14 Best Things To Do In Farmington, Connecticut

1. Check out artefacts at Hill-Stead Museum

Make a trip to Hill-Stead Museum, an art museum on a sprawling estate in Farmington, to view French Impressionist masterpieces. Inside, visitors enjoy an impressive display of decorative arts, textiles, and works of art from painters, such as Monet, Degas, and Whistler. A pleasant stroll around the museum will have you admiring the museum’s stately architecture and lush gardens.

The museum provides self-guided tours and exclusive private tours on selected days. Souvenirs as keepsakes or gifts are also available at their new Museum Shop for you to bring back to those at home.

Hill-Stead Museum

Address: 35 Mountain Rd, Farmington, CT 06032, United States

Website: Hill-Stead Museum

Opening hours: Wed - Sun: 10am - 4pm (closed on Mon & Tue)

Price: 18 USD (adults), 16 USD (seniors aged 62+), 12 USD (students), 10 USD (children), Free (children under 6)

2. Revisit history with the heritage of Stanley-Whitman House

Trace the history of early Farmington at Stanley-Whitman House, a heritage museum built around the 1720s. Designated a National History Landmark in 1960, the museum displays fascinating exhibits that depict Colonial life in Connecticut. Guests can explore the exhibit gallery, period tavern room, research library, and collection storage area of the museum for a memorable time.

You can also step outside the museum to explore its beautiful grounds, gardens, and an apple orchard surrounded by heritage stone walls.

Stanley-Whitman House

Address: 37 High St, Farmington, CT 06032, United States

Website: Stanley-Whitman House

Opening hours: Wed - Sat: 10am - 4pm (closed on Sun & Tue)

Price: 7 USD

3. Gear up for exciting outdoor activities at Farmington Boat House

Farmington Boat House is a boat club located at the heart of Farmington. It is primarily used to store rowing boats and smaller crafts for leisure pursuits along the Farmington River. It’s also a great destination for fishing expeditions to catch trout and river bass in the calm waters. Most visitors spend the day swimming, kayaking, and relaxing by the river with friends.

The public area is pet-friendly, so visitors can walk their dogs while exploring the scenic landscapes all around. To escape the weekend surge of locals, it’s best to plan out a hassle-free trip during the weekdays.

Farmington Boat House

Address: 200 Tunxis Mead Rd, Farmington, CT 06032, United States

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 2:30pm - 8pm (closed on Sun)

Price: Free

4. Enjoy recreational activities on Farmington River

Farmington River is one of the most visited sites among the locals and travellers to this amazing river town. This beautiful river is the perfect destination for water sports such as boating, kayaking, white water paddling, and swimming. Simply relaxing in the midst of nature is an option, too. There are plenty of spots to go bird watching, wilderness exploring, or meditating next to calming river sounds.

On the more adventurous side, anglers love the river for its abundant cold-water trout that make fishing trips extra exciting. Hikers enjoy conquering the challenging hiking trails that overlook panoramic river views.

Farmington River

Address: Hartland, Hartford County, Connecticut

Website: Farmington River

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

Price: Free

5. Enjoy the hiking trails around Will Warren's Den

Will Warren’s Den is one of the most interesting historical landmarks in Farmington. It’s a huge rock formation with caves and a cliff overlooking mountain views, making it a great place for outdoor picnics and wilderness wandering. The den is named after Will Warren from the 1800s, who, legend says, caused trouble in town and escaped to a cave on Rattlesnake Mountain to live out his days as a hermit.

Today, the den is popular among cave explorers and hikers who can access the cave from the Metacomet Trail on Rattlesnake Mountain.

Will Warren's Den

Address: Metacomet Trail, Farmington, CT 06032, USA

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

Price: Free

6. Enjoy exploring the wilderness at Batterson Park

Batterson Park is a peaceful oasis located near Talcott Mountain State Park in Farmington. The park has a huge pond with a boat launch for visitors to enjoy fishing, kayaking, and waterfront picnics with the family. There are ample parking spaces for visitors’ convenience, tree-lined walking trails for safe exploring, and clear waters where you can occasionally spot ducks swimming by.

What visitors love most are the serene surroundings to capture the sunset over the beautiful pond. During winter, the surrounding landscapes transform the park into a beautiful retreat.

Batterson Park

Address: Batterson Park Rd, Farmington, CT 06032, United States

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

Price: Free

7. Learn the town's history at Farmington Historical Society

Explore the town’s unique history at Farmington Historical Society, a community organisation committed to preserving the proud heritage of Farmington. Since the 1954, the society has been providing insightful tours of the Freedom Trail’s Underground Railroad and Amistad. It’s a great place for families and history buffs to view artworks by local artists in the art gallery and admire the local artefacts.

The society also sponsors exhibits, lectures, and community events, such as Amistad Family Day.

Farmington Historical Society

Address: 138 Main St, Farmington, CT 06032, United States

Website: Farmington Historical Society

Opening hours: Fri: 10am - 2pm (closed from Sat - Thu; or by appointment)

Price: Free

8. Have a peaceful moment at First Church of Christ

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

First Church of Christ is a national heritage landmark in Farmington with origins dating back to 1771. The iconic landmark was designed by Judah Woodruff, an architect, master builder, and descendent of one of the original proprietors of Farmington. Today, the church with stunning Greek Revival architecture has an active congregation with Sunday worship services. It is a peaceful place for the prayerful and tourists seeking a little tranquility from busy excursions around town.

