We've got so many great state parks in the Nutmeg State, but focusing only on them means you ignore a lot of our great smaller parks! One of our favorites is Northwest Park in Windsor. This is one of our favorite hidden gems in Connecticut - it's a park that has just about everything. There are tons of trails here, educational sites, and even a petting zoo filled with farm animals. This is a great outing that the entire family will love. It can sometimes be hard to get the little ones outside and away from their screens, but this park is so much fun that they'll be begging for repeat visits.
Northwest Park spans an impressive 473 acres right alongside the Farmington River. There's a great variety of terrain here, with wooded areas interspersed with fields and open green spaces.
The 5.4-mile loop that encircles the park is a blast, but if you're looking for something a little shorter, you can always opt for just a small portion of the trail.
The on-site Northwest Park Nature Center features exhibits about the surrounding area's natural history, and right next door is a collection of friendly farm animals.
The Connecticut Valley Tobacco History Museum is also here. This region of the country has a rich history of tobacco and the museum is housed in an old tobacco barn.
You'll often find events going on at the park, from summertime concerts to fairs in the fall.
This charming park doesn't get anywhere near the attention it deserves. It's a great stop for just about anyone looking for some fun outdoors!
For more information about this great park in Connecticut, check out the Friends of Northwest Park website.
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