Science and Nature
Science and nature attractions in Mystic CT can enrich your vacation
11 listings
Scotland, CT
Pudding Hill Wildlife Area
Route 97Wildlife area with fishing, hiking and small game hunting.
Ledyard, CT
Ledyard Glacial Park and Avery Preserve
Entrances at Avery Hill Road, Avery Hill Extension, Whalehead RoadHiking trails dot the landscape of this nature conservancy. Great for bird watching.
Hampton, CT
Trail Wood
Kenyon RoadThis farm was owned by naturalist and author Edwin Way Teale. There are many nature programs held at the site, as well as three miles of trails for walking.
Mansfield, CT
Albert E. Moss Forest
Junction of Routes 195 and 275This wildlife sanctuary is used as an outdoor laboratory by the University of Connecticut. Open to the general public.
Eastford, CT
Yale Forest
Route 197Yale University uses this forest for study and field work. Fishing is available in the forest. The blue-marked Nipmuck trail runs through the forest for hiking.
New London, CT
Science Center of Eastern Connecticut
33 Gallows Lane 860-442-0391Can light be bent? Can sound waves be seen? Young and old can explore hands-on exhibits that will answer these questions... and more. Even have a birthday party or bring a group. Located in Connecticut Collage Arboretum with hiking trails and picnic tables. Open Tuesday through Saturday 10 am to 8 pm and Sunday 1 pm to 5 pm. Members FREE. Non-members: Adults $6, children under 12 and senior citizens $4.
Plainfield, CT
Trolley Trail and Two Rivers Trail
Cady LaneThese one mile trails are terrific locales for bird watching. The trails are on the site of the Quinebaug Valley Trout Hatchery.
Pawcatuck, CT
Barn Island State Wildlife Management Area
Palmer Neck RoadThis wildlife conservation area is popular for enjoying nature, birdwatching, walking, and deer hunting, in season. It includes several interest ecosystems, including forests, salt marsh, and wetlands, Four miles of trails are available for hikers and walkers. Interpretive signs help educate visitors about the coastal region of Connecticut.
Mystic, CT
Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center
109 Pequotsepos Road 860-536-1216Discover live owls, turtles, frogs, and snakes in new natural history exhibits. Experience “A Night in the Meadow” theater, hike up to 8 miles of trails on beautiful 300-acre sanctuary, and view birds of prey in outdoor flight enclosures. Excellent birding; picnic areas; wildflowers; gift shop.
Hours: Year-round, Monday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Admission: Adults, $6; children, $4
Pomfret, CT
Dennis Farm
Dennis Road 203-568-6270The Nature Conservancy maintains this two-mile trail, which is an old farm road, through former farm property. It is now mainly a forest of oaks, The Route passes a beaver pond and returns by way of Old Kings Highway, a grass-covered walk. Also a good site for cross-country skiing and bird watching.
Hours: Dawn to dusk.
Pomfret Center, CT
Center at Pomfret (Audubon Bird Conservation area)
218 Day Road 860-928-4948Maintained by the Connecticut Audubon Society. Designated trails run throughout the property. The Audobon Society hosts frequent guided birdwalks and workshops on gardening and area wildlife. The Center at Pomfret manages the 168-acre Trail Wood Sanctuary. See Santuary Map on Center's website
Hours: Trail Wood Sanctuary, year-round, daily, dawn to dusk
Information: www.ctaudubon.org/center-at-pomfret/