Places to Visit
Springfield has many places that allow you to fully immerse yourself in nature, as well as an assortment of historical locations and museums. Check out these places below when planning your day out in Springfield.
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The Springfield Art & Historical Society exists to promote an appreciation of Springfield’s history and historical art by identifying, collecting, preserving, and making available material that documents the story of the town’s people, industry, and culture.
Sat 1 pm - 4 pm
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Located on Clinton Street (at the Toonerville Trailhead lot) on Saturdays 10 am - 2 pm, May through October
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The Market features local produce, meats, cheese, and eggs FRESH from the farm
~ Local baked goods from a variety of amazing local bakers
~ Creative items sold by talented local artisans and crafters
~ Cooking tips and demos using market ingredients.
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The Eureka Schoolhouse stands between Vermont Route 11 (to the south) and the Black River to the north, in the dispersed rural setting of Goulds Mill, southeast of the Springfield's main village center. It is a small single-story structure, built out of hand-hewn timbers and covered by a wooden shingle roof. Its walls are finished in rough-cut wooden boards, scored to resemble cut stone. A brick chimney rises from the rear right corner. The front facade, facing south toward the road, is three bays wide, with the entrance in the left bay, and large sash windows in the other two.
The school is believed to have been built in 1785, and is the oldest known schoolhouse in the state. It underwent a series of alterations over the 19th century, and was closed in 1900. It stood vacant and abandoned for many years, and was carefully disassembled by preservationists and stored in 1958. In 1968, it was reassembled to its original configuration (as best it could be determined from extant records) at the present site, which also includes the relocated Baltimore Covered Bridge.
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The Fort at Number 4 was a mid-18th century stockade fortification protecting Plantation Number 4, the northernmost British settlement along the Connecticut River in the Province of New Hampshire until after the French and Indian War. It was located in the present-day town of Charlestown, New Hampshire.
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The Stellafane Observatory is an astronomical observatory in Springfield, Vermont, founded in 1920 by Russell W. Porter. The Pink Clubhouse was built in 1923 at the site by the Springfield Telescope Makers Club.
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James Hartness was the owner of the original Hartness estate and the source of its many eccentricities.
Most famously, Hartness commissioned a series of underground tunnels below our cozy mansion. These tunnels were conceived of as a massive private office for Hartness' work. They now provide underground access to the equatorial turret telescope that James Hartness designed and built into the front lawn. The tunnels also house the Hartness-Porter Museum of Amateur Telescope Making - and, rumor has it, the occasional ghost.
Book your stay at the Hartness properties today to experience this unique history for yourself.
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The Hartness State Airport was initially built by James Hartness as part of his love of machines and flying. The airport grew over the years to have more hangers and landing strips.
Stoughton Pond is a 56 acre mixed use nature area containing a lake located in Perkinsville as part of the North Springfield Lake Dam. Stoughton Pond consists of a powered pavilion, multiple outdoor grills, picnic tables, a playground, and of course the swimming area in the lake. Non motorized boats such as Kayaks and Canoes are permitted as is fishing. Parking and entry are complimentary.
Wilgus State Park offers a variety of attractions including 4 cabins with Wi-Fi, 17 tent camping sites, and 6 lean-tos. The campground features running water, a restroom, and hot showers. There is also a picnic area and picnic shelter which can be reserved for a small fee. Wilgus State Park features 2 short hiking trails plus kayak & canoe rentals. Wilgus state park is rich with historic charm featuring 7 stone water fountains, 12 stone fireplaces, and a wood-framed ranger's quarters. Fishing is permitted at Wilgus state park as well.
The greater Springfield area of Windsor County features nearly 20 different cycling routes across the area consisting of a variety of challenge levels. Everything from quick 3 mile rides to routes connecting covered bridges in the area to an all encompassing 100 mile trip around Windsor County.
The Toonerville Trail features 2 convenient parking lots at both the northern and southern ends, located at Robert B. Jones Industrial Park across from Edgar May and right next to Hoyts Landing across from the self storage. The Toonerville trail is roughly 3 miles long, open to those walking, running, and biking. 4 legged friends are welcome as long as they are leashed. The Toonerville trail follows the scenic Black River, full of nature and wildlife in addition to lovely overlooks.
Originally opened in 1753, Crown Point Country Club packs more than 70 years of history into a scenic 18 hole course. Featuring a fully stocked pro shop, large bar selection, and restaurant; Crown Point Country Club features everything you need to enjoy the seasons on the perfectly maintained greens & fairways.
