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There’s no shortage of attractions in this region, and so let’s get you going on planning your Northwest Connecticut vacation.
This travel map will get you oriented with the Northwest Connecticut region...
along with all the destinations you’ll be visiting here.
And feel free to click any of the links below to get more information on any Northwest Connecticut vacation spots.
Northwest Connecticut Vacations Parks, Forests, and Trails…
If you’re an outdoor enthusiast then you’re in for a treat in this region. I’ve concentrated on highlighting a number of day trip attractions where you can leave the noise and bustle of the urban sprawl far behind. Here you’ll discover pastoral countryside, cool mountain-fed waterfalls, and pine-scented forest glades.
Weir Farm in Ridgefield is both a place to learn about Alden Weir’s contribution to the American Impressionist movement, and experience first-hand the landscapes that inspired him by strolling the grounds.
Session Woods Wildlife Management Area in Burlington features demonstration sites, self-guided hiking trails, and displays. The folks at Session Woods emphasize conservation and provide excellent public awareness programs so we all get to enjoy wildlife, and the benefits of habitat management.
Action Wildlife Foundation in Goshen features a 116-acre game park, petting zoo, and museum. You can view 32 species of exotic animals from around the world in the lush green Northwest Hills of Litchfield County.
An experience not to be missed on your Northwest Connecticut vacations is their drive-thru safari park.
Kent Falls State Park
in Kent is a series of waterfalls on a mountain stream known as Falls Brook, which eventually empties into the Housatonic River. The cascading falls have carved unusual shapes and potholes in the limestone, and offer dramatic views all times of the year.
Sunny Valley Preserve in New Milford is 1,850 acres of farmland, forests, wetlands, and meadows.
You’ll find 13 miles of hiking trails offering unspoiled view of farms, plants, and animals. Be sure to take binoculars, your camera, and your trusty field guide. If getting away from the crowds on your Northwest Connecticut vacations is your aim this is the place.
The Appalachian Trail in Connecticut cuts through the Northwest portion of the region at the highest elevations in the state. The trail runs for 52 miles reaching its maximum elevation of 2,316 ft. at the summit of Bear Mountain. Many sections run along the banks of rivers, and hiking is mostly moderate with occasional steep sections.
Let’s have a change of pace…
Northwest Connecticut Vacations for Thrill Seekers:
Well, maybe “Thrill Seekers” is a little bit of a stretch if you’re a bungee jumper looking for your rush. But certainly if you’ve got family... and everybody is ready for some excitement after the museum and hiking trips... then these places could be just your "cup of tea. on your Northwest Connecticut vacations."
Lake Compounce Theme Park in Bristol has been in operation since 1846, which makes it America’s first family theme park. But the rides are far from old and antiquated! The park contains thrilling up-to-date amusement rides and Splash Harbor Water Park, all in a scenic lake setting. With a healthy mixture of gentle rides there’s something for every excitement level here.
Quassy Amusement Park in Middlebury is another ride park on a lake. This one is located on beautiful Lake Quassapaug. In addition to big kid and little kid rides you’ll find paddle boats for the lake, a rock-climbing wall adventure, and a fully loaded Family Amusement Center.
Try These Museums with a Theme:
Connecticut has not just one museum devoted to its railway… but two! And living up to its nickname once as the “Switzerland of America” you’ll also find two clock and watch museums. These are all entertaining places to visit as well as educational.
Now in my humble opinion you can’t say you’ve completed your Northwest Connecticut vacations until you’ve taken a train ride. Call me a train fanatic, (or something worse if you want) but riding a train brings back wonderful childhood vacation memories for me, and a source of novelty for my children today.
Railroad Museum of New England and Naugatuck Railroad are centered in Thomaston. The highlight is the one-hour 20-mile round trip ride from the historic and renovated Thomaston Station. After your ride, take a guided yard tour and see engines and cars that helped make New England the heart of the nation’s industrial ingenuity.
Danbury Railway Museum is housed in the historic station and rail yard in downtown Danbury. The museum offers railroad history, rail excursion trips, a collection of original and restored rolling stock, and opportunities for hands-on railroad work. One-of-a-kind railroad items on view include New Haven RR Mack FCD railbus and a fully operating turntable.
In the nineteenth century Connecticut’s Naugatuck Valley around the Waterbury and Bristol areas was known as the “Switzerland of America.”
Here, many different types of clock products were designed and produced. These next two places offer you a chance to experience and marvel at the skills and art of clock and watchmakers.
Time Expo in Waterbury chronicles the rise of the Timex Company. From its early beginnings in 1850s...
To remarkable 21st century innovations in an entertaining voyage of discovery. The museum contains plenty of hands-on exhibits, craft activities, and computer interactives. Remember the torture test ads - you’ll be able to see the original versions along with a re-enactment of a watch strapped to an outboard motor in water.
American Clock and Watch Museum in Bristol has over 1,500 clocks and watches on display mostly from the period 1800 to 1940. The focus of the collection is Connecticut manufactured timepieces, and is a delight to the senses, as you’ll be surrounded by ticking and chiming as well as a feast for your eyes. The museum is open during the busy Northwest Connecticut vacations season between April – November.