As one of the world’s oldest and most distinguished churches, the First Church of Christ is a popular destination for wedding ceremonies and special events.

First Church of Christ

Address: 75 Main St, Farmington, CT 06032, United States

Website: First Church of Christ

Opening hours: Mon - Wed: 8am - 2pm; Thu: 8am - 3pm; Sun: 10am - 12pm (closed on Fri & Sat)

Price: Free

9. Go shopping at West Farm S.C.

Indulge in major retail therapy at West Farm S.C., a popular shopping centre in central Farmington. The shopping, dining, and entertainment hotspot is located adjacent to West Farms Mall. Notable tenants include the T.J. Maxx department store, Nordstrom Rack clothing store, and Esporta Fitness. There are also family-friendly restaurants, boutiques, and shops specialising in health, beauty, and wellness.

With ample parking available, this shopping destination is great for locals to pick up their essentials and for tourists who love window shopping.

West Farm S.C.

Address: 1600 SE Rd, Farmington, CT 06032, USA

Opening hours: Mon- Sat: 10am - 9pm; Sun: 11am - 6pm

10. Dine on Italian cuisine at Cugino's Restaurant of Farmington

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Great food and excellent menu choices make Cugino’s Restaurant of Farmington a top pick among foodies in this charming town. Signature dishes on the menu include the seafood medley, clams casino, and braised beef short ribs. The restaurant also offers an impressive wine selection with a promotion on Tuesdays where customers enjoy half-price on bottled wines to go with their meals.

The restaurant’s banquet and meeting room are ideal for celebratory events and corporate meetings. Kids aged 12 and under can enjoy the perk of dining for free on Wednesdays, so bring the whole family for a wonderful meal at Cugino’s.

Cugino's Restaurant of Farmington

Address: 1053 Farmington Ave, Farmington, CT 06032, United States

Website: Cugino’s Restaurant of Farmington

Opening hours: Wed - Thu: 11am - 10pm; Fri - Sat: 11am - 12am; Sun: 11am - 9pm (closed on Mon & Tue)

11. Satisfy your cravings at Butchers & Bakers (gastropub)

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Craving for delicious American cuisine? Head to Butchers & Bakers (gastropub) to dine on coal-fired culinary delights in rustic-chic settings that make each meal truly memorable. Located in The Exchange, a bustling business park in central Farmington, it’s easily accessible to locals and tourists. Featuring a mouth-watering brunch, lunch, and dinner menu, the restaurant offers amazing dishes such as beer-battered cod, Butcher’s burger, and bourbon-glazed salmon.

After dining al fresco at the gastropub’s huge outdoor patio, you can cap off the meal with drinks at their three full bars that serve a wide array of beverages to titillate your palate.

Butchers & Bakers (gastropub)

Address: 270 Farmington Ave Suite 101, Farmington, CT 06032, United States

Website: Butchers & Bakers

Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 11:30am - 10pm; Fri: 11:30am - 12am; Sat: 11am - 12am; Sun: 11am - 9pm

12. Have an adventure at Winding Trails

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Great for families with kids and adventures seekers, Winding Trails is the place to go in Farmington if you’re looking for recreational fun. Winding Trails offers all kinds of educational activities focused on conserving the natural woodlands and waterways in Farmington. The non-profit recreation centre sited on a 380-acre (154-hectare) of lush woods has beautiful walking treks, bicycle trails, and running paths that you can explore.

Exciting programmes at Winding Trails include nature walks, soccer for kids, cross country ski lessons, camping trips, swim lessons, and many more.

Winding Trails

Address: 50 Winding Trails, Farmington, CT 06032, United States

Website: Winding Trails

Opening hours: 8am - dusk (daily)

Price: By membership

13. Discover historical finds on Farmington Walking Tour

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

One of the top must-do attractions in Farmington is the Farmington Walking Tour. The guided historic walks come with a comprehensive map and directions for visitors to explore the heritage trails in different parts of Farmington. There’s a particular trail for everyone, such as Farmington’s Freedom Trail, Farmington 19th Century Walk, and Farmington Colonial Walk.

The Unionville Historic Center Walk explores structures built before 1930, whereas the Unionville’s Power Walk brings visitors through the town’s industrial past. What visitors love most are making historical finds and meeting the town’s early pioneers during the walks.

Farmington Walking Tour

Website: Farmington Walking Tour

14. Reconnect with nature at Thomas J. Quirk Park

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Capture the sights, scents, and sounds of nature at Thomas J. Quirk Park, a lovely public park at the heart of Farmington. The park has plenty of open spaces for kids to run around, grassy lawns with tall shady trees for outdoor picnics, and nature trails worth checking out. Enjoy lakeside adventures by the calming waters or explore the abundant flora and fauna in the park.

There are ample parking spaces for visitors at the park, including spots allocated for people with disabilities.

Thomas J. Quirk Park

Address: 80 Tunxis Mead Rd, Farmington, CT 06032, United States

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

Price: Free

Explore all the must-see sights in Farmington

Have a fantastic time with friends and family in Farmington when you explore the many attractions in town. From historical landmarks to family-friendly parks, there’s plenty to see, do, and discover. Check them all out from this handy list of the best things to do in Farmington, Connecticut.