Top 15 Activities and Attractions in Suffield, CT

This town on the western bank of the Connecticut River may appear tranquil and rural; however, it is in close proximity to several prominent attractions.

Six Flags New England, positioned just over the state line in Agawam, is filled with DC-themed rides. Additionally, the New England Air Museum showcases the substantial contributions this region has made to aviation history.

A particularly intriguing aspect of Suffield, especially for history enthusiasts, is its location along two canals that were constructed two centuries ago, which now serve as walking trails.

The Farmington Canal traverses Suffield towards the west. Subsequently, the railroad that supplanted it led to the establishment of an amusement park on the banks of Congamond Lakes.

Furthermore, visitors may enjoy a scenic walk along the towpath of the Enfield Falls Canal via the Windsor Locks Canal State Park Trail.

1. Six Flags New England

The first of two significant attractions to consider in Suffield is the oldest amusement park within the Six Flags Chain, located just over the state border in Agawam, MA.

The park originated as Gallup’s Grove in 1870 and is renowned for its acclaimed steel rollercoaster, Superman The Ride.

Featuring a drop of 67 meters and a maximum speed of 77 mph, this ride consistently ranks among the top in its category, as recognized by Amusement Today’s Golden Ticket Awards, even two decades following its inception.

Adventurers also flock to Wicked Cyclone, inspired by Coney Island’s Cyclone, which underwent a steel retracking in 2015. Families are well accommodated with a variety of gentler rides, including Blizzard River, Balloon Race, and the refurbished Illions Grand Carousel, which dates back to 1909. For water enthusiasts, Hurricane Harbor offers flumes suitable for everyone, along with the expansive 500,000-gallon wave pool, Commotion Ocean.

2. New England Air Museum

Recently revitalized, the largest aviation museum in the region highlights New England’s rich aviation heritage.

The museum’s collection prominently features Sikorsky, the Stratford-based helicopter manufacturer, along with other important Connecticut brands such as East Hartford’s Pratt & Whitney and Kaman from Bloomfield.

Visitors will discover an extensive exhibit about Sikorsky and view notable aircraft, including an S-39, the oldest remaining Sikorsky aircraft, and the last surviving Sikorsky VS-44A flying boat.

Additionally, the museum displays the wicker balloon basket of Silas Brooks, a balloonist from Connecticut, which is recognized as the oldest aircraft in the United States, flown over Hartford and New Haven in 1870.

3. Windsor Locks Canal State Park Trail

One can leisurely walk along the wooded western bank of the Connecticut River for 4.5 miles, extending from Suffield down to Windsor Locks.

This trail follows the towpath of the old Enfield Falls Canal, a route enabling river traffic to circumvent Enfield Falls, a shallow segment on the Connecticut River.

Before the canal’s completion in 1829, flat-bottomed scows navigating the river required assistance from a “fallsman” using set poles to ascend the falls.

The trail features interpretive boards detailing the history of the waterway, while also pointing out wildlife and remnants of 19th-century infrastructure.

Interestingly, Charles Dickens himself traveled along the canal on February 7, 1842.

4. Babb’s Beach

Within the northwestern corner of Suffield rests Congamond Lakes, a series of bodies of water comprising a north, middle, and south pond, with Babb’s Beach accessible to the public on the middle pond.

Opening for swimming, sunbathing, and water activities at the commencement of the school summer recess, the beach is accompanied by a grassy area suitable for games, alongside a pavilion for picnicking.

Additionally, one cannot overlook the dance hall, a historic remnant from the days of the Babb’s Beach Amusement Park, operational during the early 20th century.

Congamond Lakes emerged as a leisure destination following the establishment of the New Haven and Northampton Railroad, which followed the route of the Farmington Canal, as mentioned earlier.

There is a fee of $20 per vehicle imposed on non-residents at the beach’s parking facility.

5. West Suffield Mountain

As you drive through the rural areas of Suffield, you will notice a prominent ridge on the western horizon: the 200-million-year-old Metacomet Ridge, a basalt fault extending 100 miles from New Haven to the Massachusetts-Vermont border.

