Top 15 Must-Do Activities in Mansfield, Connecticut

Summary

Jorgensen Center for the Performing Arts
William Benton Museum of Art
The Adventure Park at Storrs
Ballard Institute and Museum of Puppetry
Mansfield Drive-In Theatre
Mansfield Hollow State Park
J. Robert Donnelly Husky Heritage Sports Museum
Connecticut Repertory Theatre (CRT)
Mansfield Center Cemetery
UConn Forest
Eagleville Preserve
Nathan Hale Homestead
Connecticut Eastern Railroad Museum
Cassidy Hill Vineyard
Diana’s Pool

This quaint town in eastern Connecticut features charming villages, picturesque roads leading to rolling countryside, and remnants of 18th and 19th-century mills.

The landscape is adorned with public natural spaces interconnected by trails like the Blue-Blazed Nipmuck Trail. The autumn colors are particularly breathtaking.

Additionally, the presence of the University of Connecticut in Storrs adds significant cultural value to Mansfield.

UConn’s Jorgensen Center for the Performing Arts hosts numerous renowned artists and ensembles. Similarly, the William Benton Museum of Art is celebrated for its impressive collection of American art and expertly curated exhibitions.

The Ballard Institute and Museum of Puppetry is another noteworthy institution at UConn, housing one of the three largest collections of puppetry in the United States.

Let us explore the top attractions in Mansfield:

1. Jorgensen Center for the Performing Arts

The presence of UConn provides Mansfield with a performing arts venue akin to those in larger cities.

Established in the mid-1950s, the Jorgensen Center for the Performing Arts accommodates over 2,600 guests, representing the most extensive college-based performance program in New England.

Each year, up to 30 nationally and internationally acclaimed artists and ensembles showcase their talents at the venue.

The repertoire is diverse, encompassing classical music, world music, classical and contemporary dance, comedy, and family-friendly entertainment.

For instance, during my visit, I noted performances by violinist Ray Chen, the esteemed Imani Winds quintet, and the Sophia Philharmonic.

2. William Benton Museum of Art

The University of Connecticut’s respected art museum opened its doors in 1967, housed within a grand Collegiate Gothic building originally designed in the 1920s as the university’s main dining hall.

The museum’s collection dates back to 1933, when then-president of Connecticut Agricultural College, Charles Lewis Beach, donated his collection, which has since expanded over the decades.

Today, it is distinguished for its remarkable collection of American art, featuring works by notable artists such as Ellen Emmet Rand, Ernest Lawson, Henry Ward Ranger, Childe Hassam, Thomas Hart Benton, and Charles Harold Davis.

This collection is complemented by significant pieces from European masters, including Gustav Klimt, Georges Braque, Edward Burne-Jones, and Käthe Kollwitz.

In total, the museum houses 6,000 paintings, prints, watercolors, drawings, sculptures, and photographs.

A selection of these works is on display at all times, alongside temporary exhibitions spotlighting individual artists, global regions, or specific themes. During my visit, I enjoyed the outstanding “Prints and People Before Photography, 1490-1825,” which highlighted the museum’s exceptional print collection.

3. The Adventure Park at Storrs

This high ropes attraction located in lush mixed woodland in Storrs provides an active and engaging experience for families.

The Adventure Park features nine distinct high ropes trails that include various elevated transitions to navigate, such as bridges, cable ladders, and 28 different ziplines.

With 80 unique challenges and over 100 treetop platforms, the fun continues as long as you have the endurance.

All necessary harnesses and equipment are supplied, along with a safety briefing covering climbing techniques and zipline use.

An especially enchanting time to visit is during the evening “Glow in the Park” event, when the facility is illuminated by thousands of LEDs.

4. Ballard Institute and Museum of Puppetry

The University of Connecticut administers a Puppetry Arts Program, unique in the United States, established by the esteemed puppeteer Frank W. Ballard (1929-2010).

Located in Storrs, the Ballard Institute and Museum of Puppetry is sustained by the university and boasts one of the three largest collections of puppetry in the nation.

Comprising 2,500 items from various regions, the collection includes body puppets, shadow puppets, marionettes, rod puppets, and glove puppets, alongside intricately designed sets and props.

