Spotlight:

Rich Cultural and Walking Opportunities Right in Our Backyard

When we think about great walking opportunities, we don’t always consider the many outstanding cultural institutions in Connecticut. Some are adjacent to parks, some are located on attractive urban streets, and still others have beautiful, expansive grounds. In this last group, you can find the Hill-Stead Museum in Farmington.

Hill-Stead was built by the Pope family in 1901, and today is a 152-acre, 10-building museum and a National Historic Landmark. Renowned Impressionist paintings, including works by Monet, Degas, Manet, Cassatt, and Whistler, are displayed in the house as they were when the family resided there. Although there is a charge to view these artworks, admission to the grounds is free and you can explore the property that Theodate Pope Riddle designed with an eye to utility, horticultural variety, and ornament.

The Hill-Stead Walking Trails range from easy pathways through gardens to a section of the New England Trail (NET), which was recently designated as a National Scenic Trail. You can pick up a Hill-Stead trail map, which can help you identify flora, fauna, and historic landscape features at the trail heads or in the Visitor Center.

Hill-Stead also hosts many special events throughout the year, including guided walks led by museum experts and naturalists. Visit the WalkCT Events page to see some of their offerings through September. There is no shortage of activities that can be enjoyed at this rich cultural location. Take a day and enjoy all that the Hill-Stead Museum has to offer.

—Leslie Lewis, WalkCT Director

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