Top 10 Things to do in Washington, Washington

The Institute for American Indian Studies (IAIS) is a museum and research center in rural Washington, CT. IAIS preserves through discovery and education the vitality, cultural knowledge, and traditions of Native American Peoples with a focus on Eastern Woodland Communities. Our museum exhibits feature 12,000 years of human history and lifeways though artifacts and art from across America. Visitors can experience the past first-hand with our replicated tools, instruments, and other items used in daily life located in our indoor Sachem’s longhouse classroom. The 15.5 acres of the museum’s natural surroundings contain several hiking trails, a medicinal garden, and a replicated 16th century Algonkian village. The museum collections, housed in the research center, include over 355,000 Native American artifacts and ethnographic items, two libraries, and archival records available to researchers by appointment. Museum programming includes annual festivals, various workshops, children’s programs, academic lectures, and an archaeology club that participates in excavations, performs lab work, and hosts lectures. Our education department serves over 10,000 school children annually from the tri-state area with hands-on programs and curricula aligned to Connecticut State Standards. Curious adult learners also will find numerous educational program offerings on a variety of topics. Find your adventure today.

Our body of knowledge, your body and mind. Expansive gardens, elevated farm-fresh cuisine, an already renowned spa—and now, a state-of-the-art wellness destination unlike any other. THE WELL at Mayflower Inn brings an innovative level of holistic health to one of New England’s most exquisite country retreats. Through restorative spa treatments using East-meets-West healing practices, expert-led health coaching sessions, daily workshops and seasonal retreats, your best self awaits.

A CLASSIC GARDEN in the English manner, with a loosely formal structure, informally planted in generous abundance situated in the Litchfield hills of northwestern Connecticut. Hollister House Garden, a non-profit corporation, is one of only 16 exceptional gardens currently designated a Preservation Project by the Garden Conservancy, whose mission is to identify and preserve important private gardens across America for the education and enjoyment of the public. Hollister House in 2010 achieved its prestigious listing on the National Register of Historic Places and the property was also named a Town Landmark Site by the Town of Washington.

Can you thrive for a day in 1518? Come experience history in a way you never have before. More than just a game, Wigwam Escape is built to teach through experience and foster dialogue about the ways Native peoples lived 500 years ago in a game that's dynamic, challenging and entertaining. 3-7 people, ages 12 and up.