Here’s Some Unusual Collections and Museums to Visit…
It’s difficult to categorize these next few Connecticut museums… so I won’t. But invite you during your Northwest Connecticut vacations to take a brief detour, and spend time discovering these unusual collections of antiques, and reminders of Connecticut’s rich past.
The New England Carousel Museum in Bristol is home to the largest antique carousel collection in the country, and regularly works with local carvers, painters and restorers to prepare new carousel pieces and demonstrate the art of the carousel. You’ll discover brightly painted carved horses and chariots shimmering with encrusted glass jewels. The same building houses The Museum of Fire History, and fine art galleries containing collections of local artists.
The Connecticut Antique Machinery Association Museum in Kent features a large display of steam and gas tractors, a hall with working steam engines, and a narrow gage railroad. The natural resources of Connecticut, and in particular the Iron Ore extracted out of the Litchfield Hills, led to this area being a key industrial center for the nation.
The museum has seven main exhibit areas and includes early internal combustion and steam engines, late 1800’s agricultural equipment, and a special exhibit on mining and mineral science.
The Military Museum of Southern New England at Danbury was originally conceived to focus on Tank Destroyer units of WWII, but due to generous donations the museum has accumulated over 10,000 artifacts. These can be seen in four galleries that include 37 exhibits of anti-tank guns, armored cars, anti-aircraft guns, tanks, and infantry fighting vehicles. The museum collection is a vivid reflection of American military history.
The Most Photographed Church in New England…
The town of Litchfield is often called “New England’s most beautiful town” and worth a special trip during your Northwest Connecticut vacations just to visit and admire the carefully preserved 18th and 19th century homes.
The Congregational Church built in 1828 is the most photographed church in New England.
But no trip to Litchfield is complete without visiting…
The
Litchfield History Museum
, an intimate look at life in a small New England town directly after the American Revolution. The museum’s exhibits recapture Litchfield as a bustling commercial, political, and educational center. A short distance away and part of the museum complex is the Tapping Reeve House and Law School, which was the first law school in the U.S.
And in the same vein and a short drive south is…
The Mattatuck Museum located in Waterbury celebrates the rich heritage of the Waterbury and Litchfield region. Meander through a nineteenth century boarding house, a recreated seventeenth century house frame, and listen to workers talk about the demands of their jobs in a nineteenth century brass mill. You’ll find many of the items in the collections are from Northwest Connecticut, a testament to the richness of the skilled masters attracted to the area.
Here's Seasonal and Sporting Events for your
Northwest Connecticut Vacations…
Music Mountain
at Canaan/Falls Village is a summer season music festival. The program runs from June-September, and includes chamber concerts, jazz performances, choral concerts, piano recitals, and special gala events. Founded in 1930 and now in its seventh decade you have the choice of seating in the air-conditioned Gordon Hall, or sitting out on the lawn soaking up wonderful music surrounded by nature.
A unique experience make this a must event to visit while on Northwest Connecticut vacations.
At Lime Rock Park in Lime Rock something’s rumbling. Is it a Grand Sport, or Sport Touring, or NASCAR? Well, the fact is… it doesn’t matter because if you’re a race car fan you like them all! From May to October each year the “rumbling center of the east” puts on race car events such as Rolex GT Series Challenge, NASCAR Busch East 200, and the American Le Mans New England Grand Prix.
Fasten your seat belt, put your earplugs in, and get on over to Lime Rock.
And now for something completely different…
When the cold winter sweeps across Connecticut, skiers head to Mohawk Mountain Ski Area in Cornwall, one of Connecticut’s premier skiing resorts. A ski area since 1947 it offers snowmaking on 95% of runs, 24 trails for skiing and snowboarding, five chairlifts, night skiing, and cross-country skiing in the nearby State Forest. All-in-all a winter wonderland for your Northwest Connecticut vacations.
Here’s Extra Ideas for Your Northwest Connecticut Vacations Trip…
Northwest Connecticut and the Litchfield Hills offer inspiring
scenic drives
through the wooded forests and villages in the Housatonic River valley, and the area surrounding the town of Litchfield itself. Allow plenty of time to browse the
antique shops
the region is famous for, and pick up that special Northwest Connecticut vacation purchase.
The Connecticut Wine Trail has seven wineries in the Northwest Connecticut region. These are Mclaughlin in Sandy Hook, DiGrazia Vineyards in Brookfield, White Silo Farm and Winery at Sherman, Hopkins Vineyard in New Preston, Haight Vineyard and Winery right in Litchfield, Jerram Winery at New Hartford, and Land of Nod Winery in East Canaan.
For maps and tour information check out the Connecticut Wine Trail site by clicking here.
More Resources for Northwest Connecticut vacations…
And if you'd like to enjoy your visit even more to the Northwest Connecticut area, and grab a bunch more travel resource information at the same time, then here's an offer you can't afford to miss...
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