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Museums in Litchfield, Connecticut range from fine art to American history

Locomotive - Railroad Museum of New England - Thomaston, CT
Railroad Museum of New England

242 East Main Street Thomaston, CT, 06787 Phone: 860-283-7245

This museum has something others do not: train rides through the Connecticut countryside

At the Railroad Museum of New England, they don’t want to just tell you about the region’s rich railroading history – they want to show you, too. After exploring educational exhibits at the historic Thomaston Station, and checking out the museum’s impressive collection of diesel and steam locomotives, passenger and freight cars and cabooses, including a bright red Boston & Maine C-72 caboose built in 1921, you’ll want to board one of the vintage trains for a scenic ride on the Naugatuck Railroad. Ride in style as the train rumbles through woods, alongside rivers and over the famed Thomaston Dam. Special excursions include the Easter Bunny Express, the Pumpkin Patch train, the Chocolate Decadence Tours and, for the holidays, the daytime Santa Express and evening Northern Lights Limited.
Mattatuck Museum

144 West Main Street Waterbury, CT, 06702 Phone: 203-753-0381

Exhibits chronicle the industrial history of the Naugatuck Valley as well as its social, architectural and cultural past. Period settings, decorative arts, furniture, 19th- and 20th-century art, changing exhibits. Cafe, museum shop.
Hours: Tuesday-Saturday, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.; Reopening Mondays in April, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.; closed major holidays
Admission: $15, Adults age 16 and older; $12, seniors over age 65; $10, college students with ID; $8, children 5-18; Free, members and children under 5; Mattatuck is a Blue Star Museum that offers free admission to military members and their families from Armed Forces Day to Labor Day.
Information: www.mattmuseum.org
Eric Sloane Museum - Kent, CT - Photo Credit Reid House
Eric Sloane Museum and Kent Iron Furnace

31 Kent Cornwall Road (Route 7) Kent, CT, 06757 Phone: 860-927-3849

This museum features a collection of woodworking tools, dating from the 17th century. The ruins of the Kent Furnace, in use through the 19th century are also found on the grounds.
Hours: Open May-October, Friday thru Sunday 10am - 4pm.
Admission: Adults $8, Seniors $6, Ages 6-17 $5, 5 & Under Free.
Danbury Railway Museum

120 White Street and Patriot Drive Danbury, CT, 06810 Phone: 203-778-8337

Check out this historic station building and railway yard, on your own with a brochure, or with a tour guide. The historic splendor of this antique place tells a story of how railways changed America, and features unique artifacts. See a full description on ourHistoric Homes & Sites page.
Institute for American Indian Studies

38 Curtis Rd.(off Route 199) Washington, CT, 06793 Phone: 860-868-0518

The Institute for American Indian Studies Museum and Research Center features Native American art and artifacts from 10,000 years ago to present day, hiking trails, outdoor gardens, changing exhibits, and a 16th-century Algonkian village. Explore what life was like in Connecticut 1,000 years ago, sit in a dugout canoe, use replicated tools, and see a full wall mural depicting village life. Information: www.iaismuseum.org.
Hours: Wednesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, noon-5 p.m.
Cost: Adults, $10; seniors, $8; children age 3-12, $6
Carousel Museum of New England

95 Riverside Avenue Bristol, CT, 06010 Phone: 860-585-5411

One of two branches of this unique museum. Exhibits feature antique carousel horses, miniature carousels, and a historic carving shop. Exhibits represent the finest pieces of antique carousel art in existence. The Bristol Center for Arts and Culture features three galleries that include fine art exhibits. The Museum of Fire History displays fire department and firehouse memorabilia. Gift shop. Hours: March-December, Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday, noon- 5 p.m.; open during local school holidays. Admission: Adults, $6; seniors, $4.50, children age 4-14, $3.50; children age 1-2, $2. Information: www.thecarouselmuseum.org/