CT Open House Day
Each year, the state opens its doors to residents to enjoy free admission and special offers at over 200 tourism attractions across the state, including museums, arts and cultural venues, historical sites, farms and restaurants.
Here’s what you can enjoy in Mansfield:
Atwood Farm Museum, a heritage site of Joshua’s Trust
Step back in time at the Atwood Farm Museum! Explore the buildings, grounds and implements of this 19th century farm through demonstrations, self-guided tours, and more! Open buildings include the large bank barn, blacksmith’s shop, weaver’s cottage, and other farm outbuildings like the ice house, corn crib, pigsty, and more. Be sure to explore the heritage trees in historic Atwood Orchard as well. Admission is free!
Atwood Farm Museum, 624 Wormwood Hill Road, Mansfield Center, CT 06250
Ballard Institute & Museum of Puppetry
Be amazed at one of the largest collections of puppets in the country, which showcases the global richness and diversity of this vibrant artform. The Ballard Institute & Museum of Puppetry has a collection of over 3,000 puppets from around the word. As part of the University of Connecticut's School of Fine Arts, it complements UConn's Puppet Arts Program in building and disseminating knowledge about puppetry and material performance. Admission is free!
Ballard Institute & Museum of Puppetry, 1 Royce Circle, Storrs, CT 06268
Fenton River Studio
Acclaimed artist Shauna Shane invites guests to meander through her garden and discover a creative surprise around every corner, including a Koi pond, a lighted Hobbit house, and a seven-foot lion! A peacock, two garden ladies and a large tortoise are planted with the colorful blossoms of Spring. Inside the former button factory, visitors will find over 150 award winning paintings. Admission is free!
Fenton River Studio, 287 Gurleyville Road, Storrs, CT 06268
Gurleyville Gristmill, a heritage site of Joshua’s Trust
Step inside Connecticut's last standing stone gristmill and step back into history! Located on the banks of the idyllic Fenton River in Mansfield, the Gurleyville Gristmill features complete & perfectly preserved milling equipment. Guided tours illustrate how this 19th century mill ground wheat and corn into flour by the incredible water-powered technology on display. Admission is free!
Gurleyville Gristmill, 129 Stonemill Road, Storrs, CT 06268
J. Robert Donnelly Husky Heritage Sports Museum
The sights and sounds of more than a century of intercollegiate athletics competition come alive during a visit to the J. Robert Donnelly Husky Heritage Sports Museum. Located in UConn Alumni Center on the Storrs campus, the Husky Heritage Sports Museum is an ultimate destination for both long-time fans of the school and first-time visitors. The museum features each national championship trophy for the men's and women's basketball team and memorabilia from all 21 UConn teams are on display. Admission is free!
J. Robert Donnelly Husky Heritage Sports Museum, 2384 Alumni Drive, Storrs, CT 06269
Mansfield Drive-in Theatre & Marketplace
Come to a movie at the Mansfield Drive-in Theatre on June 13 and mention CT Open House Day at the gate and receive a coupon for a free popcorn at the snack bar. The Mansfield Drive-in is the last drive-in movie theatre in Connecticut and has 3 screens with first run, double feature movies featuring a full snack bar in the center of the field. Tickets can be bought at the gate or online at mansfielddrivein.com.
Mansfield Drive-in Theatre & Marketplace, 228 Stafford Road, Mansfield Center, CT 06250
CT Open House Day marks the beginning of the summer season, a great time to visit Mansfield. Hike or bike over 120 miles of trails and pathways in town. Visit one of enjoy free live music on Betsy Paterson Square every Thursday in June, July, and August. Enjoy a meal at one of over fifty restaurants and cafés in Mansfield serving up cuisines from around the world. Find more summer fun at mansfieldct.gov/summer.