Historic Homes & Sites - Fairfield County & Southwest

America's first chateau; 62-room Victorian palace with stenciled walls, inlaid woodwork and skylit rotunda; gift shop. National Historic Landmark. Guided and audio tours.
Hours: Early April-early January, Wednesday-Sunday, noon to 4 p.m.
Admission: Adults, $8; seniors and students, $5; children under age 12, free.

This former homestead of the Boothe Family from 1663 to 1949 covers 30 acres and includes several buildings that exhibit antique farming tools, carriages, and old trolleys. Visitors are welcome to use the picnic grounds and enjoy the rose garden. - Walking Map
Hours: Park grounds are open year-round, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Museums and displays are open June 1 through October 1, Tuesday-Friday, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.; Saturday-Sunday, 1-4 p.m.
Admission: Free.

Home to three generations of American Impressionist painters, Weir Farm is the only national park dedicated to American painting. Discover this creative landscape guided tour of the Farm; check out the Stone Wall and meadows. See for yourself the artistic legacy of this nationally treasured site at the indoor art galleries. Enjoy park activities like fishing, swimming, and hiking; then stroll the gardens at sunset for a spectacular show of floral beauty!
Hours: Grounds open year-round, daily, dawn to dusk; Visitor Center open May through November, Wednesday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Admission: Free.

The circa 1730 National Historic Landmark Bush-Holley House was home to Connecticut’s first art colony. The site was the home and business headquarters of colonial merchant and mill owner David Bush, his wife Sarah, their children and their slaves. From 1890 to 1920, the house was run as a boarding house and was a gathering place for artists, writers, and editors.
Hours: Hours change seasonally; call ahead or consult website.
Admission: Adults, $10; seniors and students, $8; children under age 6, free.