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

Connecticut > Litchfield Northwest > Indoor Activities > Museums and Galleries
Foliage Train - 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, celebrating railroading, really does ask you to get on board!

Talk about a moving experience! At the Railroad Museum of New England, the actual trains tell their story of the region’s rich railroad history. In addition to educational exhibits, the museum hosts a diverse collection representing New England railroading, including locomotives (diesel and steam), passenger and freight cars, a crane, a plow – and, of course, cabooses, including the bright red Boston & Maine C-72 caboose built in 1921. Scenic rides and holiday excursions on the Naugatuck Railroad from the historic Thomaston Station, most lasting about an hour and 20 minutes, are a treat for train-lovers of all ages. Ask about the Chocolate Decadence and Spirit-Tasting tours, and don’t forget the Pumpkin Patch train and Santa Express.
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, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, noon - 5 p.m.; closed major holidays Admission: Adults age 16 and older, $5; seniors over age 65, $4; children under age 16, free. Information: www.mattatuckmuseum.org/
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
Sloane-Stanley Museum and Kent 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: May-October, Thursday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Admission: Adults, $8; seniors, $6; children age 6 to 17, $5. Information: http://bit.ly/qsjx5X
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.
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/