Mark Twain House & Museum

The Mark Twain House & Museum is only open to the public through guided tours. The General House tour takes just under an hour and is led by a historic interpreter across three floors. The Living History tour, which lasts 70 minutes, is led by an actor performing the role of a member of Mark Twain’s household. It lets visitors delve deeper into day-to-day life. In addition to daily tours, the museum hosts interactive murder mystery tours, evening ghost tours, and other special events.

• Photography is strictly forbidden on the premises, so keep smartphones turned off and safely stored in your pockets. The on-site gift shop sells postcards with images of the home’s opulent interiors.

• Anyone unfamiliar with the celebrated humorist’s life and career can learn a basic biography of Mark Twain during a 23-minute screening of a Ken Burns documentary, which is included with the guided tour.

• The museum strongly recommends that visitors purchase their tickets in advance, as tours sell out frequently. Admission tickets can be purchased online for extra convenience.

• The Nook Farm Café is located on the second floor of the visitors’ center and is open during lunchtime. It offers snacks, light meals, and refreshments from local vendors in Connecticut, from handcrafted chocolates to freshly made sandwiches.

• While the first floor of the historic home is wheelchair-friendly, access to Mark Twain’s famous billiard room requires climbing 41 stairs. There is no elevator. Tours for visitors with special needs can be arranged in advance upon request.

• Senior citizens aged 65 and older receive a modest discount on admission tickets, while children aged 6 to 16 benefit from substantial savings. Kids six and under can attend the General House tour for free, but smaller children (8 and under) aren’t recommended for the Living History tour.

• Traveling with kids? In addition to the General House tour, children can participate in a special Gilded Age-themed visit. The hour-long interactive tour is designed for kids aged 4–9. It is offered every Saturday and Sunday morning, but be sure to check the calendar in advance to confirm.

If coming by car from either New York City or New Haven, take I-91 North to I-84 West toward Hartford. From Boston, take I-84 West. Get off at Exit 46, Sisson Avenue, then continue onto Farmington Avenue. Free parking is available on-site. By public transportation, visitors can hop on CT Transit buses 60, 62, 64, or 66 from downtown Hartford or West Hartford.

During peak summer months, the Mark Twain House & Museum is open seven days a week, typically during regular business hours. However, the last tour takes place one hour before closing time. The museum is closed for all major holidays, including the 4th of July, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.

When he wasn’t penning his trademark wit to the page, Mark Twain could often be found hiking with friends at this scenic coastal spot in Simsbury—reachable by car from Hartford in under thirty minutes. Formerly known as Bartlett’s Tower, the area is part of scenic Talcott Mountain State Park. It’s home to multiple walking trails and fiery fall foliage.