Connecticut launched the Connecticut Haunted History Trail, a new statewide tourism initiative featuring more than 130 locations connected to haunted landmarks, paranormal lore, witch-trial history and unexplained stories, Governor Ned Lamont announced. The Connecticut Office of Statewide Marketing and Tourism is administering the initiative.
The trail spans nine categories, including haunted homes, museums and theaters; cemeteries; hiking trails; ghost and paranormal tours; restaurants; lighthouses; witch, occult and metaphysical collections; hotels; and sites connected to Connecticut's colonial witch trials. Visitors can explore an interactive map at CTvisit.com/haunted-history.
Connecticut's witch trials began in 1647, approximately 45 years before Salem. At least 49 people were accused of witchcraft, at least 34 were indicted and at least 11 were executed. In 2023, nearly four centuries later, the Connecticut General Assembly formally acknowledged the injustice against those accused and convicted, apologizing to their descendants through House Joint Resolution 34.
"Connecticut has nearly 400 years of stories to tell, including chapters of our history that deserve to be remembered and understood," Lamont said. "This trail gives people an opportunity to learn more about that history, while also discovering the extraordinary places, legends, and stories found throughout our state, and supporting the many small businesses and attractions that make Connecticut so unique."
The trail was formally unveiled Wednesday at the Webb-Deane-Stevens Museum in Wethersfield, featuring paranormal researchers, witch-trial historians and experiences including tarot readings.
The initiative builds on Connecticut's successful statewide tourism "trails." The Connecticut Pizza Trail and Christmas Movie Trail have generated national attention. Data from 2025 showed that 60% of the target audience recalled coverage about Connecticut pizza, while 62% agreed the state has great pizza—an increase of 17% over the previous year.
Connecticut welcomed 72.2 million visitors in 2025, an increase of 3.1%, more than twice the national growth rate of 1.5%, according to the state's Annual Tourism Economics Report. Tourism generated $20.1 billion in total economic impact and supported 125,167 jobs in the state.