Everyone loves big cities and the bright lights, but sometimes the smaller towns offer the best experiences.
There’s just something about the charm of a small town that makes it so appealing.
If you’re looking for a change of pace, you should make Wilton, Connecticut, your next destination.
This hidden gem is in Fairfield County, a perfect getaway for those who want to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.
Wilton may be small, but it certainly doesn’t lack in things to see and do.
From outdoor activities to historical sites, Wilton has a ton to offer tourists.
If you want to learn more about Wilton, then check out the following best things to do in Wilton, Connecticut.
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Weir Farm National Historical Park is a must-visit for any art lover.
The park houses the former home and studio of J. Alden Weir, an American painter who played a pivotal role in the development of American Impressionism.
The park is open to the public and offers a variety of programs and events.
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You can tour the grounds, go on a ranger-led hike, or participate in one of their artist-in-residence programs.
If you want the whole Weir Farm experience, join one of their walking tours.
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These guided tours will take you through the property’s different buildings and some of the gardens.
You’ll also see some of Weir’s paintings up close and learn more about his life and work.
Weir Farm National Historic Site is a great place to learn about American art history and see some beautiful works.
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The Wilton Historical Society and Museum chronicles the history of the town and its residents.
This museum complex comprises five buildings: the Betts-Sturgis-Blackmar House, Burt Barn Gallery, Sloan-Raymond-Fitch House, Abbott Barn, Blacksmith Shop, and a two-seat privy.
Apart from serving as a museum complex, these buildings are all on the National Register of Historic Places, excellent examples of 18th and 19th-century architecture.
Visiting the Wilton Historical Society and Museum is a great way to learn about the town’s rich history and culture.
Each exhibit inside one of these buildings tells a different story.
These exhibits are interconnected, helping to give a well-rounded view of life in Wilton during different periods.
Since its founding in 1802, the Wilton Historical Society and Museum has done an excellent job documenting and preserving the town’s history.
If you want to learn more about the town of Wilton, then start your trip at the Wilton Historical Society and Museum!
It’s not the most exciting thing to do on this list, but the Wilton Library is worth a visit.
It’s one of the largest public libraries in the state and has served the community since 1908.
The library has an impressive collection of items, including books, magazines, eBooks, DVDs, audiobooks, and more.
The library also features different genres of books.
Whether you’re looking for a suspenseful thriller or a light-hearted romance, you’ll find something that interests you.
The Wilton Library is also the perfect place to learn more about Wilton’s history.
Likewise, the library has an extensive collection of local history materials, including books, newspapers, and maps.
In addition to its vast collection of items, the Wilton Library also offers programs and events for all ages.
Story times for children, book clubs for adults, and various other programs are sure to pique your interest.
The Wilton Library is more than just a place to check out books.
It’s a cultural and community center offering something for locals and visitors alike.
The Wilton Library is the perfect place if you want to spend some time inside on a rainy day or need a break from sightseeing.
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Apart from its outdoor attractions, Wilton is also home to a few historical landmarks.
One of these landmarks is the Hurlburt Street School House.
If you ever wondered what a one-room schoolhouse looked like in the 1800s, visit the building to find out.
The Hurlbutt Street School House is a simple yet charming one-room building built way back in 1834.
It served as the town’s schoolhouse for nearly a century before its conversion into a history museum.
In 1996, the National Register of Historic Places added Hurlbutt Street School House to its record, further solidifying its status as a historical landmark.
It might be hard to believe that this small schoolhouse once served as the only school for all of Wilton.
If you want to check out a piece of the town’s history, check out the Hurlbutt Street School House.
Merwin Meadows Park is the premier outdoor recreation spot in Wilton’s heart.
This park has something for everyone, whether you’re looking to relax and take in the scenery or if you want to get active and explore.
This community park features a swimming pond, pavilion, grilling station, beach, bathhouse, playground, and athletic field.
However, remember that the swimming pond, beach, and pavilion are only open from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
The rest of the amenities are open year-round.
If you’re looking for a place to take a stroll, check out several miles of hiking and biking trails winding through the park.
One of the best things about Merwin Meadows Park is that it’s constantly changing, and there’s always something new to see.
In the spring, the park comes alive with vibrant colors as the flowers start to bloom.
Meanwhile, in the autumn, the leaves change color and create a picturesque landscape.
Merwin Meadows Park will impress you no matter when you visit.
While the Norwalk River Valley Trail is currently under construction, some of its sections have opened, perfect for those who want to explore the great outdoors.
Upon completion, the Norwalk River Valley Trail will span 30 miles from Wilton to Danbury.
This length will make it the longest trail in Fairfield County.
Even in its current state, there are still plenty of places to explore.
The open section in Wilton stretches for about six miles and passes through some of the most scenic parts of town.
This trail is perfect for a leisurely hike or a vigorous bike ride, and it’s also the ideal place to take your dog for a walk.
Just be sure to keep them on a leash and pick them up after them.
Then, make sure to revisit the Norwalk River Valley Trail once it’s completed to see the place in its entirety.
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The same family has owned and operated the 200-year-old Ambler Farm for seven generations.
This historic farm is open to the public and offers a variety of fun, family-friendly activities, events, and programs.
The Friends of Ambler Farm Inc. runs and manages the farm and its many events.
Ambler Farm allows you to see and appreciate the simple yet fulfilling farm life.
At the same time, they offer workshops, summer camps, and educational programs for kids.
Since it is also a working farm, you can purchase fresh and locally grown produce depending on the season.
