Come explore the state's largest nature center and wildlife sanctuary. 4,000 acres, 35 miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, fishing, cross-country skiing, bird observation platforms and family camping. The trails are open to the public, free of charge, for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. The trails, which are not tracked or groomed, range in difficulty from easy to moderate. Other amenities: dining nearby, parking

A favorite with gardeners nationwide, Litchfield’s White Flower Farm invites you to experience ten acres of extraordinary display gardens. White Flower Farm is a family-owned nursery based in Northwest Connecticut. Since 1950, we've been growing a wide range of ornamental plant varieties, and delivering them to gardeners all over the country. Our mission is to help gardeners succeed by supplying top quality plant material, comprehensive cultural information, and superior customer service. Whether you are an experienced horticulturalist on the lookout for unusual cultivars, or a newcomer to

Replica of the Lourdes Grotto in France, this 170-acre shrine was built by the Montfort Missionaries and dedicated as a place of peace, prayer and pilgrimage. A newly renovated and restored Way of the Cross winds its way through the hillside overlooking the grotto. It also features Shrines to St. Joseph and St. Jude which help make this an inspirational place of prayer. Reasonably priced lunches and snacks are served in the Grotto Cafe. Or, bring your own picnic lunch. Grotto Gift Shop offers a wide selection of religious articles, outdoor statues, and gifts. Open daily dawn to dusk. Tour time

Nature trails, special displays, nature and hands-on exhibits, live animals, outdoor bird sanctuary and a gift shop — all located within a 4,000 acre sanctuary. The White Memorial Conservation Center is located in the heart of the 4,000 White Memorial Foundation property in the northwestern Connecticut foothills of the Berkshire Mountains. The Conservation Center operates a natural history museum with exhibits focusing on the interpretation of local natural history, conservation, and ecology. Dormitory and classroom facilities extend the opportunities for visitors to interact with the natural

Eleven-acre park with operating water-powered up-and-down saw, working blacksmith shop and 1878 Lane Shingle Mill, mill artifacts of the Industrial Revolution, grist mill. Two-acre mill pond with picnic area. National Historic Landmark. Tour time: 30-60 minutes

Built in 1727 as Trumbull family store where the Council of Safety held numerous meetings to plan the supply lifeline for the American Revolution. This was Connecticut's Pentagon during the Revolutionary War.

Samuel and Lucretia Beaumont raised eight children in this simple 1-1/2 story farmhouse. Originally located in the northern part of Lebanon, the house was moved to the Green in the mid-1970s by the Beaumont Medical Club. Named for pioneering physician Dr. William Beaumont, the Medical Club furnished the house with 19th century artifacts and a collection of early medical equipment. The house and its furnishings was located on D.A.R. property and donated to the Lebanon Historical Society. In 2014, the Historical Society moved the house to the east side of the Green.

Founded in 1825, the Connecticut Museum of Culture and History has interactive, educational exhibits, family and youth programs, special events and a significant library and research center to foster and explore a passion for history. We strive to inspire a life-long interest in history through research assistance, exhibitions, tours, and programs for all ages. The Connecticut Museum of Culture and History is the go-to-destination for those who want to gain a deeper understanding of Connecticut’s culture and history. Here you will learn more about the critical role Connecticut continues to

Children's hands-on learning workshop located on Eli Whitney's armory site. The Eli Whitney Museum and Workshop is an experimental learning workshop for students, teachers, and families. We collect, interpret, and teach experiments that are the roots of design and invention. The museu reaches schools in over 65 towns and cities in Connecticut with its curriculum based programming, and holds summer and vacation programs. The museum sees roughly 35,000 children each year, and produces more than 72,000 projects each year. Tour time: 45 minutes Photo: Kindra Clineff/Connecticut Office of Tourism

It looks like a medieval fortress, but a step inside the stone castle reveals built-in couches, table trackway and woodcarvings that all point to the creative genius that was William Gillette. The unique fieldstone castle was home to legendary stage actor. The 184 acre park is situated on a hill overlooking the Connecticut River. Gillette best known for his portrayal of Sherlock Holmes on stage, designed his house with intricately carved locks and wood doors. Hiking trails, picnic spots, food concession, gift shop. Riverside camping available. Tour time: 1 hour Other amenities: Dining Nearby