Marvels are unique places that just make you stop and think. Whether they're nature produced or man made, some places are just so unique that you have to stop and stare. In fact, not looking might be rude! So, check out these marvels for a weekend of exploration in our state.

1. Beckley Furnace Industrial Monument (North Canaan)

This iron making blast furnace was built in 1847.

This is the only industrial monument in the state! It once produced iron for the manufacture of railroad car wheels, but now it's a superbly preserved testament to technology. Its grand size and impressive stone work will definitely wow you!

2. Iwo Jima Survivors Memorial Park (New Britain)

This version was dedicated on the 50th anniversary of the original flag raising.

The park is beautiful year-round, but the monument is a real work of art. The flag is historically accurate, the stones are actually from Mt. Suribachi, and sand from the landing beach were mixed into the concrete. There's also an eternal flame, making this detailed beauty one of the best memorials around.

3. Wadsworth Falls (Middletown)

This thirty-foot beauty crashes over sandstone and manages to trickle through even in winter.

The park was established by the will of the colonel Clarence C. Wadsworth, a man with a fine reputation and a passion for the falls.

4. Saville Dam (Barkhamsted)

This earthen embankment has incredible masonry work, resembling something out of a fairy tale.

At 1,950 feet long and 135 feet tall, the view from this dam is immaculate. Just over 75 years old, its spillway creates the Barkhamsted Reservoir, which serves as the primary water source for Hartford.

5. Castle Craig (Meriden)

This 32-foot tower sits atop a mountain, making it by far one of the best places to go for a view of Connecticut.

The well known Metacomet Trail connects to this tower which is now over a hundred years old. No one can agree which country inspired this tower, but it was definitely a European one.

6. The Charles W. Morgan (Mystic)

This is the last remaining wooden whaling ship in the whole world!

Built in 1841, this beautiful ship was once used to collect whale blubber, which was used to make oil for lamps.

7. Hanging Hills (Meriden)

These trap rock ridges overlook the Quinnipiac River Valley.

These lush mountains make it hard to believe they were formed by molten lava bubbling up from the surface. But that was thousands of years ago!

8. First Presbyterian Church (Stamford)

That's right! Believe it or not, this wacky shaped building is a church.

Designed by architect Wallace K. Harrison, this modernist building is stunning inside and out. The building is said to be shaped like a fish, with its stained glass windows vibrantly depicting bible scenes.

9. Charles Island (Milford)

Like most islands, this one is completely surrounded by water. But you can still get there by foot!

The sand bar path reveals itself at low tide, allowing visitors of Silver Sands State Park to walk from the beach to the island with relative ease. The coolest part is visiting for the day and watching as the path slowly appears.

10. Gungywamp (Groton)

Home to a host of archeological conspiracy theories, this forest site is full of history.

Multiple stone chambers, artifacts, rock sketches, and rocks arranged in a circular pattern are just some of the things you'll discover at this site. A tool dating back to 1500 BC was found there, giving way to claims of aliens. Who can explain how so many time periods and cultures convened at this one spot?

If you're excited to visit these locations, definitely add Connecticut's 7 Natural Wonders to your list! Or kick it up a notch with this list of places that will bring out the explorer in you!