In addition, you can buy milk, an assortment of fruits and vegetables, flowers, and more.
The staff also offers guided tours around the area and a glimpse of the livestock living on the farm.
The Wilton Playshop is a nonprofit organization running for nearly 85 years.
This community theater group produces high-quality classical plays and musicals.
They also aim to provide local talent on and off-stage opportunities.
Some of the famous plays they’ve produced include “The Wizard of Oz,” “Little Shop of Horrors,” and “Arsenic and Old Lace.”
They usually stage two to three productions annually, so check their schedule beforehand.
If you’re a fan of the arts or want to support local talent, see a play at the Wilton Playshop.
The Wilton Town Forest is the town’s largest open-space park.
The rugged park covers nearly 43.6 acres, with a waterfall and a brook.
The park is the perfect haven for outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and bird-watching.
It’s also a great way to escape the stressful city life and breathe fresh air.
Most Wilton Town Forest trees are deciduous; however, there are also a few evergreens.
The most common trees you’ll find are maples, birches, and oaks.
These towering trees provide much-needed shade and create a pleasant environment to stroll around.
You can also set up camp in the park’s designated campsites.
If you’re looking for an adventure and want to explore the great outdoors, go to the Wilton Town Forest.
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The Woodcock Nature Center is a nonprofit organization that runs a 179-acre nature preserve.
They have a variety of programs and events open to the public all year round.
If you’re looking for a nature trip, this is the perfect place to go.
The Woodcock Nature Center offers a variety of programs, such as farm-to-table dinners, wildlife walks, and arts and crafts classes.
They also have a summer camp for kids that offers different nature-based activities.
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The main attraction of the Woodcock Nature Center is the wildlife.
Some of the animals you’ll find include woodcock, bobcats, owls, and beavers.
The best way to see these animals is to join one of their many guided walks.
Likewise, they offer a night hike to see some of the nocturnal animals that come out to play.
Whether going as a group or by yourself, the Woodcock Nature Center is a great place to experience nature at its finest.
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Cranbury Park is one of the most unique parks you’ll ever see since it also contains a mansion.
The Gallaher Mansion is a beautiful 19th-century building open to the public.
Likewise, the exterior is pretty much intact, and you can still explore the grounds, despite ongoing constructions.
Cranbury Park is also home to a nature center, hiking trails, and a playground.
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Even if you’re not interested in the mansion, there are still plenty of other things to do in the park.
If you want to learn more about the history of the Gallaher Mansion and Cranbury Park, join one of their guided tours once the house reopens to the public.
You can find the Gallaher Mansion and Cranbury Park in Norwalk, Connecticut, nine minutes from Wilton.
The MoCa Westport is a must-visit for any art lover.
It’s a large museum that has an impressive collection of contemporary art.
Housed in a historic 1920s building, MoCa Westport features a variety of artwork from both established and emerging artists.
You’ll find paintings, sculptures, installations, and more.
They have a variety of exhibitions that change regularly, so there’s always something new to see.
The best part about MoCa Westport is that admission is free.
Check it out if you’re on a budget or only have a limited amount of time.
If you want to learn more about the artwork on display, join one of their guided tours.
During the tours, friendly and knowledgeable staff members will give you insights into different art pieces.
You can find this museum in Westport, Connecticut, ten minutes from Wilton.
Spanning a massive 4,315 acres, the Ward Pound Ridge Reservation Park is currently the largest in Fairfield county.
The park has various hiking trails that range in difficulty, so there’s something for everyone.
You can also bring your dog as long as they’re on a leash.
Ward Pound Ridge Reservation Park is another excellent place if you want to escape to nature and enjoy life’s simpler and more beautiful things.
Some of the amenities at the park include picnic tables, BBQ grills, and a playground.
There are also designated trails for biking, hiking, horseback riding, and more.
If you’re looking for a place to go camping, Ward Pound Ridge Reservation Park also offers a variety of camping sites.
No matter what you’re looking for, you’re sure to find it at this large and popular park.
This park is in Pound Ridge, New York, 25 minutes from Wilton.
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The Glass House in New Canaan, Connecticut, is a unique museum worth visiting.
Built in 1949, it served as the former home of Philip Johnson, a famous architect who was instrumental in developing the Modernist style of architecture.
Johnson also designed the house.
The home comprises entirely of glass, hence the name.
It also offers breathtaking views of the surrounding area.
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The best way to see the Glass House is to join one of their guided tours.
The Glass House is 55 feet long and 33 feet wide, totaling 1,815 square feet.
The iconic home has appeared in various publications, a must-see for anyone interested in architecture or design.
In addition to the Glass House, the museum also has a sculpture garden and many other buildings on the property.
This house is 19 minutes from Wilton.
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The Trailside Nature Museum is a great place to visit if you want to learn more about the local wildlife, plant life, and American Indian heritage.
The museum has various exhibitions and programs designed to educate visitors about the different species living in the area.
It also houses artifacts from Native Americans who once inhabited the place.
Join the guided tours if you want to learn more about each exhibit.
Knowledgeable staff leads the tours, and they can answer any questions you might have.
Besides the exhibitions, the Trailside Nature Museum offers a variety of classes and programs for adults and children.
You can find this museum in Cross River, New York, 26 minutes from Wilton.
Wilton, Connecticut, is a great place to visit for its different tourist attractions, museums, parks, and more.
It might not have the same appeal as bigger Connecticut cities like Hartford and New Haven, but it’s worth a visit.
Plan your trip today and discover the best things to do in Wilton, Connecticut!
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