Located directly on the Charlestown Border just before the bridge is Hoyt's landing. A popular spot for both boating and fishing. A powerboat ramp and dock are both present. Enjoy the leisurely Connecticut River views for an uninterrupted 9.5 miles all the way to the Bellows Falls boat landing. There are multiple picnic stops along the way which alternatively can be used for loading up your boat if you desire a shorter trip.
Morningside Flight Park is your one stop shop for all things aviation! Open May through October and conveniently located in Charlestown, Morningside offers a wide array of off the ground activity. Activities include Hang Gliding, Paragliding, Powered Paragliding, kiting, glider rentals just to start. Morningside is a popular destination for thrill seekers and those looking to see the region from a sky high view.
North Springfield Lake offers a variety of outdoor activities starting with an 8.5 mile hiking and biking loop. During winter months, this trail is popular for skiing and snowshoeing. Included is also a boat ramp for kayaks, canoes, and small boats. Fishing is also a popular attraction at the North Springfield Lake. The 1361 acre property also feature snow mobile trails.
Experience all Mount Ascutney has to offer through 4 exciting trailheads and over 12 miles of hiking trails and special trails for Mountain Biking. Alternatively, drive up the Mount Ascutney Parkway for a shorter less strenuous hike to the observation deck. Mount Ascutney features 38 wooded tent / RV sites for camping, 10 lean-to sites, 5 cabins, and a picnic pavilion. Mount Ascutney features 2 launching sites, making the park a popular destination for hang gliders. Mount Ascutney also hosts multiple races annually for runners, bikers, and their ever popular twice annual hill climb for road racers. During winter months, Mount Ascutney is a popular location for snowshoeing, skiing, and ice climbing. Certain portions of the park also permit hunting during the fall deer season plus spring & fall Turkey season.
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Okemo
Featuring Skiing, Snowboarding, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling in the winter months, Okemo is also a popular summer destination, with their mountain road being opened to hikers, bikers, and drivers once the snow melts. Mount Okemo is also a popular racing destination, hosting annual hill climbs. The summit features a refurbished fire tower with panoramic 360° views. Hunting within portions of the Okemo State Forest as is camping in designated areas.
Saint-Gaudens National Historical State Park preserves the home, gardens, studio, and artworks of sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens. During summer months, the Saint-Gaudens Memorial sponsors a free open to the public summer concert series.
First settled in the 1770's, Charles C. Beaman purchased the Old Moses Chase Farm in 1882. The couple commissioned the Bank Barn, Chauncey Cottage, Blow-Me-Down Mill, Casino, and Dance hall. Through inviting friends that included artists, writers, actors, and influential urbanites to visit their property, a social circle known as the Cornish Colony was formed. Today, the state park stands open for ranger guided tours, while a portion of the property is leased to Opera North which hosts multiple summer concerts.
Featuring a Boreal Kettle Bog formed by melting glaciers, the North Springfield Bog has no inlet or drainage for water, relying entirely on snow melt and rainfall as sources. This unique ecosystem features highly acidic low oxygen water perfect for a variety of species such as moss, blueberries, Leatherleaf, and multiple carnivorous plants.
Located squarely in the center of Downtown Springfield Vermont, Comtu Cascade Park features an homage to the clothespin, which was invented in Springfield. The park also features picnic tables, patio seating, a rain garden, and viewing dek overlooking the falls. Comtu Cascade Park also hosts Fourth Fridays in summer months, with live music and a variety of local vendors selling crafts and food.
Open 7 days a week 9AM-5PM during spring, summer, and fall months Wellwood Orchard is a must visit destination featuring a variety of fruits throughout the seasons. Wellwood is most famous for pick your own strawberries, and pick your own apples, though they also have blueberries, peaches, and other fruits. They have a wonderful petting zoo, and a farmstand with fresh donuts, pies, and other treats. One highlight of the season is their annual harvest festival, though their season opener is also very popular.
Located across from the Toonersville trail as you are heading out of town towards Charlestown, Muckross State Park is the former estate of both Edgar May and W.D Woolson encompassing 204 nature filled acres. There are no official trails, or facilities. Only roughly formed hiking paths featuring an 80 foot waterfall, and a pond. There is a small parking area for about 6 cars. The park has been in operation since 2016. The park still contains rustic cottages of years past for your viewing pleasure.