Sheldon-Charter Oak Travel Guide

Hartford

Underneath that blue dome lies the east armory of a factory once owned by a man who changed American history, the innovator of the revolver, Samuel Colt. Sprawling around the crumbling red brickwork of the old Colt’s Patent Firearms Manufacturing Company, once the largest private armory in the world, are the remnants of Coltsville, the utopian village he built for his workers. A model of 19th century industrial paternalism, Coltsville included a church, a social hall for dances and lectures, workers’ housing, a giant landscaped park home to deer and peacocks, sculpted botanical gardens, and thousands of feet of greenhouses filled with tropical fruit and flowers. Samuel Colt felt such responsibility for the welfare of his workers outside the factory that he went so far as to build Potsdam Village, to replicate the feel of the German village from which he imported his skilled craftsmen to work in his willow ware factory. The National Park Service began having on-site presence in 2015, with workshops and tours, including up into the Blue Onion Dome which affords magnificent views of downtown Hartford, the Connecticut River and Colt Park, formerly the back yard of Armsmear, Samuel & Elizabeth Colt’s mansion. By 2016, an NPS ranger had taken up residence in the South Armory and was giving walking tours of Coltsville. The old South, East and North armories are under renovation and the two 1855 brownstone buildings, the oldest structures on site, will become the National Park Service Visitor Center. The armories themselves have been or are being renovated into apartments, offices and education facilities.
Underneath that blue dome lies the east armory of a factory once owned by a man who changed American history, the innovator of the revolver, Samuel Colt. Sprawling around the crumbling red brickwork of the old Colt’s Patent Firearms Manufacturing Company, once the largest private armory in the world, are the remnants of Coltsville, the utopian village he built for his workers. A model of 19th century industrial paternalism, Coltsville included a church, a social hall for dances and lectures, workers’ housing, a giant landscaped park home to deer and peacocks, sculpted botanical gardens, and thousands of feet of greenhouses filled with tropical fruit and flowers. Samuel Colt felt such responsibility for the welfare of his workers outside the factory that he went so far as to build Potsdam Village, to replicate the feel of the German village from which he imported his skilled craftsmen to work in his willow ware factory. The National Park Service began having on-site presence in 2015, with workshops and tours, including up into the Blue Onion Dome which affords magnificent views of downtown Hartford, the Connecticut River and Colt Park, formerly the back yard of Armsmear, Samuel & Elizabeth Colt’s mansion. By 2016, an NPS ranger had taken up residence in the South Armory and was giving walking tours of Coltsville. The old South, East and North armories are under renovation and the two 1855 brownstone buildings, the oldest structures on site, will become the National Park Service Visitor Center. The armories themselves have been or are being renovated into apartments, offices and education facilities.

Popular places to visit

Mark Twain House which includes heritage architecture and a house

Mark Twain House & Museum

Walk in Mark Twain’s footsteps at the author’s beloved Hartford home. The museum next door will complete your Twain education.

Mark Twain House & Museum
Connecticut Science Center which includes interior views as well as children

Connecticut Science Center

Leave your textbooks at home and learn about science by playing, exploring and inventing your way through this interactive science center in Hartford.

Connecticut Science Center
Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts featuring interior views

Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts

While seeing a play or concert in Hartford’s historic venue, look up to admire one of the largest ceiling murals in the United States.

Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts
Bushnell Park featuring château or palace, a garden and heritage architecture

Bushnell Park

Relax near the pond or take a ride on the antique carousel at one of America’s oldest publicly funded parks, located in the heart of Hartford.

Bushnell Park
State capital of Hartford skyline, Hartford, Connecticut'

Connecticut State Capital

After visiting Connecticut State Capital, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Hartford. Experience the area's entertainment choices or attend a sporting event.

Connecticut State Capital
Riverside Park which includes a park

Riverside Park

Explore Hartford’s portion of the Connecticut River at this park. Walk along the Riverside and Sculpture trails, go boating or enjoy a picnic outside.

Riverside Park

Top hotels in Sheldon-Charter Oak

The Capitol Hotel

The Capitol Hotel

3 out of 5
440 Asylum St Hartford CT
The price is ฿2,618 per night from 25 Jan to 26 Jan
฿2,618
฿3,011 total
25 Jan - 26 Jan
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Hartford. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
7.4/10 Good! (1,142 reviews)
My son and I stayed here to be near the convention center which was a very convenient 6 minute drive. The hotel had a secure parking garage for just $15 per night which was great. The room had just enough space with all the amenities you need: microwave, fridge, hair dryer, iron, etc. There were ...

