Most People Don't Realize An Underground River Flows Right Through Connecticut

That’s right. There’s an underground river right here in Connecticut and you’ve probably walked over it before without even realizing it was there. But this river wasn’t always underground. In fact, this historic body of water once had a settlement and trading post on its banks. But in an ingenious move to decrease flooding, the river was “buried” by the Army Corps of Engineers in 1949 and has existed just beneath the surface ever since. See for yourself:

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When you think of a river in Hartford, you most likely picture a scene like this one at Great River Park. But Hartford was once known for the Hog River. The murky waters, which nearby companies dumped their waste into, gave off a foul scent that you wouldn't believe. And let's not forget the fact that it brought disease to the nearby residents.

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Hog river was named to Park River after the construction of Bushnell Park, on account of the river running right through it. The bridge over Park RIver was considered the center of town, as this painting depicts. But the river often flooded and the state quickly grew tired of the cleanup costs. So they buried it.

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Park River is now an underground river hiding beneath the surface of Hartford's busy streets. There used to be a tour company that would take you on a guided kayak tour through the conduit's tunnels, but despite it closing folks still paddle beneath the streets.

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Part of the river is still exposed, but much of it is immersed in the darkness. The 3-mile long journey is a pretty unique experience, and travelers have reported abandoned cars and giant art murals.

You can find the conduit today at the place where Park River meets Connecticut River, just off the I-91. The place where it goes underground is off of Farmington Avenue.

For additional history, and a peek of the pitch dark kayak experience, check out this cool video:

This underground river isn’t the only subterranean exploration you’ll want to try. Grab some boots and a friend for a trip to Tory’s Cave!