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The town of Wilton is located in Southwestern Connecticut in the Norwalk River Valley. A quiet little town, Wilton is full of charm, character, and beautiful scenery. Wilton is known for its rolling, wooded hills, winding roads, old stone walls, rippling streams, and tranquil ponds. While living in Wilton, you will be able to experience the peacefulness of the country while also having the convenience of suburban living.

Wilton is one of the most affluent communities in the United States and is home to over 17,000 people. The people in Wilton are active and friendly, and they take a great pride in Wilton’s history. Wilton is home to more than 500 restored 18th and 19th century homes. The business district in Wilton is located in the town’s center. Here you will find many restaurants, stores, and movie theatres. In Wilton’s Georgetown and Cannon Crossing retail areas you will also find many boutiques and antique shops.

Wilton History

The area that is now Wilton was first purchased from the Indians and was known as Norwalk. The first settlers were known as Proprietors and together they owned over 50,000 acres of land. They began to sell off the land for settlement by the end of the seventeenth century, and in order to till the lands, the settlers had to clear the forests and remove hundreds of glacial rocks. These became the stone boundary walls that are treasured to this day.

In 1802 Connecticut’s General Assembly granted the people of Wilton separate town government status. Wilton’s population grew slowly and most of the land was used for farming. After the railroad came to Wilton in 1852, the population began to decline as access to western goods became available and cities began to grow. When the light industry moved into Wilton, growth began again and town zoning was enforced. With more people and businesses, the need for new schools, roads, and support services became apparent. Today, this suburban residential community is still carefully controlled by zoning and through the preservation of Wilton’s colonial landmarks.

Wilton Parks & Recreation

Wilton is the perfect place for indoor and outdoor activities. There are many programs offered throughout the year such as floor hockey, basketball, tennis, ballet, golf, horseback riding, and much more. Wilton also offers many youth activities including soccer, baseball, football, and even a children’s theater group. There are also three private clubs that offer activities such as tennis, swimming, and golf. Below is a list of a few parks and recreation places that you will find in Wilton and will not want to miss out on!

Bradley Park
83 acres of trails, boardwalk, and wetlands on Oakledge Lane.

Cherry Lane Park
Located near intersection of Cherry Lane and Banks Drive, covers 50 acres and offers many trails, a pond, and space for picnicking

Horseshoe Park
Six acres of trail, pond, and birding on Horseshoe Road

Merwin Meadows
The only town-owned swimming spot. It is a spring-fed fresh water pond located on Lovers Lane

Quarry Head
32 acres, trails, old quarry and scenic overlook

Schenk’s Island
13 acres of trails, picnicking, and a river located on River Road

Town Forest
188 acres of walking, bridle trails, and camping

Wild Duck Reserve
16 acres, trails, and nature study

Woodcock Nature Center
The Woodcock Nature Center is a private, non-profit source of nature and environmental education. The Woodcock Nature Center is located on 149 acres and includes a pond, wetlands, and trails. The Center is home to many exotic creatures including snakes, frogs and lizards. The staff works with the local protected wildlife to serve as a resource for educating the community about Wilton’s natural surroundings. The Woodcock Nature Center takes part in public outreaches, school field trips, visits, birthday parties, and summer camps.

Wilton Children’s Theater
The Wilton Children’s Theater is been providing youth with theatrical experience since 1976. Involvement in the theatre is beneficial to all who participate, including the cast members, volunteers, and board members.

Wilton Youth Services
Wilton Youth Services advocates for the emotional and social development needs of Wilton youth and their families by coordinating and providing programs and services that are designed to promote positive youth development and healthy family life.

View a Complete List of Wilton Events

Wilton Attractions

Weir Farm
Weir Farm has been an inspiration for painters for more than a century. Weir Farm is home to rolling fields, stone walls, trees, gardens, antique houses and outbuildings. It is now preserved as a National Historic Site and the core of the 60-acre property in Wilton and Ridgefield is complemented by the 110-acre contiguous Weir Preserve.

Minks to Sinks
Minks to Sinks is a large, twice-a-year flea market that benefits Family & Children's Agency, a not-for-profit family serving agency that strengthens the communities of southwestern Connecticut by supporting individuals and families in crisis or at transitional moments of their lives.

Ambler Farm Day
Ambler Farm Day is an annual fall tradition bringing family and friends together to enjoy a variety of events and farm activities, including hays rides, apple sling shots, and scarecrow making contests.

Wilton Heritage Museum
The Wilton Heritage Museum features two 18th Century homes that show the change of style and family life between 1740 and 1910. The Lambert House was originally built in 1727 and is the oldest in Wilton. The Wilton Congregational Church is the largest house of worship in Fairfield County and was built in 1790. The Hurlbutt
Street Schoolhouse was built in 1834 and was recently named to the National Register of Historic Places. It is a private museum of early education.