Reviewed on 14 Jan 2026

The Capitol Hotel
Holiday Inn Express Southington by IHG

Holiday Inn Express Southington by IHG

2.5 out of 5
120 Laning St Southington CT
Fully refundable
The price is ฿2,673 per night from 7 Feb to 8 Feb
฿2,673
฿3,073 total
7 Feb - 8 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Southington. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,204 reviews)
The room was drafty around the heating unit. Additionally, this hotel, like most newly built hotels, uses an automatic thermostat for the heat and cool. When the thermostat is set and it gets a little too warm in the room, and you turn it down a couple degrees the AC kicks on rather than just allowing ...

Reviewed on 14 Jan 2026

Holiday Inn Express Southington by IHG
Candlewood Suites Windsor Locks Bradley Arpt by IHG

Candlewood Suites Windsor Locks Bradley Arpt by IHG

2.5 out of 5
149 Ella Grasso Turnpike Windsor Locks CT
The price is ฿2,455 per night from 9 Feb to 10 Feb
฿2,455
฿2,823 total
9 Feb - 10 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this family-friendly hotel in Windsor Locks. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,004 reviews)
Staff was very friendly and went beyond!!

Reviewed on 20 Jan 2026

Candlewood Suites Windsor Locks Bradley Arpt by IHG
Hampton Inn & Suites Hartford/East Hartford

Hampton Inn & Suites Hartford/East Hartford

2.5 out of 5
351 Pitkin Steet East Hartford CT
The price is ฿2,778 per night from 8 Feb to 9 Feb
฿2,778
฿3,194 total
8 Feb - 9 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in East Hartford. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,107 reviews)
Dana the front desk associate was sooo nice and helpful!

Reviewed on 21 Jan 2026

Hampton Inn & Suites Hartford/East Hartford
Extended Stay America Suites Hartford Farmington

Extended Stay America Suites Hartford Farmington

2.5 out of 5
1 Batterson Park Rd Farmington CT
The price is ฿2,349 per night from 2 Feb to 3 Feb
฿2,349
฿2,701 total
2 Feb - 3 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Farmington. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,002 reviews)
Room was not "dirty" but also not thoroughly cleaned. Towels were stained and had hair. Staff was very friendly. Parking lot could use more lighting.

Reviewed on 13 Jan 2026

Extended Stay America Suites Hartford Farmington
Motel 6 Windsor Locks, CT - Hartford

Motel 6 Windsor Locks, CT - Hartford

2 out of 5
3 National Dr Windsor Locks CT
The price is ฿2,042 per night from 8 Feb to 9 Feb
฿2,042
฿2,348 total
8 Feb - 9 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this motel in Windsor Locks. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the clean rooms in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
6.8/10 (1,004 reviews)
Clean

Reviewed on 14 Jan 2026

Motel 6 Windsor Locks, CT - Hartford
See all 615 properties in Sheldon-Charter Oak
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Sheldon-Charter Oak

Dramatic cloudscape and autumn landscape over Connecticut State Capital building in Bushnell Park in Hartford, Connecticut

South Green

While there might not be top attractions in South Green, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts and Hartford City Hall.

South Green
Connecticut Science Center which includes a garden

Downtown Hartford

3.5/5(2 area reviews)

Unique features of Downtown Hartford include the theatres and live music. Make a stop by Hartford Stage or Dunkin' Donuts Park while you're exploring the area.

Downtown Hartford
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Barry Square

While visiting Barry Square, you might make a stop by sights like Webster Theater and Assaiante Tennis Center.

Barry Square
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South Meadows

Coffee shops and seafood restaurants are just a few things travellers like about South Meadows. A stop by Connecticut River is also recommended if you've got time to explore the area.

South Meadows
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Frog Hollow

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Frog Hollow and surrounding area, you can visit Connecticut State Capital and Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts.

Frog Hollow
Pyramid memorial to Mark Howard

South End

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in South End and surrounding area, you can visit Webster Theater and Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts.

South End

Sheldon-Charter Oak Travel Guide