Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Ellington, CT

This agricultural town in north-central Connecticut is situated on the eastern edge of the Connecticut River Valley.

In Ellington, you can ascend Soapstone Mountain located within Shenipsit State Forest for views that span across southern New England.

The town features its own licensed airport, which accommodates skydiving, making it an ideal location for individuals interested in experiencing their first tandem jump.

Although Ellington boasts a tranquil, rural atmosphere, it is in proximity to family amusement centers, a variety of museums, craft breweries, and a NASCAR-sanctioned racetrack.

1. Shenipsit State Forest

Shenipsit State Forest comprises 11 distinct parcels on the eastern flank of the Connecticut River Valley, aggregating to over 7,000 acres.

This expansive area provides a plethora of recreational opportunities amidst secluded, rugged woodlands adorned with substantial boulders left from the last Ice Age.

Hikers can don their boots and traverse the Shenipsit Trail, ascending Soapstone Mountain along the way.

Additionally, the forest near Stafford serves as the location for Connecticut’s museum dedicated to the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), an initiative during the Great Depression aimed at environmental conservation as well as providing employment for job-seeking youth.

The museum, located at Camp Conner, occupies authentic CCC barracks— the last remaining in the state— and showcases original equipment, tools, photographs, and other memorabilia from this camp and the other 21 across Connecticut.

2. Soapstone Mountain

A notable feature within the Ellington section of Shenipsit State Forest, Soapstone Mountain rises to 328 meters above sea level.

The summit can be reached via the Blue-Blazed Shenipsit Trail, which will be further discussed below.

Moreover, there is a road that allows access within a quarter mile of the peak, although this route is closed during winter months.

Regardless of whether you choose to walk or drive, the experience is rewarding due to the spectacular panorama from the summit, which has been enhanced by a new observation tower that opened in 2018. This tower ranks among the only two observation structures in Eastern Connecticut, elevating visitors above the tree line for a comprehensive view across the Connecticut River Valley.

Looking towards Massachusetts, the Berkshires become visible to the northwest, while New Hampshire’s Mount Monadnock can be seen rising prominently in the distance, approximately 80 miles to the north.

3. Shenipsit Trail

Beginning slightly northeast of Ellington in Stafford, the Shenipsit Trail spans 50 miles of Blue-Blazed pathways and traverses south through central Connecticut, reaching as far as Meshomasic State Forest in East Hampton.

Positioned along the eastern bank of the Connecticut River, this route encompasses rocky, densely forested terrain, which may also be traversed by snowshoes and cross-country skis during winter.

While primarily designated as a hiking route, it is also favored by mountain bikers who appreciate its technical, winding pathways.

If you’d prefer to keep your hiking excursion local, you can explore the trail’s northern segment, commencing at Stafford’s Bald Mountain and concluding at Grahaber Road in Tolland.

4. Ellington Farmers’ Market

Located in Arbor Park, Ellington Farmers’ Market operates on Saturdays from mid-May through the end of October, featuring over 30 permanent vendors alongside a number of guest vendors.

Here, shoppers can procure seasonal fruits and vegetables, seafood, cheeses, meats, nuts, eggs, flowers, artisanal sauces, baked goods, and numerous specialty items, including cannoli, teas, cosmetics, and kettle corn.

All products are sourced directly from producers who have established long-term relationships with customers at the market.

To enhance the experience, a different theme is featured each week, accompanied by lively music performances.

5. Nellie McKnight Museum

Nellie McKnight (1894-1981) was a significant community figure in Ellington, serving as the town librarian for nearly four decades.

Upon her passing, she bequeathed her residence to the Ellington Historical Society.

Constructed in the Federal style, this impressive eight-room home dates back to 1812, built by the Sexton family.

Major renovations were undertaken during the 1920s following the McKnight family’s move, which included the addition of plumbing, central heating, wiring, and hardwood flooring.

Despite these updates, numerous remarkable period features remain intact, such as original fireplaces and exquisite wall stenciling from the 1830s in the kitchen.

Visitors can gain insight into the history during Thursday afternoons from May through September.

6. Crystal Lake/Sandy Beach

Located less than ten minutes east of Ellington’s central business district, Crystal Lake is bordered by homes on wooded hillsides, featuring a beach along its southern shore.

The beach operates from approximately noon to 19:00 during the full season, which extends from mid-June to mid-August, offering a perfect escape on hot summer days.

The lake opens for a pre-season starting on Memorial Day and closes post-season on Labor Day, both periods featuring reduced hours.

Sandy Beach gently slopes into the lake’s clear waters and is complemented by a grassy area lined with a row of pine trees.

Residents of Ellington may purchase seasonal passes, while daily entry fees apply to non-residents ($10 per adult, $5 per child).

7. Connecticut Parachutists Inc.

Located just north of town, Ellington Airport is one of only two airports in the state accredited as a parachute jump zone.

For those who have always aspired to take their first jump, Ellington presents an optimal opportunity.

For beginners, tandem skydiving is remarkably straightforward, as jumpers are securely attached to an instructor’s parachute system for the entire dive: training lasts only about 30 minutes, allowing you to skydive from over 3,200 meters.

