Over time, many of Connecticut's once popular locations have been slowly reclaimed by nature. Abandoned and left to decay, there are intriguing ruins spread all over the state. Shade Swamp Sanctuary is one such place. Just yards away from the highly traveled Route 6 in Farmington are the remnants of an abandoned zoo in Connecticut.
Hundreds of people pass by this wooden structure on Route 6 in Farmington daily. It's right by the roadside and tough to miss. The historic shelter was built in 1934 by a crew from the Civilian Conservation Corps. What many don't realize is that less than 50 yards away, right in the woods, are the creepy remains of an abandoned zoo.
The Shade Swamp Nature Trail leads through the forest to this abandoned place. The animal sanctuary opened in 1934 and was officially closed in the 1960s.
After just a short walk down a narrow trail through the woods, you'll reach the forgotten Shade Swamp Sanctuary. Created by the Connecticut Department of Fish and Game, this roadside wildlife attraction housed many creatures.
Injured birds and four-legged mammals lived here until they were rehabilitated and able to be released into the wild.
Discover this abandoned zoo and you might feel a little uneasy. The ruins of this sanctuary are eerie and unsettling. Despite being left in the forest for over 50 years, it's surprising how many of the animal cages are still intact. This is one of the most creepy places in Connecticut.
The metal enclosures are covered in rust. Many have a stone formation at the end that served as a den for the animals who once lived here. It's so dilapidated now that it's difficult to imagine this sanctuary in a working state.
Not only did Shade Swamp Sanctuary provide refuge for injured animals, raccoons were also bred here. The curious critters were used for sportsmen to hunt.
There are also reports that experiments in breeding cottontail rabbits were conducted here. Most of the experiments stopped in the late 1930s.
The cages line either side of the Blue Trail. If you walk more than five minutes from the road, then you've missed this eerie abandoned site. The Blue Trail itself is a 1.5 mile loop, if you choose to continue on for a full hike.
Parking for the trail (41° 42' 15.40" N 72° 51' 33.33" W ) is next to the Shade Swamp Shelter on Route 6 in Farmington.
Check out this cool video created by YouTube user, Jonathan Ference to see more footage from inside the abandoned zoo and the trail that leads there.
Have you ever visited the Shade Swamp Sanctuary? Did you even know this abandoned zoo in Connecticut existed?
The Nutmeg State has other unique abandoned places. One intriguing spot is this tiny stone village.
Subscribe to our newsletter
Get the latest updates and news
Thank you for subscribing!
