Litchfield, Connecticut

Outdoor enthusiasts can anticipate spending many happy hours exploring the White Memorial Conservation Center which is the largest wildlife refuge in Connecticut. The center offers a variety of diverse habitats where you can view an abundance of birds and other wildlife. There is a 40-mile network of walking, hiking and biking trails to explore and the chance to enjoy camping at one of two campgrounds. You can enjoy boating and fishing on Bantam Lake and Bantam River – some rental equipment is available at the Folly Marina and Boat Launch. No visit to the center is complete without a tour of the Nature Museum to view the many interesting exhibits.

Address: White Memorial Conservation Center, 80 Whitehall Rd, Litchfield, CT 06759, Phone: 860-567-0857

Gardening enthusiasts who are visiting the Litchfield area between April and November should not miss a chance to visit the White Flower Farm in Morris. Unlike other garden centers, White Flower Farm does not just sell plants but offers visitors an inspiring glimpse of what a home garden can look like. The farm is made up of several trial and display gardens which you can admire and learn from and if you are in the market some great new additions for your garden you will love their very extensive range of plants. The farm offers a regular series of gardening talks and lectures – check their website to see what’s on during your visit.

Address: White Flower Farm, 167 Litchfield Rd, Morris, CT 06763, Phone: 860-567-8789

Visiting Topsmead State Forest is a little like stepping back in time to visit a gracious country estate in the early 1920’s. The property was once the summer home of Miss Edith Morton Chase, as astute business woman who built up a substantial real estate portfolio which included the present Topsmead State Forest, which she bequeathed to Connecticut when she died in 1972. Today you can join a free tour of the fine homestead (which is filled with 17th and 18th century English antiques) on the 2nd and 4th weekends of each month from June to October. There are several trails and pathways to explore through the beautiful gardens and informal picnicking is allowed all over the estate.

Address: Topsmead State Forest, Litchfield, CT 06759, Phone: 860-567-5694

At the Tapping Reeve House you are invited to take an interactive tour though America’s first Law School to see for yourself what life was like for a 19th century law student. Role-playing, interpretive areas and hands-on exhibits will explain to you how Litchfield became home to such a prestigious institution which educated hundreds of young men and women who would later play an important role in forming the foundations of the country’s democracy. You can start your visit by watching an informative video and complete your visit by taking a walking tour of the Historic District’s homes and businesses.

Address: Tapping Reeve House and Litchfield Law School, 82 South St, Litchfield, CT 06759, Phone: 860-567-4501

You will find the 231-acre Mount Tom State Park along the south-western shore of Mount Tom Pond close to Litchfield. The park is one of the oldest recreational areas in Connecticut, offering varied activities for families and outdoor enthusiasts. You can enjoy swimming, canoeing, kayaking and fishing on the 56-acre Mount Tom Pond and there is a mile-long trail which leads up to an observation tower at the summit of Mount Tom. The park is a great place for picnicking and bird-watching and you can also explore the historic 10-meter high Mount Tom Tower which offers sweeping views of the surrounding countryside.

Address: Mount Tom State Park, Washington Depot, Litchfield, CT 06794

The Livingston Ripley Waterfowl Conservancy is dedicated to conserve water fowl and their wetland habitats for future generations to enjoy. To this end they house and protect one of the largest collections of waterfowl species in the country consisting of flocks of over 500 birds representing over 80 species. Numbers of rare and endangered species are boosted by their breeding programs and they operate several educational programs aimed at increasing public knowledge about conservation. You can visit the conservancy on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from May through November. Members may book private weekday tours and schools and groups are welcome to book field trips during the week.

Address: Livingston Ripley Waterfowl Conservancy, 55 Duck Pond Rd, Litchfield, CT 06759, Phone: 860-567-2062

Originally settled way back in 1719, Litchfield is a very old city with a lot of stories to tell. The Litchfield History Museum is dedicated to bringing the history of the city to life by means of dynamic exhibits and hands-on activities. Visitors can admire many artifacts and archive documents which follow the fascinating evolution of the city as it occurred after the Revolutionary War. The museum can be visited from Tuesday to Sunday from mid April through November. Once you have learnt about the history of Litchfield you can pick up a map and enjoy a self-guided walking tour of the Litchfield Historic District, which represents a typical New England village during the 1800’s.

Address: Litchfield History Museum, 7 South Street, Litchfield, CT 06759, Phone: 860-567-4501

Currently located on South Street, St. Michael’s Parish was originally founded back in 1749 as the first Connecticut church to worship in accordance with the Church of England. Since that date the congregation has grown from just 44 families to form a large and vibrant congregation who worship at the current lovely English Gothic stone church which has replaced many former church buildings. Children can attend regular Sunday-School classes and the parish also operates a Food Pantry on the 3rd Sunday of each month when everyone is invited to join the parish for companionship, tea, coffee and a snack, followed by the distribution of food packages to the needy.

Address: St. Michael’s Parish, 25 South Street, Litchfield, CT 06759, Phone: 860-567-9465

Operated by the Litchfield Hills Audubon Society, the Boyd Woods Audubon Sanctuary is located on Route 254 in Litchfield. The sanctuary comprises over 100 acres of diverse habitats where bird watchers will be able to spend many happy hours. There are several marked and well-maintained trails for walkers and hikers, all of which are less than a mile long and suitable for families. You will find bird feeders strategically placed near the start of some of the trails which help to insure that you will have a successful birding day. Due to the nature of this wildlife sanctuary you are not permitted to bring dogs onto the trails.

Address: Boyd Woods Audubon Sanctuary, Litchfield, CT 06759