Connecticut Parachutists Inc. offers the latest in skydiving equipment and various packages tailored to how you wish to document the experience, whether through personal cameras or professional videographers.

8. New England Motorcycle Museum

Located in Vernon, this museum is the passion project of enthusiastic motorcyclist Ken Kaplan, who has curated one of the largest collections in the Northeast.

Housing over 100 motorcycles in the historic Hockanum Mill, a 205-year-old textile facility that had fallen into disrepair, the collection features motorcycles from more than 25 different brands, including Triumph, Indian, and Honda, with an entire floor dedicated to Harley Davidsons.

These vehicles are complemented by a wealth of memorabilia including posters, signage, photographs, and an extensive magazine archive.

The museum opened its doors in 2018, and plans are underway for a motorcycle-themed restaurant, microbrewery, and bar on the first floor by 2020.

9. Sonny’s Place

Providing a range of family-friendly attractions and activities, Sonny’s Place is a convenient destination located nearby in Somers.

At this establishment, visitors can enjoy miniature golf, laser tag, batting cages, go-karts, climbing walls, a gaming arcade, miniature bowling, an expansive soft playground, a zip line, and even a gyroscope.

Additionally, a noteworthy feature is a 1925 Philadelphia Toboggan Company carousel, which is currently undergoing restoration by the New England Carousel Museum in Bristol.

For dining, the grill at Sonny’s Place serves excellent hamburgers prepared with locally sourced farm-raised beef.

10. Powder Hollow Brewery

Should you have an appreciation for craft beer, the selection of small-batch breweries in Connecticut is extensive, which may make it challenging to determine where to start.

Just moments outside of town in Enfield, Powder Hollow Brewery prides itself on brewing with top-quality hops, wheat, and barley.

Established in 2014, it operates daily and offers tours tailored for enthusiasts.

Among the nine beers available on draft in autumn 2019, only two were IPAs, indicating a diverse selection that accommodates varying preferences regarding craft beer.

If your taste leans towards dark, malty beers, you may want to sample the 1929 Prohibition Porter, Early Morning Oatmeal Stout on Nitro, or the roasted brown ale, Black & Gold.

11. Connecticut Trolley Museum

Proceeding westward to the Connecticut River in East Windsor, visitors can explore the nation’s oldest museum dedicated to electric railroads.

Established in 1940, the Connecticut Trolley Museum spans a 1.5-mile stretch of heritage railroad formerly utilized by the Rockville Branch of the Hartford and Springfield Street Railway Company.

Your entry fee includes unlimited trolley rides throughout the day, featuring some beautiful vintage cars from cities across North America.

Children will delight in this three-mile round trip, which offers opportunities for imaginative play and exploration at the toy train table in the Visitor Center.

Moreover, you will encounter a small fleet of exquisite cars while learning about the electric trolley’s evolution and its historical significance in the 20th century.

12. Stafford Motor Speedway

For those seeking high-speed excitement, a NASCAR Whelen All-American Series track can be found just beyond Shenipsit State Forest in Stafford.

This oval track boasts a storied history dating back to 1870 when it was originally a horse racing venue and has since evolved into the “home of the SK Modifieds” since the 1970s. The track hosts a vibrant schedule of racing every Friday night from May to September across a variety of categories, with the Whelen Modified Tour stopping here three times each season.

Newcomers to SK Modified racing should prepare for frequent lead changes and thrilling side-by-side competition.

The speedway accommodates 8,000 spectators and traditionally offers classic stadium concessions while allowing attendees to bring their own refreshments.

13. Robert Tedford Memorial Park (Formerly Brookside Park)

This community park is situated along Route 140, just a couple of miles from central Ellington.

Clean and well-maintained, Robert Tedford Memorial Park is acclaimed for its superior sports facilities, including tennis courts, a baseball/softball field, a volleyball court, a football field, and a soccer field.

Additionally, there is an excellent children’s playground and a rental pavilion available for gatherings.

This park plays host to several annual events, including the Ellington Volunteer Fire Department’s carnival in early September, preceded by a parade of fire trucks.

14. Rolling Meadows Country Club

This welcoming public course, located within the hills of Ellington, is family-owned and operated.

The 18-hole par 72 course is situated on a plateau, providing stunning vistas that encompass the Connecticut Valley.

The front and back nine offer distinct experiences, starting with sweeping, open landscapes and accommodating greens, transitioning into narrower, tree-lined fairways requiring precise accuracy.

On the back nine, the imposing silhouette of the Berkshires comes into view.

Green fees in 2019 were $45 for 18 holes with a cart on weekdays, and $50 on weekends.

After completing your round, drop by The Tavern for a full bar selection and casual pub fare.

15. Irish Bend Orchard

From August through October, every Wednesday to Sunday, visitors can drop by this fourth-generation farm in Somers for the opportunity to pick their own fruits.

The season kicks off with nectarines and peaches, followed by Asian pears and a diverse array of apple varieties.

All fruits at Irish Bend Orchard grow on dwarf trees, ensuring an effortless picking experience, even for children.

Child-sized containers are available for the little ones to use.

For added convenience, markers are placed daily to indicate where the ripest fruit can be found.