Historic Sites
Fort Griswold Battlefield
This is the historic site where, on September 6, 1781, the British Forces, commanded by the infamous Benedict Arnold, captured the Fort and massacred the soldiers of the Continental Army stationed there. The Ebenezer Avery House which sheltered the wounded after the battle has been restored on the grounds. A Revolutionary War museum also depicts the era. Activities: Historical Battlegrounds, Museum, and Tower. For information call: (860)424-3200
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Putnam Memorial Park
This was the site of the Continental Army's 1779 winter encampment under the command of General Isreal Putnam. The site consists of remains of the encampment, reconstructed log buildings, and a museum. Activities: Museum, Fishing, (H) Picnicking, Field Sports, Interpretive Trail, Historical Site, Ice Skating, For information call: (860)424-3200
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Weir Farm National Historic Site
American Impressionist painter, J. Alden Weir (1852-1919) summered at this country retreat for nearly 40 years. The 60 acre site includes Weir's home, studio, barns and outbuildings, a visitor center, and a second studio built by sculptor, Mahonri Young. Additionally, the landscape that served as subject matter for many of Weir's paintings and other works of art by Childe Hassam, Albert Pinkham Ryder and John Twachtman, remains largely intact. The Historic Painting Sites Trail allows visitors to actually stand where the artists did and compare paintings with the scene that inspired them. Ranger led tours of the studio buildings are also available to walk-in visitors. For information call: (203)834-1896
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Gay City State Park
The Park centers about the remains of an 18th century, abandoned mill village. Stone foundations of mills, water ditches, and houses can be seen along wooded roads. The Park adjoins Meshomasic State Forest. Activities: (H) Picnicking, Swimming, Hiking, Interpretive Trail, (H) Field Sports, Fishing, Youth Group Camping, Cross-Country Skiing, Ice Skating, Historic Site, Mountain Biking. For information call: (860)424-3200
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Macedonia Brook State Park
Macedonia Brook became the property of the State in 1918 through a gift from the White Memorial Foundation in Litchfield. Two peaks within the Park are near 1,400 feet in elevation and offer outstanding views of the Catskills and Taconic mountains. Numerous springs and streams create a pleasurable experience for the nature oriented recreation seeker. Activities: Stream Fishing, Camping (80 sites), Hiking, (H) Picnicking, (H) Field Sports, Cross-Country Skiing, Historic Area, Mountain Biking. For information call: (860)424-3200
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Tourist Attractions
Beardsley Zoo
The Beardsley Zoo has a proud history of over 75 years as Connecticut's only zoo. As an accredited member of the American Zoo and Aquarium Association (AZA) and participant in its Species Survival Plan (SSP), we are committed to the preservation of endangered animals and are actively developing strategies that will protect species and preserve their wild habitats. Through education, conservation, research and recreation, the Beardsley Zoo provides a wonderfully wild experience for Connecticut's students and families. For information call: (203)394-6572
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The Children's Museum of Southeastern Connecticut
The Children's Museum of Southeastern Connecticut is an interactive, hands-on, educational opportunity for the children in your life. We will engage, encourage, and challenge children ages 1 through 12 and adults, as well, in the Arts, Sciences, Safety & Health, and Culture & History. Don't miss Nursery Rhyme Land for toddlers and Kidsville, an entire kids-size town where young imaginations soar. The Discovery Room and outdoor Garden will delight scientists ages 6 and up. Would-be engineers of any age will be mesmerized by our huge train model of the Connecticut shoreline. There are also arts & crafts, a pipe organ, Benthic Submarine Exhibit, and many exhibits that change regularly for your enjoyment. For information call: (860)691-1111
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Lake Compounce Theme Park
America's First Family Theme Park. For information call: (860)583-3300
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Mystic Aquarium/Institute for Exploration
Explore the new Mystic Aquarium and embark upon an exciting adventure that will take you from shallow sunlit seas to the dark reaches of the deep ocean. A journey that will forever change your view of our ocean planet. For information call: (860)572-5955
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Mystic Seaport
Mystic Seaport is an outdoor maritime museum that tells the stories of America and the sea. Located on a 40 acre waterfront site in the town of Mystic, Connecticut, the Museum exhibits historic tall ships and small boats, a New England coastal village and extensive collections of art, shipmodels and artifacts. The Museum also offers hands-on activities for children and adults, crafts demonstrations, educational programs and a variety of special events. For information call: (888)9SEAPORT
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