Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Torrington, CT

In the scenic Hills of Northwest Connecticut, Torrington features a lively central business district adorned with notable architectural structures for a town of approximately 35,000 residents. The surrounding countryside, particularly to the west in the Litchfield Hills, is picturesque and best enjoyed from the terrace of one of the region’s wineries.

Consequently, Torrington serves as an ideal starting point for a delightful exploration, which includes visiting vineyards, a distillery, and a chocolate maker located on a charming dairy farm.

Within the town, the luxurious Warner Theatre, established in 1931, offers a remarkable venue for theatrical performances.

1. Warner Theatre

Captivating attention on Torrington’s elegant Main Street, the marquee and signage of this Art Deco marvel have graced the area since 1931. Originally opened by Warner Brothers as a branch in their nationwide theater chain, the design was executed by prominent Art Deco architect, Thomas W. Lamb.

After ceasing operations as a cinema in the early 1980s, the venue was preserved through a local grassroots initiative, ultimately reopening as a center for performing arts.

The auditorium is impressive, featuring an intricately stenciled ceiling, a grand star-shaped light fixture in silver and gold, as well as French-crafted gold brocade draperies adorning the curtain, walls, and lobby landing.

Visitors can enjoy productions by the Warner Stage Company, which showcases a calendar of Broadway musicals, theatrical performances, live music, dance, film screenings, and simulcasts from the Metropolitan Opera.

2. Burr Pond State Park

As you relax on the shoreline of the 85-acre Burr Pond, you may find it intriguing to note that this entire landscape is artificial.

This waterway was created in the mid-19th century by constructing a dam on a series of streams to power three sawmills, a tannery, and importantly, the world’s first condensed milk factory.

Gail Borden (1801-1874), the inventor of the process, established the factory in 1857, and within a decade, condensed milk became highly sought after by the Union Army during the Civil War.

Although the factory was destroyed by fire in 1877, its history can be explored at the state park.

With steep, rocky shorelines, the pond is enveloped by 438 acres of woodland, where lifeguards are present during the summer months, providing access to snacks and boat rentals.

The Blue-Blazed John Muir Trail begins at the State Park, progressing southward through a series of protected natural areas in Torrington.

3. Sunset Meadow Vineyards

Nestled on a charming hillside, Sunset Meadow Vineyards is honored among the top 101 wineries in the United States, as recognized by Daily Meal.

The vineyard cultivates 40 sun-soaked acres of grapes, oriented to the south-west to capture the last rays of the evening sun.

An inviting tasting room, open Thursday to Monday, offers visitors an opportunity to sample a diverse range of wines, including Merlot and Cabernet blends among the reds, along with white varietals such as Riesling, Vidal Blanc, Chardonnay, and Cayuga White.

For those seeking unique options, experimental wines aged in rum barrels or infused with coffee (Root 63) are available. Be sure to check the events calendar for happenings like wine and chocolate pairing sessions, pop-up markets, live music, and food trucks.

4. KidsPlay Museum

Parents in Torrington with young children will discover a fun, nurturing, and educational atmosphere at KidsPlay Museum.

The interactive, multisensory exhibits are designed to enhance children’s understanding of scientific concepts, the arts, and the everyday environment.

To summarize, children up to the age of 10 can engage in activities such as constructing with magnets at the “Magneato Table,” enjoying storytime at the “Literacy Tree,” building three-dimensional towers at the “Light Table,” performing in the stage area, creating imaginative designs with “Lite-Brite,” participating in pretend play at the replica Grocery Store and Diner, and experiencing life inside a soap bubble at the “Bubbler.” Additionally, the museum includes a dedicated soft play area for children under two and frequently hosts special classes and events for national holidays.

5. Torrington History Museum

The Torrington Historical Society is situated amidst a series of impressive buildings along Main Street, alongside the Francis of Assisi Church, City Hall, and the Torrington Savings Bank.

