Weir Farm National Historical Park - Wilton, CT
Weir Farm National Historical Park: A Dog-Friendly Gem in Wilton, Connecticut
If you’re searching for pet-friendly trails and a beautiful dog park in Wilton, Connecticut, Weir Farm National Historical Park is a unique option. Renowned for its art history and natural beauty, the park features easy, scenic hiking paths perfect for dog owners and their four-legged friends. The tranquil surroundings offer plenty of room for gentle strolls and nature exploration with your pup, making it a top pick for dog-friendly hiking in Fairfield County.
Weir Farm is open year-round from sunrise to sunset, even in the off-season when historic buildings are closed. Dog walkers will find a welcoming environment, highlighted by friendly park rangers and free parking just across the street. While primarily known for its art programs and historical tours, many visitors also enjoy leisurely walks, a visit to Weir Pond, and quiet respite away from busy city life. Restrooms are available near the visitor center, and ample shade and park benches allow you and your dog to relax and enjoy the scenery.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are dogs allowed off-leash at this park? Yes, there is at least one trail where you can walk your dog off-leash, according to visitor reviews.
- Is the park open year-round? Yes, the grounds are open from sunrise to sunset year-round, even when buildings are closed in the off-season.
- Are restrooms available for owners? Yes, restrooms are available in a separate building behind the visitor center.
- Where is the best place to park? There is a free parking lot across the street from the visitor center.
- Are there walking or hiking trails connected to the park? Yes, the park offers several easy, scenic hiking trails perfect for walking your dog.
- Are there staff or rangers present at the park? Yes, friendly park rangers are available to help and provide information.
- Is there shade or shelter available? Yes, the park features shaded areas and historic gardens for respite during your visit.
Reviews
Weir Farm is truly one of the most unique National Park sites. It’s an artist’s sanctuary where you can literally feel the creative history of American Impressionism. I loved that they have easels and supplies ready for you! It’s a beautiful, peaceful place for a slow walk among the historic gardens and stone walls. Definitely take the studio tour to see where the magic happened. It’s the perfect gentle escape and a must-visit for any art lover!
The Historical Park is a great place to relax and enjoy the outdoors. Friendly park rangers are always happy to help, and the trails are easy and scenic, including a lovely walk out to Weir Pond. The grounds are well-kept and perfect for a quiet stroll, and they remain open from sunrise to sunset even when the buildings are closed in the off-season. One of the highlights is the “Take Part in Art” program, where you can borrow supplies and create your own painting while enjoying the surroundings.
We visited on a Friday morning in mid-June 2025. It was around 10Am and there were plenty of spots in the free parking lot across the street.
We went to the Burlingham House Visitor Center first to ask about activities. They have a few small exhibits and a small gift shop as well. They are open Wed-Sun 10-4PM from Jun-Oct. We asked to do the Junior Ranger which was a cool scavenger hunt. If you have the time, I highly recommend. We were only able to find 3 of the caches and stamps but the ranger let us have the badges as we also did the House Tour. The tour is free but first come, first serve. There are max 12 per tour but we had 13 and the ranger said that was fine and it was the largest group she had ever had. The tour was fascinating and took about half an hour. The visitor center also offers supplies to go out and do your own sketches or drawings around the park.
The Young Studio and Weir Studio is the adjacent buildings were cool. They did have docents in them to watch and answer questions. The Secret garden was nice as well.
The bathroom was in a separate building behind the visit center. It can be a bit of a walk.
There was certainly a lot more to explore and we were only able to spend a little over an hour there. We got our national park passport cancellation stamp. They also had free stickers and tattoos. We would definitely visit again if we were in the area.
Lovely National Historic Park!! The rangers were so nice and helpful. We went during an “informal instruction with an artist” which was wonderful. We enjoyed the art supplies that you can borrow and tried our best to channel our inner artist. They also offer a fun scavenger hunt type Junior Ranger activity. The grounds could use some weeding and brush trimmed around the pond to enhance the beauty, but I completely understand that staffing is limited. Overall we loved this park and are happy we spent half a day there.
Park rangers are very friendly and supportive. The farm offers lovely, easy hiking trails, including a picturesque walk to Weir Pond. The grounds are beautifully maintained, inviting strolls and quiet contemplation. Even if the buildings are closed during the off-season (November to April), the grounds remain open from sunrise to sunset, offering year-round access to their natural beauty.
The “Take Part in Art” program allows you to borrow art supplies and create your own painting.