Exhibitions feature selections from this collection, while the institute’s research library contains books, clippings, scripts, posters, audio, and historical footage related to global puppet theater.

The institute also hosts a dynamic calendar of events, including performances, puppet workshops across multiple disciplines, mask-making, and more.

5. Mansfield Drive-In Theatre

The largest of Connecticut’s few remaining drive-in theaters is situated in Mansfield.

Opened in 1954, the theater operates during the spring and summer months and features 950 parking spaces along with three screens, each spanning 110 feet.

Each screen features an evening double feature displaying the latest Hollywood releases. During my time there, adult admission was $13 at the entrance.

A snack bar offers traditional cinema snacks, including popcorn, soft drinks, hot dogs, pizza, and burgers.

On Sunday mornings, the site also functions as a popular flea market, featuring numerous vendors in both an indoor hall and open-air spaces.

Visitors can find a variety of items including glassware, ceramics, musical instruments, antique signs, furniture, and collectibles.

6. Mansfield Hollow State Park

Shortly after World War II, the Natchaug River was dammed by the United States Army Corps of Engineers, resulting in a 500-acre lake designated for public water supply.

As a reservoir, swimming is prohibited at Mansfield Hollow Lake; however, fishing, non-motorized boating, and kayaking are popular activities.

Moreover, the dense forest on the western shore offers ample opportunities for hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, and cross-country skiing along well-maintained trails. In the fall, the views of foliage mirrored in the water are stunning.

The southeastern segment of the Blue-Blazed Nipmuck Trail traverses the park, extending through 34.5 miles of forest in the northeastern section of the state.

7. J. Robert Donnelly Husky Heritage Sports Museum

This museum located on UConn’s Storrs campus will delight Huskies fans and those interested in intercollegiate athletics.

The museum documents all aspects of UConn’s athletic programs, featuring over a century’s worth of uniforms, pennants, archival photographs, vintage balls, and trophies.

The experience commences with the National Champions’ Gallery, honoring teams in four different sports that have achieved significant victories. At the time of writing, the men’s basketball team had recently claimed its fifth NCAA championship.

Notably, the women’s basketball teams, coached by Geno Auriemma, are recognized as some of the most successful, securing five titles between 1995 and 2004.

One of the standout figures from that era, Rebecca Lobo, is featured alongside 10-time NBA All-Star and UConn alumnus Ray Allen, with life-size cutouts on display.

Additionally, their names are commemorated on 88 oversized banners that honor 88 of Connecticut’s All-American athletes across 17 different sports.

8. Connecticut Repertory Theatre (CRT)

While the Connecticut Repertory Theatre operates under the University of Connecticut’s Storrs campus, it stands out as a significant cultural institution for Connecticut and New England.

Productions are designed and executed by visiting professional artists, creating an enriching environment for students.

The CRT features three auditoriums, including the Harriet S. Jorgensen Theatre, which seats 485, and provides a subscription series comprising six plays and musicals each season, accounting for over 20,000 tickets sold annually.

Moreover, it serves as the main stage for UConn’s renowned Puppet Arts Program.

During my last visit, I witnessed Tatty Hennessy’s “A Hundred Words for Show,” which was performed with exceptional finesse.

9. Mansfield Center Cemetery

A rare glimpse into early Mansfield history can be found at the intersection of Storrs Road and Cemetery Road.

The Mansfield Center Cemetery, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, dates back to 1693, with its final interment occurring in the 1870s.

The site is celebrated for its numerous elaborately carved markers (approximately 180), created by skilled artisans from colonial New England.

These gravestones display a rich variety of funerary symbols, cherubim, and geometric motifs, and it is interesting to observe the increasing complexity of the designs throughout the ages.

The oldest marker belongs to Exercise Conant, dated 1722.

10. UConn Forest

North and east of the Storrs campus lies a vast expanse of woodland owned by the university. Fortunately, the trails within UConn Forest are accessible to the public.

The Nipmuck Trail meanders through this area, revealing tranquil streams and serene woods. I also took time to investigate some abandoned sites.

