Archaeological District which has 3 miles of trails and10 archaeological sites. From April through November, take a ride on the Rocky Hill-Glastonbury Ferry, the oldest continuously operating ferry in the US.

Saville Dam

Looking like a majestic old castle turret, Saville Dam has quite an unusual appearance for a dam. On the Farmington River in picturesque Barkhamsted, the dam is known as a favorite place for photo ops and gorgeous views of the Barkhamsted Reservoir and area below the dam. The reservoir holds the foundations of part of Barkhamsted Hollow, the original town that was flooded purposefully when the dam was built.

Kayaking and canoeing on the river are popular activities. People's State Forest and the American Legion State Forest have many hiking trails that are loops or out-and-back hikes ranging from .3 miles long to 3.3 miles with varied terrain and elevations. Some are suitable for beginners. Maps are available online that give details about the hikes: https://www.barkhamsted.us/hiking-in-barkhamsted. Beginning at nearby Riverton are 4 miles of trout fishing, including a catch-and-release area.

Barker Character, Comic and Cartoon Museum

Popeye, Betty Boop, Mickey Mouse, and Shirley Temple are just a few of the 80,000+ pieces of memorabilia you will recognize from your childhood at this delightful, one-of-a-kind museum in Cheshire. From the lumbering, gravity-propelled Ramp Walkers made in 1873 to plastic figurines of The Simpsons, you will see old favorites on lunch boxes and dishes as bobbleheads and puppets. Off-season hours (through June 15) are Wednesday through Sunday, 11 am to 5 pm.

Roaring Brook Park in Cheshire offers a moderately challenging hke to Roaring Brook Falls, the second highest falls in the state. For highly rated, locally sourced Italian dishes, try Viron Rondo Osteria. From Cheshire, a town of about 29,000, it's easy to get to larger cities like Waterbury (10 miles), New Haven (17 miles), and the state capital, Hartford (28 miles).

Museum of Puppetry

Over 2,500 puppets from around the world delight visitors at the Ballard Institute and Museum of Puppetry at the University of Connecticut in Storrs. Lifelike puppets, some even life-sized, appear ready to have a conversation, their detailed features formed into furrowed brows and widened eyes. Along with the puppets are books, videos, and more all about puppetry, including the audiovisual collection of Puppeteers of America. The museum offers tours as well as displays, exhibitions, and workshops. Admission is free, but donations are accepted. The William Beton Museum of Art is also on the university's campus.

For outdoor activity, head to Eagle Preserve in Storrs/Mansfield and hike to a cascading waterfall. Plan ahead for a trip to the Adventure Park at Storrs, which opens for the season March 28, and features climbing and ziplining for all levels. Geared for ages 7 and up.

The Glass House

Built in 1949 by Philip Johnson, this structure in New Canaan is probably among the strangest you will find in a park. It is indeed four walls of glass, which is what today is called an "open space" design, but it was unheard of at the time. With glass exterior walls and no inner walls, the surrounding gorgeous landscape can be viewed from every area in the house. As the view changes with the seasons, however, the interior remains exactly the same, precisely placed in each "room" area. According to Johnson, the house has touches that are reminiscent of the Parthenon, an English garden, the Romantic movement, and more. Tour tickets must be purchased online.

Be sure to visit the New Canaan Nature Center. It is packed with activities even in winter, from yoga and hikes to birding and camps, and has the oldest nature-based preschool in the country. For sophisticated dining, from small plates to steaks, try Blackbird in town. For American comfort food with a twist, head to Gates Restaurant and Bar.

Planning Your Visit to Connecticut's Unique Landmarks

Chances are you are surprised at all of these strange yet amazing landmarks in Connecticut, where you can reminisce while viewing a vast collection of toys and TV characters from the past. See realistic puppets that look ready to spring to life. Check out a dam far removed from anything a beaver could build and a park that has proof that dinosaurs really did walk the earth, at least in this Connecticut town. Now that you know some of what the state has to offer, it's time to start planning!