In contrast to the eroded surrounding terrain, this volcanic ridge has persisted, renowned for its steep, west-facing cliffs.

West Suffield Mountain stretches four miles, with an elevation of 220 meters.

The Metacomet Trail offers hiking opportunities along the ridge, which continues to the Massachusetts state line and leads to stunning viewpoints.

This mountain also serves as the trailhead for the 114-mile Metacomet-Monadnock Trail, concluding at Monadnock Mountain in New Hampshire, which boasts an elevation of 965 meters.

6. Farmington Canal Heritage Trail

Spanning over 80 miles, this flat, multi-use trail extends from New Haven to Northampton, MA, with some gaps along the way.

It follows the course of the Farmington Canal, originally constructed in the 1820s, which was quickly succeeded by a railroad in the following decades.

The trail ventures briefly into West Suffield just before crossing the border into Southwick.

If you head south, you will experience nearly 25 miles of continuous trail leading down to northern Plainville.

Heading north into Massachusetts will take you as far as Westfield center, before encountering an 8.4-mile gap through Southampton.

7. Suffield Historic District

The district stretches along Main Street from Muddy Brook to near Mapleton Avenue, providing a glimpse into Suffield’s 17th-century roots.

Architecture within the Suffield Historic District ranges from the 18th to the 20th centuries, allowing visitors to trace the town’s rise in wealth and stature due to the 19th-century tobacco farming industry and the establishment of the private Suffield Academy (1833). Notably, Main Street experienced minimal development, preserving its charm as a quintessential New England village.

This area contains two monuments listed on the National Register, both of which function as historic house museums.

The King House Museum (1764), managed by the Suffield Historical Society, is open for tours on Wednesday and Saturday afternoons. This beautiful property features original Georgian woodwork, particularly notable in the left parlor.

8. Phelps-Hatheway House & Garden

A captivating property located in the village center, this sprawling house features an interconnected central block, a north block, and a southern ell (perpendicular wing) on the left.

All sections are topped with gambrel roofs, and one can discern from the simpler decoration on the southern ell that it predates the others, dating back to 1732. The main block was constructed in 1762, with the north block added in 1795 by the notable land developer Oliver Phelps.

A remarkable feature of the Hatheway House is its preservation of original 18th-century French wallpaper.

The interior is furnished with 18th-century pieces made in Connecticut, providing a glimpse into the lifestyle of the early Federal period.

Outside, the grounds are enhanced by formal flower beds, a kitchen herb garden, and a charming summer house.

9. Hastings Hill Historic District

Located in central northern Suffield, this historic district is enriched with 18th-century architecture and situated at the intersection of Spruce Street, Hill Street, and Russell Avenue.

Hill Street emerged in 1726 on a north-south ridge, becoming a thoroughfare linking Windsor with Springfield, Connecticut.

This community’s establishment had denominational roots, as Minister Joseph Hastings separated from Congregationalism in the 1720s to found one of the state’s first Baptist churches on a small elevation above Russell Avenue.

The church, rebuilt in the Greek Revival style in 1842, has since served as a village focal point.

The oldest residence in this district is located at 1061 Hill Street, believed to have been constructed in 1740 and restored in the 1930s by Delphina King, noted for being the first woman admitted to the Yale School of Architecture.

10. Old New-Gate Prison & Copper Mine

Situated between Suffield and East Granby lies an archaeological site preserving the remnants of a colonial-era copper mine and Connecticut’s first designated prison.

This site was mined for copper from the early 18th century until 1745, and its tunnels were repurposed as a prison during the 1770s.

During the Revolutionary War, British prisoners of war and Loyalists opposing independence were incarcerated here.

In 1790, New-Gate Prison became the first state prison in the United States, with most of the extant structures dating from that period to 1802. After a ten-year closure for repairs that concluded in 2018, this intriguing site is now operated as a museum by the State of Connecticut.