Within the society’s complex lies the Torrington History Museum, the Hotchkiss-Fyler House Museum (next), and the John H. Thompson Research Library.

This museum merits attention, as it chronicles the area’s narrative from prehistory to the present day.

The permanent exhibition, “No Place Like Home,” employs a diverse collection of historical artifacts to depict industrialization, immigration trends of the 19th and 20th centuries, the significance of the Naugatuck River to the town, and the evolution of community life over time.

Another captivating exhibit is “Pursuit of Precision: Hendey Machine Company 1870-1954,” which emphasizes a key element of the town’s economy and the high-quality precision machine tools manufactured by the company.

One of the highlights is a functioning machine shop featuring a working lathe, sharper, and milling machine, powered by a system of pulleys and leather belts.

6. Hotchkiss-Fyler House Museum

Located at 192 Main Street is an exquisite Chateauesque residence, characterized by an array of gables, dormers, and a circular turret featuring a conical roof, constructed in 1898. This estate was designed by distinguished architect William H. Allen for Orsamus Fyler, a local Republican politician and Civil War veteran.

The property includes a carriage house, and the building currently housing the Torrington History Museum was also once part of the estate.

The Hotchkiss-Fyler House remained in the family until its last resident, Gertrude Fyler Hotchkiss, passed away in 1956, subsequently donating the estate to the Torrington Historical Society.

The house maintains its original charm, showcasing parquet flooring, exquisite wooden paneling, murals, stucco ceilings, and gas and electric chandeliers, alongside an impressive collection of decorative arts owned by the family.

The interiors are particularly enchanting during Christmas when the lower level is adorned with festive decorations and lights.

7. Connecticut Valley Winery

Situated in the picturesque Litchfield Hills, the quaint Connecticut Valley Winery is operated by a husband-and-wife duo, the Ferraros, and has garnered numerous accolades over the past ten years.

Visitors can enjoy the scenic surroundings by the fireside on the winery’s deck, enveloped by a sea of vines.

The winery is open on weekends from February to December, allowing guests to experience its collection of award-winning wines.

Among the offerings, the Chardonel grape represents a blend from a Chardonnay-Seyval Blanc hybrid, while the Spumonte Muscato serves as a refreshing sparkling wine derived from Muscato grapes. Standout red wines include the Black Tie Cabernet Franc and the Chianti.

8. Topsmead State Forest

Commissioned in the late 1920s, this stunning Tudor Revival summer residence was built for Edith Morton Chase, whose father, Henry, served as the first president of the Chase Brass and Copper Company.

The two-level, half-timbered structure is situated on a gentle rise in the Litchfield Hills, encompassed by partially walled gardens that feature juniper, lilac, and holly.

In 1972, Edith Morton Chase gifted the residence and its extensive grounds to the State of Connecticut. Guided tours are available to admire the house’s exquisite craftsmanship on the second and fourth weekends of the month from June to October.

Afterward, visitors may relax with a picnic on the premises and explore more of the 600 acres on foot.

9. Litchfield Distillery

A distillery operated by three brothers produces a variety of spirits located just a stone’s throw from Torrington.

Litchfield Distillery sources its corn, wheat, and barley locally and crafts its Batchers line of bourbons, gins, and vodkas in small batches.

Among the diverse whiskey offerings, consumers can find coffee, cinnamon, vanilla, and maple-infused varieties, alongside cask strength, port cask finish, and a ten-year-aged double-barreled bourbon for enthusiasts.

What sets this distillery apart is the opportunity to schedule a complimentary tour any day of the week, typically on the hour from 11:00 to 17:00. Guests will receive an informative walkthrough of the entire process, from field to still to barrel, before transitioning to the welcoming tasting room to assess the fruits of this labor.

10. Thorncrest Farm & Milk House Chocolate

A delightful complement to a visit to Litchfield Distillery is this nearby dairy farm and chocolatier located in Goshen.

