Have you ever been under the capital? Probably not. But it turns out you can actually explore underneath Hartford if you know where to look. The eastern side of the city is bordered by the Connecticut River, but there's another river that flows underneath. Get ready to explore some of the most forgotten waters in the state!
The Park River in Hartford was originally known as Hog River.
It was so named because of its stench, caused by the city dumping waste from nearby factories in the early industrial days. But the refuse was hardly taken care of. Instead, the river brought disease to residents and often flooded. The name changed after Bushnell Park was built. In fact, this 1841 painting depicts soldiers and sailors returning to Hartford by taking the bridge over Park River. But the park didn't stop the river's destructive nature. By the 1930s, the government was fed up with the cost of post-flood cleanups.
So the river was moved underground in what was known as the Park River Conduit.
Completed in November 1943, 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. The supervised tours are no longer offered, but that doesn't stop adventurers from grabbing their canoes and going for a trip!
The 3-mile trip takes you through dark tunnels, offering a unique sensory experience that some have described as entering another world. Watch this video to learn a little more history and see some folks canoe the underground tunnels. It's too cool!
If you thought this tunnel adventure was cool, check out this abandoned train tunnel! You won't be traveling under the capital but you'll still be discovering something incredible! Or opt to stay underground as you discover what's hiding in Center Church!
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