Top 15 Activities and Attractions in Farmington, CT

Summary

Hill-Stead Museum
Stanley-Whitman House
Farmington Miniature Golf & Ice Cream Parlor
Farmington Canal Heritage Trail
Rattlesnake Mountain
First Church of Christ, Congregational
Westfarms Mall
Tunxis Country Club
Farmington River Trail
Complexity: A Puzzling Adventure
Farmington Library
West Hartford
West Hartford Reservoir
Winding Trails
Batterson Park

The affluent small town of Farmington is located 10 miles west of Hartford. This locale serves as the international headquarters for an impressive array of large corporations, including Otis Worldwide.

Farmington is notable for its Hill-Stead Museum, which features a remarkable collection of exquisite art pieces, including French Impressionist masterpieces and Japanese woodblock prints.

The narrative behind its establishment captivates me, particularly the contributions of Theodate Pope Riddle (1867-1946), one of the first female architects in America.

For outdoor enthusiasts, Farmington is conveniently accessible via two long-distance trails: The Metacomet Trail and the Farmington Canal Heritage Trail, which follows the path of a 19th-century waterway and railroad.

The largest public golf facility in Connecticut is also situated here, boasting 45 holes. Exceptional shopping opportunities await at the Westfarms Mall, as well as nearby in West Hartford Center.

1. Hill-Stead Museum

If you visit Farmington, the Hill-Stead Museum, housed in an elegant Colonial Revival residence dating back to 1901, should undoubtedly be a priority.

This museum was designed for industrialist Alfred Atmore Pope through a collaboration with the architectural firm McKim, Read & White and Theodate Pope Riddle, who was both the daughter of Alfred Pope and one of the pioneering female architects in America.

Equally significant is the museum’s interior. The 19 rooms accessible to the public have been preserved in their original state since Theodate’s passing in 1946.

Hill-Stead showcases a wealth of valuable decorative arts, rugs, furniture, prints, and prominently features fine art.

The collection is particularly rich in Impressionism, featuring works by renowned artists such as Monet, Degas, Manet, Mary Cassatt, Eugène Carrière, and James McNeill Whistler.

Noteworthy examples also include woodblock prints by Hokusai, Hiroshige, and Utamaro, as well as engravings by Albrecht Dürer and correspondence from historical figures like Henry James and Mary Cassatt.

The grounds themselves are also integral, designed by Warren H. Manning and featuring a one-acre sunken garden that was later redesigned by the famous landscape architect Beatrix Farrand.

2. Stanley-Whitman House

One of the oldest residences in Farmington is preserved and open for public viewing as a museum.

This traditional New England saltbox, constructed around 1720, showcases its antiquity through its leaded windows and overhanging upper floor.

The overhang features four delicate drop pendants, with the house divided symmetrically by a large central chimney.

Inside, visitors are transported back to colonial New England, exploring period decorations and fittings while gaining fascinating insights into colonial life. Outside, you’ll discover historic stone walls, raised bed gardens, and a serene apple orchard.

The house serves as the centerpiece of a vibrant living history center, hosting a variety of programs throughout the year, including historical demonstrations, live music, lectures, walking tours, and workshops.

3. Farmington Miniature Golf & Ice Cream Parlor

This family-friendly venue, in operation since 1962, combines two delightful experiences: a beautifully landscaped 18-hole miniature golf course and a charming ice cream parlor.

The golf holes are quaint, bordered by meticulously manicured shrubs and vibrant flowers.

The parlor offers an astounding selection of over 40 ice cream flavors, including unique choices such as Birthday Cake, Crushed Ginger, Kahlua Chocolate Chunk, and salted caramel-covered pretzel.

Additionally, various soft serve and sorbet options are available, along with seasonal flavors like country pumpkin. Visitors can choose from cones, cups, sundaes, milkshakes, or savory items like hot dogs, chili, or tacos.

4. Farmington Canal Heritage Trail

The ambitious Farmington Canal was established in the 1820s to connect New Haven by water to the interior regions of Connecticut and Massachusetts.

