Thompson ConnecticutATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Thompson, Connecticut.
1. Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park
RACING AND MOTORSPORTS
Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park features the highest-banked race track in New England, with a 5/8 mile oval and a restored 1.7 mile road course. The venue hosts one of the biggest race programs in New England, including the World Series of Auto Racing where approximately 400 cars participate each fall. Motorsports enthusiasts can enjoy various racing events throughout the season at this premier racing destination.
2. Quaddick State Park
OUTDOOR RECREATION AREA
Quaddick State Park is a popular natural recreation area in Thompson offering swimming, boating, and fishing opportunities. The park features a freshwater beach on Quaddick Reservoir, making it a perfect summer getaway for families. Visitors can also enjoy picnicking, hiking trails, and wildlife viewing throughout the scenic grounds.
3. Fort Hill Farms
WORKING FARM EXPERIENCE
Fort Hill Farms is a family-owned agricultural destination featuring Connecticut's only corn maze labyrinth, seasonal activities, and farm-fresh dairy products. Visitors can explore the lavender labyrinth, enjoy farm-to-table ice cream, or participate in seasonal events like pumpkin picking and holiday celebrations. The farm also offers educational tours highlighting sustainable farming practices and Connecticut's agricultural heritage.
4. Wilsonville Herb Farm
HERBAL GARDENS & SHOP
Wilsonville Herb Farm offers a delightful exploration of herbal gardens, featuring numerous varieties of culinary, medicinal, and ornamental herbs. Visitors can purchase fresh and dried herbs, herbal products, and unique plant specimens in the farm's quaint shop. The farm occasionally hosts workshops and educational events focusing on herbal uses, gardening techniques, and sustainable growing practices.
5. Thompson Historical Society
LOCAL HERITAGE MUSEUM
The Thompson Historical Society preserves and showcases the rich history of Thompson through exhibits, archives, and historic buildings. Visitors can explore artifacts, photographs, and documents that tell the story of the town's development since colonial times. The society also maintains several historic properties including the Old Town Hall and Ellen Larned Memorial Building, offering glimpses into Thompson's past.
6. Old Connecticut Path
HISTORIC HIKING TRAIL
The Old Connecticut Path is a historic trail that once served as a Native American route and later as one of the earliest colonial highways in New England. Today, hikers can experience portions of this historic route, enjoying scenic natural surroundings and contemplating the path's significant role in early American history. The trail offers varying difficulty levels, making it accessible to both casual walkers and more experienced hikers.
7. Air Line State Park Trail
RAIL TRAIL ADVENTURE
The Air Line State Park Trail runs through Thompson on a former railroad bed, offering a flat, scenic route for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. The trail passes through forests, over streams, and provides beautiful vistas of the surrounding Connecticut countryside. In winter, the trail transforms into a popular destination for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
8. Tri-State Marker
GEOGRAPHIC LANDMARK POINT
The Tri-State Marker designates the exact point where Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island meet, making it a unique geographical landmark. Visitors can stand in three states at once while learning about the historical significance of state boundaries in New England. The marker, located just on the border of Thompson, attracts geography enthusiasts and those seeking unusual photo opportunities.
9. Maanexit Indian Village Site
NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE
The Maanexit Indian Village Site marks the location of a historical Native American settlement that existed in colonial times. Visitors can learn about the indigenous peoples who inhabited the area long before European settlement through interpretive displays and occasional educational programs. The site provides important context for understanding Thompson's complete history and the cultural heritage of the region.
10. The SPA at The Inn
LUXURY WELLNESS RETREAT
The SPA at The Inn offers a tranquil wellness retreat featuring rejuvenating treatments, massage therapy, and beauty services in Thompson. Guests can indulge in a variety of spa packages designed to promote relaxation, stress relief, and overall well-being. The facility combines modern spa amenities with the charming atmosphere of its New England setting, creating a perfect escape for those seeking self-care.
11. Great East Thompson Train Wreck Site
HISTORICAL DISASTER LANDMARK
The Great East Thompson Train Wreck Site commemorates the location of one of the worst train accidents in American history, which occurred in 1891 and involved four trains. Visitors can see historical markers explaining the unique disaster, which remains the only train wreck in U.S. history to involve four separate trains. The site offers an intriguing glimpse into railroad history and the development of safety measures following the accident.
12. Putnam Antique District
VINTAGE SHOPPING HAVEN
Putnam Antique District, located in neighboring Putnam just south of Thompson, offers a delightful collection of antique shops, vintage stores, and collectibles dealers. Treasure hunters can browse through multiple stores housed in historic buildings along Main Street, discovering everything from furniture and art to jewelry and memorabilia. The district has earned a reputation as one of New England's premier antiquing destinations, drawing collectors from throughout the region.
13. Sharpe Hill Vineyard
AWARD-WINNING WINE DESTINATION
Sharpe Hill Vineyard in nearby Pomfret is Connecticut's most award-winning winery, offering wine tastings and tours of their picturesque vineyard. Visitors can sample a variety of wines, including their signature Ballet of Angels white wine, while enjoying views of the rolling countryside. The vineyard also features an acclaimed on-site restaurant, serving gourmet food paired perfectly with their estate-grown wines.
14. Bradley Playhouse
HISTORIC THEATER ARTS
The Bradley Playhouse is a historic theater in nearby Putnam offering year-round live performances including plays, musicals, and concerts in a beautifully preserved 1901 opera house. The volunteer-run theater combines professional-quality productions with the charm and intimacy of a small-town venue. Visitors appreciate both the quality of performances and the opportunity to experience live entertainment in a building that has been a centerpiece of the region's cultural life for over a century.
15. 85 Main
FINE FARM-TO-TABLE DINING
85 Main is an upscale restaurant in neighboring Putnam featuring seasonal farm-to-table cuisine with an emphasis on fresh seafood and locally sourced ingredients. The restaurant offers an elegant dining experience in a sophisticated yet comfortable atmosphere, with an extensive wine list and craft cocktail menu. Culinary highlights include their raw bar selections, house-made pasta dishes, and creative interpretations of New England classics.