Simsbury, Connecticut – Talcott Mountain State Park
- March 27, 2019
Things to Know:
- No admission fee. Contributions welcomed.
- Tower access is via a 1.25 mile, moderately difficult trail.
- Scenic views of surrounding area available on the trail and at the tower.
- Interesting historical context.
- No food or drinks for sale or allowed inside tower or museum.
- Dog friendly trail and park. Dogs not allowed inside tower or museum.
One of the first stops on our two-week driving tour of New England was Connecticut’s Talcott Mountain State Park. This scenic park, located near the town of Simsbury, is home to the Heublein Tower, a striking 165-foot structure atop a heavily forested ridge known as Talcott Mountain. The tower was built in 1914 as a summer home for Gilbert Hueblein, a Bavarian immigrant whose family achieved prominence in America’s food and beverage industry. It, along with 557 adjoining acres, is maintained through a cooperative, public-private partnership.
The tower houses a small but interesting museum, as well as an observation area that provides very nice views of the surrounding Connecticut landscape. It’s accessible via a 1.25 mile trail that’s a reasonably easy walk for those accustomed to such distances.
Recommendation: If you’re looking for a nice day trip in Connecticut, we’d recommend this as a fun way to spend 2 or 3 hours in the Hartford, Connecticut area. Be aware that pets are not allowed inside the tower and museum. There is also no food or drink available at, or allowed inside, the tower, so be sure to pack whatever you may need before you hit the trail.
