These Secret Tunnels and Bunkers Under Connecticut Will Creep You Out

To the average Connecticut resident, the Nutmeg State might seem like a land of quiet cul-de-sacs, overpriced lattes, and way too many Dunkin’ drive-thrus. But beneath the surface—literally—lurks a forgotten world: Cold War bunkers, secret tunnels, and buried rivers with stories that sound more like the plot of a Stephen King novel than your morning commute.

Let’s take a walk underneath Connecticut. You might want to bring a flashlight…and maybe some holy water.

 The Fallout Bunker Beneath Hartford - According to Connecticut's Official State Website, the bunker was completed in 1909 and was meant to protect state officials in the event of nuclear war. Designed by architect Benjamin W. Morris (1870-1944), the building cost $869,000 and was dedicated by President William H. Taft. The armory was restored, modernized, and rededicated in 1996. Connecticut historians and architecture buffs (and let's be honest—curious state workers) point to sealed doors and reinforced underground areas that aren’t part of public tours.

** The Yale Tunnels - Beneath Yale University in New Haven lies a legitimate labyrinth of tunnels, primarily used for utilities but not short on weird vibes. According to the Yale Daily News, these tunnels are steeped in myth. They were initially built in the early 1900s to transport heat, steam, and electricity to campus buildings. While initially designed for practical purposes, they have become a subject of myth and intrigue for Yale students. Recent observations about the tunnels beneath the Yale campus can be found in the article, 'Tunnels (and Tombs): Yale’s Culture of Campus Secrets.'

The Creepy Underground River in Hartford - Once a prominent feature of Hartford, Connecticut, the Park River is now concealed beneath the city's surface. This transformation was driven by a combination of industrial pollution and devastating floods in the early 20th century. The tunnels can be treacherous, with unpredictable water levels, debris, and limited visibility. Authorities advise against unauthorized exploration due to safety concerns. For an in-depth look at this creepy underground river, check out 'Canoeing the Park River Under Hartford.'

German POWs and the Rumored Escape Tunnels at Bradley Field -Connecticut History.org tells the true story that during WWII, Bradley Field in Windsor Locks (now the site of Bradley International Airport) hosted German prisoners of war. These POWs did maintenance work, but rumors swirl that some dug tunnels—either for escape or moving supplies. While no confirmed tunnels have been unearthed, the idea of secret Nazi tunnels under an airport is the kind of thing History Channel shows dream of. Bradley’s military past is very real, though—and the base’s POW presence is well documented.

If you know of any other underground tunnels in Connecticut or across the border in New York State, I would love to hear from you!