Stamford Museum & Nature Center: A Local's Guide to North Stamford's Family Favorite

A Farm, a Forest and the Stars, All in One Place

Up in North Stamford, the Stamford Museum & Nature Center spreads across 118 acres of woods, fields and gardens. It's one of the few places where you can feed farm animals, hike a forest trail, tour a 1920s mansion and watch a planetarium show in the same day.

Families have been coming here for generations. In 2026, the museum is celebrating its 90th year.

Here's what to know before you visit.

From a Department Store Founder's Estate to a Community Treasure

The Stamford Museum & Nature Center opened to the public on June 27, 1936.

Its best-known building has its own story. In the late 1920s, department store founder Henri Bendel built a stone mansion on the property. The estate became part of the museum in 1955, and the Bendel Mansion now houses art and history galleries.

The museum has kept growing ever since. It added Heckscher Farm, about 80 acres of trails and, most recently, a new Astronomy Center and Planetarium that opened in late 2025.

What to See and Do

There's enough here to fill a whole day, especially with kids.

  • Heckscher Farm. A 10-acre working farm with barns, heritage breed animals, an organic vegetable garden and a maple sugar house.

  • Bendel Mansion galleries. Art and history exhibits inside the 1920s mansion.

  • Trails. About 80 acres of woodland trails past vernal pools, glacial boulders and mature forest, connecting to the Bartlett Arboretum.

  • Nature's Playground. A large outdoor play area that lets kids explore nature from an animal's point of view, open as weather permits.

  • Astronomy Center & Planetarium. The museum's newest addition, with daytime shows and evening programs, including music-themed laser shows on Friday nights.

  • Seasonal festivals. Maple Sugar Fest in late winter, spring farm fests and Harvest Fest Sundays in the fall.

Check stamfordmuseum.org for the current events and planetarium schedule.

Planning Your Visit

The main entrance is at 39 Scofieldtown Road, Stamford, CT 06903, for the museum and Heckscher Farm. The Astronomy Center has its own entrance about a quarter mile up the road at 151 Scofieldtown Road. You can reach Visitor Services at (203) 977-6521.

The grounds, mansion galleries, farm and trails are open daily from 9 am to 5 pm, with final entry 30 minutes before closing. The Astronomy Center is open Wednesday through Sunday, with evening hours on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

Admission is $20 for adults, $18 for seniors and students, and $15 for children ages 3 to 15. Kids 2 and under and members get in free. Pre-purchased daytime planetarium tickets include admission to the grounds.

Tips Before You Go

  • The museum is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve and New Year's Day.

  • Check your local library for a free museum pass. A city bus pass or transfer also gets you in free.

  • Veterans pay $10, and SNAP EBT cardholders get free admission for up to four people.

  • Wear shoes you don't mind getting muddy if you plan to visit the farm or trails.

Make a Day of It in Stamford

The museum is in quiet, wooded North Stamford, but the rest of the city is a short drive south.

  • Bartlett Arboretum. Right next door and connected by trail, with gardens and woodland walks.

  • Mill River Park. A downtown park with a carousel, seasonal ice skating and cherry blossoms in spring.

  • Downtown Stamford. Restaurants and shops around Bedford Street for lunch or dinner after your visit.

  • Harbor Point. Head to the waterfront in the South End for dinner by the water.

IT Support for Stamford's Businesses

From North Stamford's professional offices to the downtown business district, Stamford companies rely on technology to serve their clients every day. When systems go down or data is at risk, business stops.

Your Tech Team provides managed IT and cybersecurity for businesses in Stamford and across Fairfield County, from our office in Wilton.

  • Proactive monitoring and help desk support

  • Cybersecurity that protects your data, email and devices

  • Local technicians who can be on-site when you need them

If your business is in Stamford, Wilton, Westport or anywhere nearby, we'd love to help. Call our team at (203) 884-8729 to start the conversation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the Stamford Museum & Nature Center?

The main entrance is at 39 Scofieldtown Road in North Stamford. The Astronomy Center entrance is at 151 Scofieldtown Road.

What are the hours?

The grounds, galleries, farm and trails are open daily from 9 am to 5 pm. The Astronomy Center is open Wednesday through Sunday, with some evening hours.

How much is admission?

$20 for adults, $18 for seniors and students, and $15 for children ages 3 to 15. Kids 2 and under get in free.

Are there farm animals?

Yes. Heckscher Farm is a 10-acre working farm with heritage breed animals, barns and a maple sugar house.

Is there a planetarium?

Yes. The new Astronomy Center & Planetarium offers daytime shows and evening programs.

Can I hike there?

Yes. About 80 acres of trails wind through the property and connect to the Bartlett Arboretum.

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