Science and Nature

Science and nature attractions in Mystic CT can enrich your vacation

11 places to visit

Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center

109 Pequotsepos Road Mystic, CT 860-536-1216
Discover 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

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Dennis Farm

Dennis Road Pomfret, CT 203-568-6270
The 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.

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Trail Wood

Kenyon Road Hampton, CT
This 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.

Albert E. Moss Forest

Junction of Routes 195 and 275 Mansfield, CT
This wildlife sanctuary is used as an outdoor laboratory by the University of Connecticut. Open to the general public.

Trolley Trail and Two Rivers Trail

Cady Lane Plainfield, CT
These one mile trails are terrific locales for bird watching. The trails are on the site of the Quinebaug Valley Trout Hatchery.

Center at Pomfret (Audubon Bird Conservation area)

218 Day Road Pomfret Center, CT 860-928-4948
Maintained 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/

Pudding Hill Wildlife Area

Route 97 Scotland, CT
Wildlife area with fishing, hiking and small game hunting.

Yale Forest

Route 197 Eastford, CT 06242
Yale 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.

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Science Center of Eastern Connecticut

33 Gallows Lane New London, CT 06320 860-442-0391
Can 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.

Ledyard Glacial Park and Avery Preserve

Entrances at Avery Hill Road, Avery Hill Extension, Whalehead Road Ledyard, CT
Hiking trails dot the landscape of this nature conservancy. Great for bird watching.

Barn Island State Wildlife Management Area

Palmer Neck Road Pawcatuck, CT
This 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.

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