17 Best Things to Do in Litchfield, Connecticut

By VI Staff on March 28, 2020

Litchfield, CT has been around since the early 1700’s and boasts a great Historic District reminiscent of an early settler village. Visitors can take a walking tour and learn about the history of the city by visiting the Litchfield History Museum and the Tapping Reeve House and Law School.

1.White Memorial Conservation Center

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.

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

2.White Flower Farm

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.

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

3.Topsmead State Forest

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.

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

4.Tapping Reeve House and Litchfield Law School

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.

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

5.Mount Tom State Park

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.

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

6.Haight Brown Vineyards

Wine lovers who find themselves in the Litchfield area over a weekend can enjoy a great day of wine tasting at the Haight Brown Vineyards, the oldest winery in Connecticut. The vineyards were originally established in 1975 and now produce a fine range of wines showcasing several unusual cultivars such as Seyval Blanc, Marechal Foch and Dechaunac alongside the more traditional Chardonnays and Cabernets. Visitors can order cheese and meat platters to enjoy in the tasting room or on the outside patios and you are welcome to bring a picnic to enjoy in the Picnic Grove. You can check their website to see if one of their music or wine courses will coincide with your visit.

Haight Brown Vineyards, 29 Chestnut Hill Rd, Litchfield, CT 06759, Phone: 860-567-4045

7.Livingston Ripley Waterfowl Conservancy

The Livingstone 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.

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

8.Litchfield History Museum

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.

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

9.St. Michael’s Parish

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.

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

10.Boyd Woods Audubon Sanctuary

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.

Boyd Woods Audubon Sanctuary, Litchfield, CT 06759

11.Laurel Ridge Farm

Laurel Ridge Farm is a must-see destination for anyone visiting the Litchfield area around April and May. Many years ago hay farmers Remy and Virginia Morosani planted a modest field of 10,000 daffodil bulbs in a rocky valley on their farm. Nurtured for years, this original daffodil display has grown by leaps and bounds and now covers over fifteen acres. The daffodils are at their peak around April and May each year and everyone is invited to come to the farm and enjoy the magnificent displays. The daffodil fields are open to the public from sunrise to sunset and visitors are encouraged to send in their photographs of the flowers for display on the website.

Laurel Ridge Farm, Wigwam Rd, Litchfield, CT 06759

12.Lee’s Riding Stable

Lee’s Riding Stable is located on the Windfield Morgan Farm, surrounded by the scenic rolling hills of the Litchfield countryside. The stable welcomes equestrians of all ages to join their daily trail rides which take place from 9am to 5pm. The stable has a herd of well-trained patient horses expert trail guides to ensure that your riding experience will be one to remember. Children over the age of seven can join the trail rides while younger children can get a taste of horse riding as they enjoy pony rides in the indoor or outdoor riding rings. You can book private, semi-private or group lessons if you and your family have always wanted to learn how to ride.

Lee’s Riding Stable, Windfield Morgan Farm, 57 East Litchfield Rd, Litchfield, CT 06759, Phone: 860-567-0785

13.Humaston Brook State Park

Outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers who are visiting Litchfield can take a short detour to Northfield, where you will find the Humaston Brook State Park nestled along the banks of Humaston Brook. The park covers an area of around 140 acres and offers a large undeveloped recreational green space offering a variety of outdoor activities. In summer you can enjoy a exploring the walking and hiking trails and visit the ruins of the old knife factory. You can try fishing on Northfield Pond (ice fishing in winter) or simply do some wildlife watching. If you would like to spend a few nights under the stars you can camp at one of three near-by campgrounds.

Humaston Brook State Park, Knife Shop Rd, Northfield, CT 06778

14.West Street Grill

After a busy day of exploring and outdoor adventures you are sure to have worked up a good appetite. Visitors who would like to explore innovative modern American cuisine should make their way to the popular West Street Grill which has been treating the Litchfield community to sublime fine-dining for over 30 years. The restaurant offers a welcoming atmosphere, attentive wait-staff and delicious food to suit all tastes. A few of the menu highlights include Timbale of Crab, Cauliflower Tempura and several fresh and flavorsome salads for starters, while mouth-watering steaks, fish and pasta dishes feature on the entrée menu. The restaurant also offers a delicious special festive menu in December.

West Street Grill, 43 West Street, Litchfield, CT 06759, Phone: 860-567-3885

15.Peaches ‘n Cream

When you have worked up an appetite for a delicious ice-cream, sorbet, sundae or other frozen treat Peaches ‘n Cream is the place to go. Established back in 1982 the confectioner has built up a solid reputation for serving the best frozen desserts using the finest home-made ingredients. All their ice-creams and sorbets are made on site and they make a full range of delectable caramel, fudge and fresh fruit toppings to serve with their sundaes. Even the waffle cones are home made on the premises. A few of the unforgettable flavors you simply have to try include Black Raspberry, Bordeaux Cherry, Butter Pecan and Chocolate Peanut-butter swirl.

Peaches ‘n Cream, 632 Torrington Rd, Litchfield, CT 06759, Phone: 860-496-7536

16.Village Restaurant

The Village Restaurant on West Street has been a Litchfield institution since the 1950’s; Litchfield locals came to the Village as kids and still return today with their own families to enjoy the convivial atmosphere and delicious comfort food. You can expect generous portions of tasty traditional American pub fare made from locally sourced ingredients. The restaurant offers a selection of local craft beers and a good choice of wines by the glass or bottle. Besides the extensive menu of starters, entrees and desserts there are always a couple of chef’s specialties like Baked Stuffed Sole, Chicken Saltimbocca or Herb Roasted Prime Rib to tempt your inner foodie.

Village Restaurant, 25 West Street, Litchfield, CT 06759, Phone: 860-567-8307

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17.Litchfield Saltwater Grille

When your taste-buds are demanding a delicious seafood meal you need look no further than the Litchfield Saltwater Grille in Litchfield’s delightful Historic District. The grille specializes in serving fresher-than-fresh seafood and has an excellent raw bar serving up a great selection of raw and chilled seafood including oysters, clams, shrimp cocktails and delectable smoked salmon. Entrees include simply-prepared fresh fish dishes (to showcase natural flavors) as well as a selection of innovative chef’s specialties. Saltwater Grille is rumored to have the best Happy Hour in Litchfield when you can sample a range of over 400 wines and many local craft brews served alongside tasty appetizers.

Litchfield Saltwater Grille, 26 Commons Dr, Litchfield, CT 06759, Phone: 860-567-4900