It’s Summer Tour Season in Lichfield: Topsmead & Beyond

Tours of different types, exploring architecture, history, nature, and more are one of Litchfield’s summer charms – and many of them are free.

Taking a tour of Miss Edith’s Tudor-style cottage at Topsmead State Forest, or a guided hike at White Memorial, not only provides a wonderful experience but also adds context and richness to subsequent Litchfield visits and experiences.

Here are some of the things you can enjoy this summer.

Cottage Tours at Topsmead State Forest Begin June 14 & 15

The 2025 season for free tours of Miss Edith Morton Chase’s cottage at Topsmead State Forest begin on Father’s Day Weekend, Saturday, June 14, and Sunday, June 15.

The tours are offered from noon to 4:30 p.m. on the second and fourth weekends of each month through October.

Led by Friends of Topsmead State Forest docents, the tours are first come, first served and run every half-hour. Guests meet at the front door of the cottage for the 30-minute tours. Watch for any updates or announcements on the Friends’ Facebook page.

In 1917, Miss Chase received from her father approximately 16 acres on Jefferson Hill in Litchfield. Here she built a rustic cabin, which was replaced with a more substantial summer home in 1923. She hired noted architect Richard Henry Dana, Jr. to help her design and build the English Tudor style house which was completed in 1925. The exterior woodwork is of cypress, the downspouts are lead, the walls of brick and stucco, and the roof is slate. The interior woodwork is oak, as is most of the flooring. The foyer, hallway and dining room floors are of polished terra cotta tile. Most of the interior walls are of the same type of stucco as is found on the exterior. Fine craftsmanship, an eye for detail and understated wealth are evident throughout the house, which is tastefully and simply furnished with 17th and 18th century English country antiques.

The 510 acres of forests and meadows at Topsmead are open year-round for passive recreation including walking, picnicking, bird watching, sledding, and cross-country skiing. Topsmead, located on Buell Road off Route 118, is open to visitors from 8 a.m. to sunset. ​Dogs on a leash are welcome, but open fires & grills are not allowed.

Litchfield Historical Society Offers Lots of Walking Tours

The Litchfield Historical Society is offering lots of walking tours this season and they’re the perfect way to discover Litchfield’s vibrant history and explore the town’s celebrated Historic District.

Each Saturday from June 14 through August 16 at 1 p.m., guests can enjoy the Architecture Walking Tour of Litchfield History

And on July 4 at 10 a.m., there’s a Walking Tour – Heroes of the Revolution

The tours last approximately an hour and begin at the Litchfield Historical Society (7 South Street). They are free for historical society members and $10 for non-members.

See the calendar page for the list and links for registration.

White Memorial Guided Hikes Tour Nature Preserves

The White Memorial Conservation Center and Nature Museum are the focal point for experiencing more than 4,000 acres of preserved land with 40-plus miles of trails – and there are plenty of opportunities to experience it all with concierge-style tours in the form of guided/group hikes. Here’s some of what’s scheduled this summer.

July 1, August 5, and September 2: Fresh Start Hiking Club walks

Join Gerri Griswold of White Memorial on the first Tuesday of each month for an early morning one-hour hike. Guests meet at 7:45 a.m. in the A. B. Ceder Room at the Conservation Center. It’s free, but those planning to attend must pre-register online: Fresh Start Hiking Club Registration 

Saturday, July 5, 2025, Explore the Old Camp Townshend

Pack up some water and bug spray and put on your favorite clamdiggers, White Memorial says of this guided hike with Gerri Griswold along the trails of the former Camp Townshend on the shores of Bantam Lake. Townshend opened in 1940. By the end of the decade over 700 Girl Scouts visited the property. In its heyday, the camp could house 100 campers and 28 staff members for each two-week session. Guests meet at 10 a.m. in the A.B. Ceder Room at the Conservation Center. The hike is free and is limited to 20 guests. Pre-register online:  Camp Townshend Registration

Thursdays: July 10, August 14, September 11, Happy Hour Hikes

Skip that Happy Hour cocktail and calorie-laden appetizer and take a one-hour walk with Gerri Griswold. Each hike covers a different trail on the White Memorial property. At the end of each hike, guests receive a recipe for a healthful meal. The free hikes are 4 to 5 p.m. and guests meet in the Nature Museum. Pre-register here: Happy Hour Hiking Registration 

Saturday, August 23, Beaver Program and Hike

Guests are invited to gather in the Nature Museum at dawn’s early light for coffee and muffins in front of the spectacular Beaver Lodge and learn a bit about North America’s largest rodent. (Yes, this event starts at 6 a.m.)

Although beavers are abundant today, their story was quite different in the 1800s, White Memorial explains. Guests will learn fascinating beaver facts in the museum and then head out on foot to a few of the resident beaver haunts with the hope of seeing these industrious creatures in action.

This program is free for members and $10 for non-members Pre-registration and pre-payment are required: Beaver Fever Registration

Ripley Waterfowl Sanctuary Group Tours

The Ripley Waterfowl Conservancy was founded by S. Dillon Ripley, a former Secretary of the Smithsonian. It’s home to more 80 species of birds from around the world, a breeding facility for rare species, and an education center for conservationists.

It’s open to visitors ($10 for age 13 & up, $5 for 5-12) on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. from the first weekend in May through the last weekend in November – but you can also schedule guided group tours led by one of Ripley’s experienced aviculturists.

Groups will be introduced to many of the world’s most colorful and interesting birds on the 60-minute tours, while learning about the Conservancy’s history and how it’s working to conserve waterfowl and wetland habitats through research, education and conservation action.  

Tours are available between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. on Tuesdays through Thursdays, and the cost is $100 for groups up to five people, and then an additional $10 per each additional guest. Private tours are limited to 10 people

Schedule a tour and note that those wishing to visit with a larger group should contact the office at (860) 567-2062.

Litchfield Distillery’s ‘Spirited’ Tours

Visit Litchfield Distillery for a complimentary tour and sample tastings of the award-winning spirits, arranged by reservation on the website. Walk-ins are also welcomed if a time slot isn’t full.

Tours are offered on the hour (Mon-Sun) beginning at 11 a.m. The last tour begins at 4 p.m., except Sunday when the last tour begins at 3 p.m. 

See the website for details and to book your free tour & tasting.

For questions, call 860-361-6503. Visit the Facebook page for announcements and updates.