Weir Farm National Historic Site

Weir Farm, previously owned by American Impressionist painter Julian Weir, is a terrific yet small local walk-​in-​the-​park. While visiting family in the area, they suggested Weir Farm as a place to stretch our legs, take in some of the country scenery, and get some fresh air. Weir Farm offered all that and more, in only a quick 5 minute drive from Ridgefield!
The trails are very walkable, even for small children. Those who are unsteady on their feet may benefit from a walking cane, though, as areas can get a bit rocky, or uneven with tree roots. There is very little incline or elevation change. Dogs are allowed and we saw several while we were there.
Parking is simple, a small lot right off a country road. I’d highly suggest (as another reviewer mentions) not driving up if you have an RV or motorhome, as there’s simply not enough room to turn around.
In addition to the trails, there are several on-​site buildings to explore. The kids in our group enjoyed running around the «farm» area, which is very well-​kept. We didn’t see any animals, though I wonder if they don’t have some in the pens during spring and summer. Unfortunately, the ranger station was closed, but there’s plenty of pamphlets and information outside the door.
Inspiring, green, and easy-​going, Weir Farm is a wonderful place to reconnect with your inner artist, or simply, take a deep breath and relax.

Of all the NPS sites that we’ve visited this one really struck a chord for whatever reason on a much deeper level:
The Quiet.
The Peacefulness.
The ability to just stop and think or to appreciate the beautiful surroundings.
The first thought that came to my mind was that a setting like this wouldn’t be out of place in the English countryside and I could picture as background music something appropriately contemplative from Van Morrison during his Christian period in the late 80’s like «Evening Meditation».
Weir Farm is named after Julian Alden Weir who bought the then 153 acre property for ten dollars and a painting that he had recently bought in Europe. Weir lived at the farm for the remaining 36 years of his life and over time became a major figure in the American Impressionist painting movement.
Weir over time also expanded the farm house which is still there today three times and also bought a neighboring farm which increased his acreage to 238. While farming was done on a large portion of the land (not by Weir but supervised by a caretaker that he hired) it was never very profitable.
After Weir’s passing the property changed hands within the family several times with various artists always living on the grounds although over time parts of the 238 acres were sold off until all that was left were the 60 that remain today.
The final artists that lived on the grounds were Doris & Sperry Andrews who were given granted life tenancy on the property in return for their efforts in conjunction with Weir’s youngest daughter in saving the final sixty acres from development and for leading the arduous process of the having the site become an NPS unit in 1990.
After Sperry’s passing in 2005 the NPS started a four part-​nine year restoration of more or less everything on the property which culminated in the Weir House reopening for tours in 2014.
Noteworthy are the rangers here all of whom are top notch in every way. I can’t describe it other than to say that it’s clear that they enjoy what they’re doing at this site and their attitudes & personalities fit perfectly with the vibe of the area.
There’s a lot that I’m skipping over like the connection to BYU in Utah which is why a lot of art that was created here now resides out there but overall this place is a must do. Yes, it is CT’s only NPS unit and yes it is a bit of a PIA to get to but it’s worth it in every way.
If you go: The grounds of Weir Farm are open daily year round but all public buildings such as the Visitor Center-​Weir House-​Weir/​Young Studios and all ranger programming are only seasonal from May until October.
There is an excellent Junior Ranger Program at Weir with three different activities and three different patches/​badges. Wednesday-​Sunday tours of the house are given on a first come-​first served basis and the number on each tour is capped at I think 12 or 15. There is also a 13 minute movie available to watch in the visitor center and on weekends to channel your inner artist the rangers offer complimentary pencils/​chalks on Thursday/​Friday and watercolors on Saturday/​Sunday.
Also worth noting is that Nob Hill Road is by in large a very narrow road with a lot of twists and turns which is why the NPS has on their website that things like buses are a no-​go and due to the narrowness the parking lot is very small which is why things like RV’s, large SUV’s and even multiple cars from the same party are highly discouraged.

One of our family’s favorite places in the world. We are lucky to live in the neighborhood and have visited in every kind of weather and in all seasons. It is especially peaceful when there’s three feet of snow on the ground! In summer, we love walking the dog around Weir Pond. The NPS sends notices to people in the neighborhood when something important is planned, such as when the recently restored Weir home was available for a preview or when the deer hunting season is about to begin. They also host special events where a lot can be learned, e.g. the Owl Prowl and how to build free standing rock walls. Check it out.

National Park Service sites tend to be well cared for, professionally run, and very informative, as is the case with this beautiful retored «artist farm».Best to come when the gardens are in bloom. If you are a fan of New England stone walls they have some of the prettiest and best built around the area. Be sure to take the studio and house tours lead by guides. .Just a great place and best of all admission is FREE!

Beautiful, magical place. Perfect to kick back in the shade underneath a big tree, take a walk, or just sit in the grass and appreciate the gorgeous, untouched scenery. My boyfriend and I used to hang out here a lot before we started dating, so it will always hold a special place in my heart!

Kudos to Ranger Adrian who was wonderful with my five year old son and his junior ranger quest. The junior ranger program here is a lot of fun with a scavenger hunt as you walk through the grounds. A rural setting and pleasant strolling makes this a great weekend getaway especially on a cool spring or fall day. A couple of cool features; they keep a passport stamp outside on a chain in case the visitor center is closed and they provide sketching materials so you can try your hand at being an artist.

I love love love Weir Farm. It’s a true local treasure and is a wonderful place to come any time of year for a walk.

One of the most beautiful places on earth, and the only national park in CT.
There truly is something magical about the landscape. Inspiration to the original artist who lived here, J. Alden Weir, as well as countless artists in the artist residency program. And, probably, anyone who takes the time to wander its trails, forests and fields.

We arrived on a beautiful summer day in August for our first visit to this National Historic Site. It’s quietly nestled in the woods and you’ll feel as though you’ve stumbled upon a hidden treasure when you find it. A small parking lot is located across the street from the location. The first building is a visitor’s center and the rangers are very friendly and helpful. They offer three activities for children: Junior Ranger Activity Booklet, Art Ranger Letterboxing Program and the Art Ranger Pond Pack. They also have a program on Saturdays in Aug, Sept. & Oct. featuring a professional artist who will provide informal guidance and instruction to anyone interested in painting with watercolors. During your visit, you may walk past artists painting landscapes, sketching in the gardens or photographing the scenery.
Because we had arrived late in the day (approx. 3pm), we decided to simply check out the grounds & explore the woods. We enjoyed the sunken garden, the secret garden, the hiking paths and chasing chipmunks running along the abundance of stone walls! This would be an excellent location for an informal family photo shoot… just bring bug repellant spray. A few other notes: admission is free, they have very clean public restrooms and access to the buildings closes at 4pm.
Overall, we had a wonderful time appreciating nature and being inspired by the presence of the artists. I would highly recommend a visit!

Hiking is wonderful and facility is underutilized so privacy abounds. Old art colony converted to public park-​nature preserve with charm galore.