{"id":80697,"date":"2022-09-10T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2022-09-10T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.travellens.co\/best-things-to-do-in-ridgefield-ct\/"},"modified":"2024-03-30T19:09:23","modified_gmt":"2024-03-30T19:09:23","slug":"best-things-to-do-in-ridgefield-ct","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.travellens.co\/best-things-to-do-in-ridgefield-ct\/","title":{"rendered":"15 Best Things to Do in Ridgefield, CT"},"content":{"rendered":"
Reserve a couple of days or a full weekend to fully enjoy the things to do and see in Ridgefield.<\/p>\n
Owing to its 300-year history, this town in Fairfield County is one of Connecticut\u2019s top attractions.<\/p>\n
Ridgefield was established in 1709 in the foothills of the Berkshire Mountains, with two English colonists as its pioneers.<\/p>\n
Much of the town\u2019s 35-square-mile territory is unspoiled, as Ridgefield has remained a farming community over the years.<\/p>\n
The town figured prominently in the American Revolutionary War, and its well-preserved relics are a few samplings of Ridgefield\u2019s points of interest.<\/p>\n
With New York City just some 60 miles southwest of Ridgefield, the town has become a popular leisure destination for New Yorkers.<\/p>\n
Find out more about the town in the following list of the best things to do in Ridgefield, Connecticut!<\/p>\n
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EWY Media \/ Shutterstock.com<\/p>\n
Weir Farm National Historical Park is located on Nod Hill Road, and your logical first stop within the 60-acre property is Burlingham House.<\/a><\/p>\n Open from May to October, it serves as the park\u2019s visitor center.<\/p>\n The House features an art gallery and a book\/souvenir store. <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Nancy Kennedy \/ Shutterstock.com<\/p>\n Upon request, you can also watch at the visitor center a film about the Weir Farm\u2019s owner\u2014the famous impressionist painter J. Alden Weir.<\/p>\n At the visitor center, you can arrange a guided tour of Weir\u2019s home, where he worked in his studio between 1882 and 1919.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n EWY Media \/ Shutterstock.com<\/p>\n You can also visit Weir Farm National Historical Park\u2019s lush and colorful gardens.<\/p>\n The visitor center provides a map of the trail on the adjacent Weir Preserve.<\/p>\n This out-and-back trail goes 4.3 kilometers extending to the neighboring city of Wilton<\/a> toward the south.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n EWY Media \/ Shutterstock.com<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Robacols<\/a>, CC BY-SA 3.0<\/a>, via Wikimedia Commons<\/p>\n A fashion designer and art collector, Larry Aldrich, founded this museum on Main Street.<\/p>\n The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum<\/a>\u2019s exhibits revolve around the works of emerging artists.<\/p>\n It also features thematic group exhibitions and displays significant works of established artists.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Robacols<\/a>, CC BY-SA 3.0<\/a>, via Wikimedia Commons<\/p>\n The museum\u2019s galleries were formerly housed in the Ridgefield landmark \u201cOld Hundred Building,\u201d constructed in 1783.<\/p>\n The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum also features a two-acre sculpture garden.<\/p>\n Seth Low Pierrepont State Park covers 305 acres and is accessible via Barlow Mountain Road, a few minutes from the town center.<\/p>\n A diplomat namesake of the park donated its acreage to Ridgefield in 1956, and the town designated it as a \u201cwalk-in\u201d facility with no entrance fee.<\/p>\n Hiking, boating, fishing, and picnics are the activities to be enjoyed at Seth Low Pierrepont State Park<\/a>.<\/p>\n The park features five blazed trails, including one looping around the south edge of its pond.<\/p>\n This water feature, alternatively called Lake Naraneka and Pierrepont Pond, covers 38 acres and has a launch for non-motorized boating.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ritu Manoj Jethani \/ Shutterstock.com<\/p>\n History buffs living in Ridgefield established Keeler Tavern Museum<\/a> on Main Street in 1966.<\/p>\n The museum building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.