However, within a few years of its completion, railroads became a more efficient mode of transportation, leading to the conversion of the canal for railway use.

As of the time of writing, a significant portion of the New Haven and Northampton Railroad bed in Connecticut (approximately 58 miles) has been transformed into a walking trail. This trail takes you through historical railroad corridors and canal towpaths.

Along the way, there are impressive infrastructural remnants, including canal aqueducts and the last surviving set of locks on the canal in Windsor.

The biggest gap in the trail currently exists just south of Farmington, extending across Plainville into northern Southington. During my visit, a project had recently been announced to finally bridge that five-mile gap.

5. Rattlesnake Mountain

Marvelous rocky landscapes are found to the south of Farmington at this basalt landform, which rises to 750 feet and is part of the Metacomet Ridge.

This 200-million-year-old fault extends northward through Connecticut for 100 miles, from Long Island Sound to the Massachusetts-Vermont line, offering spectacular views from its cliff tops.

Such views can be experienced at Rattlesnake Mountain, accessible via the Blue-Blazed Metacomet Trail, which rewards adventurers with panoramic vistas over western Connecticut.

Similar to other peaks along the ridge, Rattlesnake Mountain possesses a unique microclimate, fostering the growth of plant species that are not commonly found in Connecticut.

On the trail, I encountered Will Warren’s Den, a cave that carries an intriguing history dating back to the early days of colonization in Farmington.

A plaque reads, “According to legend, Warren, after being punished for not attending church, attempted to set fire to the village of Farmington, ultimately seeking refuge in this cave, thanks to the assistance of local Native American women.”

6. First Church of Christ, Congregational

The spire atop this historic church, located at 75 Main Street, is a prominent landmark visible from considerable distances.

This clapboard structure, designed in the Greek Revival style, has stood since 1771, although the congregation can trace its origins back another 120 years.

In 1841, the First Church of Christ, Congregational played a significant role in a notable event in American history.

Following their release from custody, the enslaved Africans who had revolted aboard La Amistad were sheltered by Austin Williams, a local abolitionist, in a dormitory he established for them while they awaited their return to Africa.

It is humbling to consider that those individuals frequented this very church during that time.

7. Westfarms Mall

Among the premier malls in the Greater Hartford area lies Westfarms Mall, strategically positioned at the border of West Hartford and Farmington.

The mall’s name combines both towns and offers over 160 stores and services.

At the time of writing, major anchors included Jordan’s Furniture, Nordstrom, Macy’s, and JCPenney.

The mall predominantly caters to the upper end of the market, featuring renowned brands such as Louis Vuitton, Kate Spade, Michael Kors, and Tiffany & Co.

In addition, typical retail options like H&M, Foot Locker, Sephora, Apple Store, and Banana Republic also feature prominently.

A plethora of dining choices is available at Westfarms Mall, ranging from California Pizza Kitchen to P.F. Chang’s China Bistro. Many restaurants enjoy individual outdoor storefronts rather than being confined to a food court.

8. Tunxis Country Club

Farmington is home to the largest golf complex in New England, all of which is open to the public. Tunxis Country Club features a remarkable 45 holes of championship golf.

This venue includes a variety of amenities such as bars, a banquet facility accommodating 150 guests, and an outdoor pavilion for up to 250 guests.

The golf courses are the stars of the show, with three distinct options available. The oldest course, the 9-hole Red Course, was designed in the early 1960s.

For dedicated golfers, the signature White Course is known for its challenging island greens and views of the Farmington River. The Green Course provides a links-style experience with expansive sand traps and significant bodies of water.

To enhance your golfing skills, Drive45 offers an exceptional driving range equipped with advanced shock-absorbing mats and reasonably priced Calloway range balls.

9. Farmington River Trail

For those seeking an alternative route along the Canal Heritage Trail, the Farmington River Trail offers a multi-use path traversing some of the most stunning rural landscapes in the vicinity.

This 18.2-mile loop begins and ends at different points along the trail, allowing for diverse exploration opportunities.

Well-suited for walkers, joggers, inline skaters, and cyclists, the paved trail is accessible from multiple locations in Farmington.