Thorncrest Farm takes immense pride in its facilities and the welfare of its cows, offering visitors the chance to tour the stable from Thursday to Sunday (10:00-15:00) at no cost.

For a more personalized experience, private group tours can be arranged for these days, which include a milking demonstration and a tasting of the farm’s rich chocolate, crafted from 100% Fair Trade cacao nibs.

The boutique-style shop features an enticing selection of gourmet chocolate boxes, truffles, caramels, bars, and chocolate-covered fruits.

Moreover, visitors will appreciate that, where possible, ingredients are sourced from the farm itself, including mint cultivated in the garden.

Thorncrest Farm also operates as a creamery, producing non-homogenized milk and yogurt.

Be sure to acquire a bottle of the milk infused with Madagascar vanilla.

11. Mohawk Mountain Ski Area

Established in 1947, Mohawk Mountain Ski Area is recognized as one of the oldest ski facilities in Connecticut and is esteemed as one of the best in New England.

Located merely 20 minutes from downtown Torrington, this ski area is positioned on the north-west slope of the 359-meter Mohawk Mountain.

Guests can enjoy 25 meticulously groomed runs, with the longest being the Deer Run, measuring 1.25 miles, and 14 lifts servicing the slopes.

Snowboarders are well catered to, and night skiing is available on 12 of the runs, making it one of the premier locations in Connecticut.

Additionally, Mohawk Mountain was among the pioneers of snowmaking, providing excellent coverage across 95% of the skiable areas.

There is also no need to leave the mountain for dining, as cafeteria-style options are offered at the Main Lodge, complemented by a full-service restaurant at Pine Lodge.

12. Action Wildlife Foundation

This wildlife sanctuary represents a relatively small venture, featuring a drive-through safari, accessible enclosures for on-foot visits, and a petting zoo.

During the safari, visitors can expect to observe sika, fallow, and white-tailed deer, along with emus; however, one must remain vigilant as the paddocks are substantially large.

Other inhabitants at the sanctuary include Russian boar, Vietnamese pot-bellied pigs, Watusi cattle, Asian water buffalo, llamas, and North American bison.

The petting zoo is certain to delight children, offering the chance to feed friendly goats and a donkey.

A small zoology museum features life-sized replicas of animals from around the globe, paired with interactive displays, including antlers shed by animals from the sanctuary.

13. Wright’s Barn & Flea Market

Located down a quaint lane heading towards Gothen is a multi-dealer antiques center situated within a charming old dairy barn.

This historic wooden structure previously functioned as a dance club for Litchfield County teenagers from 1965 to 1975 before transforming into a flea market housing 20 individual dealers. Here, a variety of intriguing items are available, including furniture, jewelry, glassware, collectibles, musical instruments, paintings, ceramics, books, vintage home appliances, tools, lighting, and reproductions.

Additionally, with the inclusion of a café, Wright’s Barn offers a cozy atmosphere during winter while maintaining a refreshing environment during the summer months.

14. Sunnybrook State Park

Spanning 464 acres to the south-west of Burr Pond State Park, this tranquil area offers opportunities for walking and fishing along the east branch of the Naugatuck River.

This park serves as the southwestern trailhead for the Blue-Blazed John Muir Trail, which winds two miles from Burr Pond State Park through Paugnut State Forest.

The trails at Sunnybrook weave through boulder-strewn rivers and a tranquil pond, while a narrow boardwalk crosses a delicate wetland area.

15. Pursue the Clues

Advance reservations are necessary for participation in the innovative experience at Pursue the Clues, which offers a clever and engaging twist on the escape room format.

Participants can select from three themed rooms, each featuring a 60-minute time limit, and is ideally suited for groups of four to six individuals.

Each experience presents a distinct, original narrative where participants assume undercover roles, strive to save lives, and solve mysteries.

Critical thinking skills and deductive reasoning are essential, yet collaboration is paramount, as diverse viewpoints rather than just intelligence are crucial to successfully completing the challenge within the allotted time.