This weekend, in honor of Monday's Presidents Day holiday, the National Park Service is opening all of America's 401 national parks to visitors at no cost.
Connecticut has only one national park (technically a national historic site) and it happens to be free all year. But it is a beautiful place, and this weekend's offer is a good reminder to go see it for yourself. Weir Farm, located in Wilton and Ridgefield, was the summer home of painter Julian Alden Weir (1852-1919). Weir and his family turned their farm into a refuge for friends and other artists.
Today, Weir Farm is the only National Park Service site to focus on American painting. It offers arts programs and tours (in season) and 60 acres of trails and inspiring landscapes year-round. Burlingham House, the Visitors Center at Weir Farm, is closed from December to late March.
The National Park Service warns that, while park grounds remain open in winter weather, "snow removal will be minimal and restrooms may be locked. Be aware and plan ahead, as trails and parking areas may not be cleared."
Although Connecticut is short on national parks, the National Park Service does help to manage other attractions across the state. The Appalachian National Scenic Trail, the Quinebaug and Shetucket Rivers Valley National Heritage Corridor, and the Washington-Rochambeau National Historic Trail all provide a range of activities in varied environments.Fees may apply for individual sites along these routes, and weather-related warnings are in place for hiking trails.
Or, if you're content with simply seeing some pictures of Weir Farm in warmer weather, I wrote a blog post about the site during the 2013 government shut-down, which affected national parks and other federally funded sites.