<\/p>\n At one time or another during the 18th century, the building served not only as a tavern but also as a farmhouse, post office, stagecoach stop, and hotel.<\/p>\n The Patriots also used it as their headquarters during the 1777 Battle of Ridgefield.<\/p>\n Much later, in the early 1900s, the building became the residence of a noted architect, Cass Gilbert.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ritu Manoj Jethani \/ Shutterstock.com<\/p>\n Keeler Tavern Museum exhibits items portraying rural life in Connecticut from the early 18th century to the mid-20th century.<\/p>\n Period furnishings grace the museum rooms, where guides in period costumes can answer visitors\u2019 questions.<\/p>\n Outside, visitors can get awestruck by a cannonball lodged on a part of the museum\u2019s outer wall.<\/p>\n They will also enjoy touring the museum grounds\u2019 classic Garden House that Cass Gilbert built in 1915 for his wife, Julia.<\/p>\n At the Garden House, visitors will have an overlooking view of a brick-walled garden with rose arbors and a reflecting pool.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Rolf M\u00fcller (User:Rolfmueller)<\/a>, CC BY-SA 3.0<\/a>, via Wikimedia Commons<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Jllm06<\/a>, CC BY-SA 3.0<\/a>, via Wikimedia Commons<\/p>\n Straddling the boundary of Ridgefield and the town of Wilton, Woodcock Nature Center features an interpretive center and three miles of woodland trails.<\/p>\n Full-time naturalists man this nature center, which provides a handicapped-accessible boardwalk.<\/p>\n The boardwalk extends to a swamp and scenic trails offering views of Spectacle Brook and vernal pools.<\/p>\n Woodcock Nature Center\u2019s role as a preserve can be appreciated best in its abundance of oak, other trees and plants, and wildlife.<\/p>\n Ballard Park<\/a>, located on Ridgefield\u2019s Main Street, is famous for outdoor concerts and other special events.<\/p>\n Summer visits to the town promise to be livelier, with twice-a-week musical performances at this venue.<\/p>\n CHIRP<\/a> (Concert Happenings in Ridgefield\u2019s Parks CHIRP) organizes these concerts featuring bands of various genres.<\/p>\n There\u2019s more to enjoy at Ballard Park besides these concerts.<\/p>\n This five-acre green space provides a playground, well-landscaped gardens, and shade trees.<\/p>\n The park also offers picnic tables, making it ideal for family visits.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Don Williams<\/a>, CC BY-SA 4.0<\/a>, via Wikimedia Commons<\/p>\n Golfers visiting Richfield will have two choices in their chase for pars and birdies in the town.<\/p>\n One of their picks comes in Ridgefield Golf Course<\/a>, the town\u2019s municipal links, which opened in 1974.<\/p>\n Located on Ridgebury Road, this 18-hole layout was designed by course architects Tom and George Fazio.<\/p>\n The course offers a par 71 challenge over 6,444 yards from its longest tees.<\/p>\n Its course rating is 71.8, while its slope rating is129 set on Ridgefield\u2019s rolling hills.<\/p>\n Players will encounter a more open front nine from tee to green but will find complex features upon hitting the greens.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Don Williams<\/a>, CC BY-SA 4.0<\/a>, via Wikimedia Commons<\/p>\n Tees on the back nine demand accuracy and are less forgiving, but their greens ease off in their less undulating surfaces.<\/p>\n Ridgefield Golf Course offers amenities such as a putting green, driving range, rental clubs, and a pro shop.<\/p>\n Playing golf as a guest is also possible at the Silver Spring Country Club<\/a>\u2019s private course.<\/p>\n Located on Silver Spring Road off West Lane, this 18-hole course plays at par 71 over 6,518 yards from its longest tees.<\/p>\n In addition to its golf facilities, the family-friendly Silver Spring Country Club has facilities for tennis, swimming, dining, and social events.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Don Williams<\/a>, CC BY-SA 4.0<\/a>, via Wikimedia Commons<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Pblaszka<\/a>, CC BY-SA 3.0<\/a>, via Wikimedia Commons<\/p>\n National and regional acts are up for audience appreciation at the Ridgefield Playhouse<\/a> on East Ridge Road.<\/p>\n This local stage is in the old building of Ridgefield High School, which now houses the Richard E. Venus Municipal Center.