Milo Appley Showcase Nature Trail
Wolf Den Road, off Route 6 Brooklyn, CT
This 1.5 mile trail wends its way through a nature conservancy at an easy pace.
Science and nature attractions in Mystic CT can enrich your vacation
Pomfret Farms
220 Day Road Pomfret, CT
Maintained by the Audobon Society. Designated trails run throughout the property. The Audobon Society sponsors guided birdwalks and workshops on gardening and area wildlife.
Pudding Hill Wildlife Area
Route 97 Scotland, CT
Wildlife area with fishing, hiking and small game hunting.
Rock Spring Wildlife Refuge
Route 97 Scotland, CT
Walking trails, hiking trails and cross-country skiing along the Little River.
Science Center of Eastern Connecticut
33 Gallows Lane New London, CT 06320 Phone: 860-442-0391
Can light be bent? Can sound waves be seen? Young and old can explore hands-on exhibits that will answer these questions... and more. Even have a birthday party or bring a group. Located in Connecticut Collage Arboretum with hiking trails and picnic tables. Open Tuesday through Saturday 10 am to 8 pm and Sunday 1 pm to 5 pm. Members FREE. Non-members: Adults $6, children under 12 and senior citizens $4.
Submarine Force Museum
1 Crystal Lake Road Groton, CT 06349 Phone: 800-343-0079
Whether you’re a kid or a history buff, there’s something here of interest for you.
COME ABOARD…YOU WON’T BE BORED!
Step aboard the Nautilus — the world's first nuclear powered submarine at the only museum dedicated to the science, courage and history of the US Submarine Force. Whether you’re a kid or a history buff, there’s something here of interest for you.
- Sit in the control room and experience hands-on what submariners had to manage.
- Explore the memorabilia of historical interest about the submarines rich place in history.
- Tour the world's first nuclear powered submarine and experience where the crew ate, slept, trained & played.
The Dinosaur Place
1650 Route 85 Montville, CT 06370 Phone: 860-443-4367 Fax: 860-443-0253
Discover an interactive science and nature adventure
At the Dinosaur Place, outdoor adventure can be found with over 25 life-sized dinosaurs nestled along 1 mile of easy walking trails. The nature trails include hands-on discovery stations and educational signs. During the summer, cool off on New England’s largest SPLASHPAD. Indoor activities include digging for gems, panning for “gold” or unearthing a dinosaur skeleton. The world-class gift shop is a must stop on your visit whether you are looking for mineral and fossil specimens, fine jewelry, gourmet foods, educational toys, or unique giftware. Plus, treat yourself and your family to a tasty lunch or snack at Cobalt Café. Picnic areas, snack bar, ice cream shop, and playground onsite. Visit our website for hours, rates, and directions.
Trail Wood
Kenyon Road Hampton, CT
This farm was owned by naturalist and author Edwin Way Teale. There are many nature programs held at the site, as well as three miles of trails for walking.
Trolley Trail and Two Rivers Trail
Cady Lane Plainfield, CT
These one mile trails are terrific locales for bird watching. The trails are on the site of the Quinebaug Valley Trout Hatchery.
Yale Forest
Route 197 Union, CT
Yale University uses this forest for study and field work. Fishing is available in the forest. The blue-marked Nipmuck trail runs through the forest for hiking.
Albert E. Moss Forest
Junction of Routes 195 and 275 Mansfield, CT
This wildlife sanctuary is used as an outdoor laboratory by the University of Connecticut. Open to the general public.
Argia Mystic Cruises
Schooner Wharf - 15 Holmes Street Mystic, CT 06355 Phone: 860-536-0416 Fax: 860-536-0000
Islands, Estuaries, Salt Marshes and Seabirds
Sail through the islands and coastline of the Mystic River and Long Island Sound estuaries as you discover the natural history and beauty of our maritime world. Embark on the traditional sailing schooner Argia for a morning, afternoon, or sunset cruise. Glide past salt marshes and shoreline that are home to osprey, herons, egrets, and more. Enjoy sun, ocean breezes, and peaceful surroundings…away from the hustle and bustle of land. You may sit back and relax as you watch the passing scenery or take a turn at the helm under sail. This cruise includes snacks and lemonade and you may bring your own picnic basket, bottle of wine, etc. US Coast Guard inspected.
May 1st through late October, choose a half-day or sunset cruise aboard ARGIA!
Connecticut College Arboretum
270 Mohegan Avenue New London, CT 06320 Phone: 860-439-5020
Over 750 acres of beautifully preserved open space
Connecticut College Arboretum's 750 acres include the college campus, plant
collections, natural areas, and managed areas. Its three major plants collections for
public enjoyment are the Campus Landscape with 120 acres of trees and shrubs from around the
world; the Native Plant collection, with 20 acres of woody plants and wildflowers indigenous to North America with a pond, and walking trails;
Caroline Black Garden with an exquisite display of diverse woody plants in a garden setting. Open every day from sunrise to sunset. Free public guided tours every Sunday afternoon May - October at 2 p.m. Call 860-439-5060 for
more information. Private group tours can be arranged upon request.
Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center
109 Pequotsepos Road Mystic, CT 06355 Phone: 860-536-1216
Open: Year-round, Monday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Closed January 1, Easter, Christmas
Discover live owls, turtles, frogs, and snakes in new natural history exhibits. Experience “A Night in the Meadow” theatre, hike up to 8 miles of trails on beautiful 300-acre sanctuary, and view birds of prey in outdoor flight enclosures. Excellent birding; picnic areas; wildflowers; gift shop. Open daily. Adults $6, Children 4.
Dennis Farm
Dennis Road Pomfret, CT
The Nature Conservancy maintains this 2 mile trail, available for hiking or skiing.
Fenton-Ruby Park and Wildlife Preserve
Burma Road Willington, CT
This nature preserve and park offers ample opportunity for wildlife observation and bird-watching. A one mile, marked trail runs through the preserve.
James L. Goodwin Forest
Route 6 Hampton, CT
2002 acre conservation center with displays representing different types of woodlands. The conservancy also has fishing areas, cross-country skiing, hiking trails and a rest area.