Visitors can explore the remnants and venture underground with a guide to view the conditions where prisoners were held, conditions that earned the facility the nickname “Hell.”

11. Sunrise Park

Located at the western base of Suffield Mountain, this beautiful 134-acre park is centered around the picturesque White’s Pond.

Acquired by the community in 1966 through fundraising efforts, Suffield Park serves as a venue for outdoor recreation amidst nature.

In the summer, guests can swim and relax at the pond’s 20-acre swimming area, or engage in canoeing, kayaking, or fishing.

Park amenities include a bocce court, a disc golf course, a volleyball court, and a fitness challenge course.

Trained lifeguards supervise activities for eight weeks from June through August, coinciding with the town’s day camp.

The area features delightful covered picnic spots, including one by a pine grove, enhanced with numerous picnic tables and grills.

The main pavilion is available for rental and hosts approximately 100 events each year.

12. Lost Acres Vineyard

Situated nearby in North Granby, Lost Acres Vineyard is perched on a verdant hillside bordered by woodlands.

This vineyard produces both varietal and blended red and white wines from grape varieties including Merlot, Marquette, Riesling, Chardonnay, Traminette, Vidal Blanc, Cayuga White, and Seyval Blanc.

Visitors to the tasting room, located in an inviting old barn, can sample five wines for $7 and take home a complimentary glass, along with options for cheese plates or antipasto platters, or they may bring their own picnic.

Lost Acres frequently hosts engaging events such as live music on Sundays, art shows, yoga sessions, stand-up comedy, and meditation workshops.

From April onwards, an indoor farmers’ market will be featured, showcasing organic vegetables, baked goods, artisanal cheese, maple syrup, eggs, and farm-raised meats including lamb, pork, and beef.

13. Clark Farms at Bushy Hill Orchard

This farm in Granby is a multi-faceted establishment offering CSA farm shares, a delightful farm stand, a creamery, and a farm-to-table café.

In addition, the farm invites visitors to partake in a “U-pick” season commencing in August with blueberries and peaches, followed by the availability of 18 different apple varieties from September to October.

The creamery operates on weekends through October, offering soft serve ice cream, with a dedicated window for sampling Clark Farms’ renowned apple cider donuts.

The farm stand boasts an array of homemade products, including sauces, jellies, pickles, and soups, while the café incorporates an abundance of the farm’s produce into its menu.

For those who cannot get enough of the apple cider donuts, the breakfast menu features a delectable apple cider donut French toast, while dessert options include apple cider donut bread pudding.

14. Powder Hollow Brewery

Located a bit farther from Suffield, across the Connecticut River in Enfield, Powder Hollow Brewery is still readily accessible by cab from the eastern side of Suffield.

If you have spent time in Suffield, it is likely you have encountered the brewery’s products either on tap in local restaurants or available at nearby retail stores.

Established in 2014, Powder Hollow Brewery uses only premium hops, barley, and wheat in its brewing process.

As of September 2019, the brewery offers nine beers on tap, with only two classified as IPAs, which is advantageous for those who prefer less hoppy options.

Some notable selections include Black & Gold (a roasted brown ale), the 1929 Prohibition Porter, Early Morning Oatmeal Stout on Nitro, and Lift Your Kilt, a Scottish ale.

The taproom operates seven days a week, and brewery tours are available for those interested in a behind-the-scenes look.

15. Connecticut Fallen Firefighters Memorial

While not a conventional tourist attraction, this memorial is highly recommended as a meaningful detour when visiting the New England Air Museum.

This monument is composed of polished black granite stones engraved with the names of firefighters from the state who have tragically lost their lives in the line of duty.

Developed over a span of ten years, the memorial was dedicated in June 2001. At its center stands a notable stone exceeding 3.5 meters in width, featuring a likeness of four firefighters combating a fire, set against an eternal flame.

Located at the base are plaques inscribed with the names of over 300 individuals, with benches encircling the monument, allowing for quiet reflection.