<\/p>\n The nonprofit theater has been presenting theatrical performances since 1938.<\/p>\n With a 500-person seating capacity, this cultural hub presents not only live music and dance productions.<\/p>\n The Ridgefield Playhouse also offers first-run movies, comedy, arts education, lecture series, and children\u2019s performances.<\/p>\n Bennett\u2019s Pond State Park<\/a> sprawls over 460 acres covering not only Ridgefield but also part of the neighboring city of Danbury to the south.<\/p>\n It\u2019s ideal for hikers and mountain bikers, as the 17-mile Ives Trail Greenway passes through it.<\/p>\n This regional trail network also connects to nearby parks, including the Pine Mountain Reserve.<\/p>\n Bennett\u2019s Pond State Park\u2019s namesake pond covers 56 acres and offers opportunities for fishing.<\/p>\n This Ridgefield recreation area also allows fall archery hunting for deer only; firearms use is prohibited.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Brianegge<\/a>, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons<\/p>\n Located on Danbury Road, the Ridgefield Recreation Center<\/a> is also the Ridgefield Parks & Recreation headquarters.<\/p>\n The agency runs and maintains more than 600 acres of the town\u2019s parks, fields, trails, and recreational facilities.<\/p>\n The Ridgefield Recreation Center is home to various aquatic and wellness facilities.<\/p>\n Besides its fitness center, this recreational hub also boasts a 25-yard lap swimming pool.<\/p>\n It also provides a 2,800-square-foot Spray Bay, a zero-entry aquatic playground suited for all ages.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n 1rhinofun<\/a>, CC BY 3.0<\/a>, via Wikimedia Commons<\/p>\n At this centuries-old schoolhouse, visitors can listen to tour guides\u2019 colorful stories about it.<\/p>\n Also called the Little Red Schoolhouse or the West Lane Schoolhouse, the Peter Parley Schoolhouse<\/a> traces back to 1756.<\/p>\n Its current, larger building was built during the 19th century and operational until the early 1900s.<\/p>\n On display in the schoolhouse are memorabilia, including children\u2019s period workbooks, desks, and toys.<\/p>\n The Peter Parley Schoolhouse, located on the corner of West Lane and South Salem Road, now also serves as the headquarters of the Ridgefield Historical Society.<\/p>\n The Ridgefield Garden Club, the town\u2019s green-thumb advocate since 1914, maintains the schoolhouse grounds.<\/p>\n Passes for individuals and families are traditionally available on Martin Park Beach<\/a> starting from Memorial Day weekend until Labor Day in September.<\/p>\n Besides swimming, this beach on Great Pond Road is also great for kayaking and picnics.<\/p>\n Lifeguards are on duty during the beach\u2019s operating hours.<\/p>\n Martin Park Beach\u2019s waters flow from the spring-fed Great Pond, just a short distance to the north, via a short stretch of the Norwalk River.<\/p>\n Fishing is allowed at the Great Pond, where various types of bass, sunnies, bluegills, and eels can be caught.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Brianegge<\/a>, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons<\/p>\n The Prospector Theater<\/a> is located on Prospect Street and is run by a nonprofit advocating the noble cause of employing folks with disabilities.<\/p>\n It opened in 2014 and now has 250 employees, 75% of whom are identified PWDs.<\/p>\n This theater has four screens allowing its patrons to choose a wide selection of movies.<\/p>\n Besides screening old classics and the latest blockbusters, the Prospector Theater hosts film festivals and competitions.<\/p>\n Its building was once home to the town\u2019s first movie house, the Ridgefield Playhouse.<\/p>\nVisit the Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum<\/h2>\n
Explore Seth Low Pierrepont State Park<\/h2>\n
Take Glimpses Ridgefield\u2019s Past at Keeler Tavern Museum<\/h2>\n
Enjoy the Outdoors at Woodcock Nature Center<\/h2>\n
Catch a Concert at Ballard Park<\/h2>\n
Have a Round at Ridgefield Golf Course<\/h2>\n
Applaud a Show at the Ridgefield Playhouse<\/h2>\n
Hike at Bennett\u2019s Pond State Park<\/h2>\n
Scout Fun Opportunities at the Ridgefield Recreation Center<\/h2>\n
Tour the Peter Parley Schoolhouse<\/h2>\n
Swim at Martin Park Beach<\/h2>\n
Support the Prospector Theater<\/h2>\n
Explore Ridgefield through The Museum in the Streets<\/h2>\n