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Outdoor Discovery & Trails

Appreciate the natural beauty of our 100-acre woodland setting through our outdoor experiences, a forest-inspired play area, and our nature trails!

Our trails offer expansive views of the Connecticut River and outdoor exhibits that explore the ecology of the Upper Connecticut River Valley, from animal migration patterns and native plants to towering rock formations and land-use history. The Planet Walk, our largest exhibit, even takes you on a scale-model journey from the Sun all the way out to dwarf planet Pluto!

As you journey along the Planet Walk you will encounter the inner planets (Mercury first, then Venus, the Earth, and Mars), then the Asteroid Belt and the outer planets (Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune).

Planet Walk

Walk all the way from the Sun to Pluto (and back) at our largest exhibit

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Enjoy a short walk in the Quinn Nature Preserve

Meadow Walk

A short walk in the Quinn Nature Preserve, which borders a two-acre meadow

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This pleasant trail begins in Science Park, travels through the tunnel and winds along the Connecticut River.

River Loop

This trail travels through a pleasant grove and winds along the Connecticut River

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A long challenging trail through scenic woods.

Ridge Trail

A long challenging trail through scenic woods

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Hike a trail that offers variety as you pass along different terrains.

Blood Brook Trail

Hike a trail that offers variety as you pass along different terrains

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CLOSED FOR WINTER — An outdoor exhibit showcasing native plants, trees, and flowers in a wooded setting.

Woodland Garden — Closed for Winter

An outdoor showcase of native plants, trees, and flowers in a wooded setting

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At the Play Grove, explore, imagine and more in a whimsical nature play area

The Play Grove — Closed for Winter

Explore, imagine and more in this whimsical nature play area

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More to Explore

David Goudy Science Park

 David Goudy Science Park

Planet Walk (3.0 miles roundtrip)

 As you journey along the Planet Walk you will encounter the inner planets (Mercury first, then Venus, the Earth, and Mars), then the Asteroid Belt and the outer planets (Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune).
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