Coltsville National Historical Park

Coltsville National Historical Park is a national historical park run by the National Park Service in Connecticut.

In the park service’s words

When Samuel Colt started his Hartford factory on the banks of the Connecticut River in 1847, it followed years of mismanagement and failure. Soon, demand for Colt's revolver would change his fortunes and the Colt empire was born. Following Colt's untimely death in 1862, his wife, Elizabeth Colt, would lead the company to its legendary status, and influence Hartford for over 40 years.

From the National Park Service (public domain).

Things to do

• Coltsville Self-Guided Tours (20 to 120 Minutes): Explore the sites and history of Coltsville National Historical Park through a self-guided walking tour.
• Spend an Afternoon at Colt Park (1 Hour): Colt Park, once apart of the estate of Samuel Colt and Elizabeth Hart Colt, was deeded to the City of Hartford in 1905. Today the park offers many recreational opportunities that appeal to people of all ages. Colt Park has numerous soccer, baseball, softball and football fields along with a playground, a swimming pool
• The Story of the Colts: Symbolism at the Church of the Good Shepherd and the Parish House (1 Hour): The Church of the Good Shepherd and the Caldwell Hart Colt Memorial Parish House were commissioned by Elizabeth Hart Jarvis Colt in remembrance of her husband, infant children and their son. Within the design of the two buildings, Elizabeth incorporated many elements that tell of the passions of Samuel and Caldwell. By
• Strike a Pose at the Armory (30 Minutes): The Blue Dome and Rampart Colt have long graced the skyline of Hartford and have stood as a symbol of the famed industrialist Samuel Colt. There are many locations within Hartford where the Dome can be seen, but seeing it from the perspective of a worker heading to work, fills one with a sense of awe at the accomplishm

Fees and hours

Entrance fee: No entrance fee.

Getting there

Coltsville NHP is located in Hartford, Connecticut in the heart of the Sheldon/Charter Oak Neighborhood. See our directions page for how to get here.

Drive times run from the airport to Zion Canyon Visitor Center, estimated with OSRM routing on OpenStreetMap roads at normal speeds; allow extra for traffic, stops and construction.

Miles are straight-line distances.

Weather

Hartford experiences all four seasons. It is typically hot in the summer and cold in the winter with a pleasant spring and autumn.

From the National Park Service (public domain).

Know before you go

Drones are banned at almost every park site, and you may not take rocks, plants or artifacts. Pets must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet where they are allowed. Bring no firewood from home.

Nearby

The nearest national park is Acadia, about 287 miles away in a straight line.

Sources

• National Park Service Data API: Coltsville National Historical Park (public domain)
• Official website

Last checked 1 November 2026.