The trail predominantly follows the route of the old Central New England Railroad, winding along the banks of the Farmington River and showcasing diverse terrains, including forests, farmland, and meadows—though some sections require riding on the road.

10. Complexity: A Puzzling Adventure

Farmington hosts a highly-rated puzzle-solving experience at Complexity: A Puzzling Adventure. For those unfamiliar, Escape Rooms provide an engaging activity suitable for date nights, families, or team-building exercises.

An hour-long session necessitates all of your problem-solving skills and teamwork to navigate through clues and successfully escape the room.

Complexity offers a selection of cleverly designed rooms, varying in capacity according to the number of participants.

For instance, the “Hunt for the Dead Sea Souls” accommodates 3-8 players and involves a race against time to release the souls of deceased pirates from a shipwreck. Conversely, “The Mall” can host 4-12 participants, requiring them to search a mall for lost belongings before potentially missing a dinner reservation.

11. Farmington Library

As a premier local resource, the Farmington Library proves particularly beneficial for parents with young children, offering an extensive collection of literature and a vibrant interactive play area.

Adults can find solace in quiet corners or focus on work in an undisturbed environment.

The library’s catalog is extensive, complemented by computer terminals, free Wi-Fi, a 3D printer, and a diverse collection of DVDs.

The community programs offered are numerous, encompassing musical performances, art exhibits, and discussions led by experts across various fields.

12. West Hartford

Adjoining Farmington, West Hartford is a city featuring a downtown area that attracts visitors from far and wide.

The Center, located at the intersection of Farmington and South/North Main Street, has functioned as the community hub since the late 17th century. It remains a charming locale for shopping, dining, and leisure strolls.

West Hartford Center prioritizes local businesses, featuring various fashion boutiques, jewelry stores, toy shops, and design shops.

Culinary offerings cover a wide spectrum, accommodating cravings for gyros, pizza, kebabs, sushi, New England-style seafood, tacos, or tapas.

Since the early 2000s, a mixed-use development known as Blue Back Square has emerged, harmoniously blending with the historic architecture of The Center.

In addition to familiar chains like Barnes & Noble and Cheesecake Factory, Blue Back Square includes a luxury Cinépolis featuring in-theater dining and fully reclining leather seats.

13. West Hartford Reservoir

Located on the border of Farmington and West Hartford, the West Hartford Reservoir offers an expansive recreational area comprising six large reservoirs.

This vast area encompasses over 3,000 acres of densely wooded terrain, complete with more than 30 miles of paved and gravel trails.

Traceable by the Metacomet Trail, the highest ridge can be accessed via Rattlesnake Mountain in Farmington.

Adventure seekers can explore the Revolutionary War Campsite near Reservoir #6, the site of an encampment for Continental Army soldiers in 1778. It may be surprising to discover remnants of this camp, including stone-lined fireplaces.

14. Winding Trails

While not a traditional visitor attraction, Winding Trails is a non-profit outdoor activity center dedicated to preserving the environment for residents of Farmington and surrounding communities.

This center offers facilities for a variety of recreational activities, including boating, swimming, and tennis in the summer months, as well as cross-country skiing during winter.

Members can participate in ski lessons, and guided ski tours are organized throughout the season. Winding Trails also hosts seasonal events, culminating in fireworks on the Fourth of July.

Although Winding Trails is a private facility with many amenities reserved for members or their guests, at the time of writing, non-members could access the trails and rent equipment for a nominal fee.

15. Batterson Park

This park, situated around a former reservoir, is technically a property of the city of Hartford, despite its location outside city limits in Farmington and New Britain.

Covering approximately 600 acres, much of Batterson Park surrounds a scenic pond, which was entrusted to the city by the Water Department in the late 1920s.

At the time of writing, plans were underway to transform the park into a state park, resulting in some trails being overgrown, yet the park excels in providing water-based activities.

A well-maintained boat launch is available for fishing or kayaking. Wildlife enthusiasts might spot turtles surfacing in the water, and with some luck, you may even catch a glimpse of bald eagles soaring overhead.

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