On elevated terrain near the Horsebarn Hill access point, I encountered the haunting remnants of a ski lift that dates back to the 1960s, from when a short-lived ski station operated here.

Additionally, near Gurleyville Road, I discovered more intriguing remnants of long-abandoned wire cages, which were used for animal breeding experiments in the 1970s and 1980s.

11. Eagleville Preserve

This scenic locale beside the Willimantic River in Mansfield is rich in industrial history, accessible via a gentle one-mile loop.

Much of the trail follows a riverside terrace, where the calls of migrating birds and the sound of frogs in vernal pools resonate during spring.

The preserve is situated on the site of a large cotton mill from the early 19th century, one of the first in the state, with its foundations located beneath the parking area.

The river dam was constructed to create a reservoir for the millrace, which powered a waterwheel until the mill transitioned to steam power in the late 19th century.

During my visit, I discovered that rifle components were manufactured here during the Civil War. Following the decline of the mill during the Great Depression, it was repurposed for rubber sole production before closing permanently in the 1950s.

A footbridge crosses the now tranquil millrace amid a picturesque setting. To the east, where the race meets the river, lies a beautiful tract of oak forest that was once farmland.

12. Nathan Hale Homestead

A weekend excursion to the childhood residence of Connecticut’s state hero is highly recommended, conveniently located west in Coventry.

Nathan Hale (1755-1776) was famously executed by the British as a spy during the Revolutionary War at the young age of 21, having been captured on an intelligence mission to New York City.

His reputed last words were, “I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country.” The current structure of the Nathan Hale Homestead was built in the year of his death and is open for tours on Fridays and weekends from May through October.

Inside, I was struck by the collection of Hale family artifacts gathered by the 20th-century antiquarian George Dudley Seymour.

Outside on the grounds, visitors can learn how the farm contributed to the Hale family’s prosperity. Additionally, the Nathan Hale State Forest surrounds the property, providing 1,500 acres of woodlands.

13. Connecticut Eastern Railroad Museum

This railroad museum, situated on the site of the former Columbia Junction Freight Yard in downtown Willimantic, is an excellent destination for a summer weekend.

The museum features a stretch of train track displaying an engaging variety of rolling stock, alongside a refurbished roundhouse with foundations that date back to 1892. Visitors can also see the Chaplin Station building, which originated in the early 20th century and was relocated to the museum during the 1990s.

The exhibit includes notable locomotives such as the EMD SW-8 from 1950, the EMD FL9 from 1960, and a Metro-North Railroad SPV (Self-propelled vehicle) from 1981.

Personally, I was particularly fascinated by the Alco S-4 Locomotive, built in 1955 and formerly operated by the Central Vermont Railway. A delightful touch is the 1850s-style pump car, which guests can try out.

Be sure to check their calendar for family events, like the annual “Train or Treat” during Halloween.

14. Cassidy Hill Vineyard

This vineyard, located just over the town line in Coventry, produces a selection of well-regarded wines from red and white grapes, including varieties such as Merlot, Catawba, Cayuga White, Traminette, and Vidal Blanc.

Cassidy Hill has received several accolades in recent years; for instance, its Pink Catawba Rosé was awarded “Best in Show” at the Connecticut Wine Society’s 2018 Amenti del Vino.

Furthermore, the vineyard boasts a breathtaking setting, with a hilltop log cabin winery offering stunning views over rural Eastern Connecticut.

From April to December, visitors can enjoy wine tasting on the porch or at a bench situated beneath the “Thinking Tree,” a majestic solitary maple located next to the vines.

During the summer months, you can also partake in a Friday evening of wine tasting while enjoying live music during their concert series.

15. Diana’s Pool

Located on the Natchaug River in the nearby Chaplin area, Diana’s Pool is a remarkable natural site with minimal foot traffic.

Enclosed by deciduous forest and rocky banks, Diana’s Pool is positioned between two small cascades: one filling the pool and the other draining it.

During my exploration, I found the lower falls particularly enchanting, as they cascade beautifully from a height of just over three feet.

The scenery is splendid, especially in the fall, framed by the vibrant foliage along the river’s edge. Both the upper and lower falls are within a brief one-minute walk from the parking area.

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