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Exhibits
The Montshire is open for science discovery — both inside and out!
When you visit Montshire’s 100-acre museum, you enter an exciting world of science, nature, and technology. Inside the museum, we offer over 150 interactive permanent and featured exhibits. The exploration continues outside along the nature trails bordering the beautiful Connecticut River.
Whether you are experiencing the Museum for the first time or the hundredth, every visit is a new experience.
Healing Forest
Slow down and be fully present as you reconnect with nature.
July 18, 2025
Explore Play Grove! Our wooded nature playscape invites you to swing, climb, build and play your way through whatever your day brings. Regardless of your age, outdoor hands-on play offers a variety of mental health benefits including improved mood, enhanced creativity, and the development of stronger social and cognitive skills.
July 18, 2025
Focus on the sounds in Timber Tumble. Sound bathing can contribute to clearer thinking, better communication and improved healing. The simplicity of focusing on the sounds of wooden balls moving over rock or wood, or striking miniature bells helps to increase mental clarity and focus by reducing stress and improving mood.
July 18, 2025
Our newly resurfaced Meadow Loop Trail is walker, wheelchair and stroller accessible, inviting those with mobility restrictions into nature to the banks of the beautiful Connecticut River. Exploring in nature provides a break from overstimulation and mental clutter, allowing for mental restoration and reduced rumination. Plus, nature exposure has been linked to increased happiness and overall well-being.
July 18, 2025
Step inside an old forest glen and discover a waterfall, striking rock formations, moss, ferns and lichen in our Woodland Garden. This very special trail that invites you to take in the sights, sounds, and textures of your surroundings as you focus on your breath. Meditation, focused breath-work, and being fully present in nature has a calming influence that lowers cortisol levels, promotes relaxation and alleviates tension and stress.
July 18, 2025
Nestled along the riverbank in a hemlock grove, the Wind Phone invites you to pause, reflect, and remember those who have passed away by engaging in a symbolic, one-way conversation with deceased loved ones. The act of speaking "into the wind" invites private reflection, remembrance, and contemplation of life and loss as a meaningful way to engage with grief.
Indoor Discovery & Exhibits
Learn from our amazing selection of interactive science exhibits!
January 18, 2023
Interactive sculptures designed to explore, in constantly varying patterns, the dynamic forces that shape our solar system.
November 1, 2022
A space specially designed to ignite the curiosity of children ages 5 and under.
October 31, 2022
Learn about the world around us using the techniques scientists use to learn about nature.
October 31, 2022
Learn the joy, wonder, and science that can be found in just soap and water.
Outdoor Discovery & Trails
At the Montshire’s 100-acres, you can explore the varied landscape and nature-based exhibits along our nature trails.
View All Outdoor Discovery
November 1, 2022
An outdoor exhibit showcasing native plants, trees, and flowers in a wooded setting.
November 1, 2022
Walk all the way from the Sun to Pluto (and back) at our largest exhibit
November 1, 2022
This trail travels through a pleasant grove and winds along the Connecticut River
November 1, 2022
A short walk in the Quinn Nature Preserve, which borders a two-acre meadow
