Putnam sits on the banks of the Quinebaug River. The town combines a river trail with a seasonal farmers market, public art, and theater and museum offerings. Travelers can explore in different ways: outdoor activity, regional produce, and cultural discoveries. If you plan to visit for a market date or community event, be sure to factor the timing into your travel plans.
Along the River Trail
The 1.8-mile Putnam River Trail runs from the pedestrian bridge on Arch Street along the eastern bank of the Quinebaug River to Providence Street near Miller Park. The paved trail is suitable for walking and cycling and offers easy accessibility. There are five parking spaces along Kennedy Drive. Since 2015, the trail has also featured a permanent StoryWalk®. It begins at the Riverview Marketplace Pavilion and ends approximately at the parking area on Kennedy Drive.
Market, Downtown and Events
The Putnam Saturday Farmers Market takes place at the Putnam Riverview Marketplace Pavilion at 18 Kennedy Drive in Putnam. It operates seasonally; check before you travel to see whether it will be open on your visit date. Offerings include fresh produce from local farms, meat, eggs and dairy products, baked goods, and items made by regional artisans.
Downtown Putnam offers restaurants, retail shops, antique stores, and theater. Community events are also part of the annual calendar: the Town of Putnam and the Putnam Business Association support and host outdoor concerts, River Fires, parades, and fireworks each year. If a particular event is the reason for your trip, check the date in advance.
Theater, Literature and Art
The Gertrude Chandler Warner Boxcar Children Museum is dedicated to the life and work of Gertrude Chandler Warner, author of The Boxcar Children book series. The museum is located on a short stretch of railroad track near Putnam Railroad Station. The Bradley Playhouse is a former vaudeville theater where a local theater company stages a variety of productions. Its theater façade has shaped the look of downtown for more than 120 years. The museum focuses on an author and her book series, while the Playhouse combines theater history with local performances.
The Theatre of Northeastern Connecticut combines educational goals with hands-on experience in creating, directing, and producing theater and performing arts. Its mission also includes producing and promoting high-quality theater and entertainment for people in northeastern Connecticut and surrounding areas. The Sculptures on the River collection includes depictions of forest animals, abstract works, and imaginative sculptures; it was made possible by artist Dale Rogers.
A Place to Visit with Your Dog
Putnam Lions Memorial Dog Park is an off-leash dog park with separate areas for large and small breeds, plenty of shade, and benches. It is open from sunrise to sunset. Its size-based areas and seating give the park a different character from Putnam’s cultural and riverside offerings.
Discover more destinations: Plainfield, Brooklyn, Woodstock, Ashford, Pomfret, Chaplin, Killingly
For the regional travel overview: Windham.
