Nature's Art Village
1650 Hartford New London Tpke, CT-85, Oakdale, CT 06370
$$
PRICE RANGE
Larger Store
STORE SIZE
Store Overview
Nature's Art Village is a sprawling family entertainment complex featuring two full floors of shops specializing in fossils, minerals, crystals, and gemstones, plus antiques and vintage collectibles. Beyond retail, visitors enjoy interactive experiences like gem mining, gold panning, and geode cutting. The complex includes museum exhibits with vintage barbershop, dental office, and farm implements, alongside a 60-acre dinosaur-themed adventure park with trails, splash pad, playgrounds, mini golf, and ice cream shop. Staff expertise, particularly Brandon's knowledge of fossils and minerals, enhances the shopping experience.
STORE SIZE
Larger Store
PRICE RANGE
$$$
STORE FORMAT
Multi-Vendor Mall
TYPICAL VISIT
Half-Day Destination
What Makes This Store Special
Store Features
Multiple Floors
Multi-Vendor
Auctions
Delivery Service
Shipping Available
Historic Building
Customer Insights
8/10
Satisfaction Drivers
Knowledgeable, passionate staff (especially Brandon)
72%
Unique combination of retail, interactive experiences, and outdoor activities
76%
Well-maintained, clean facilities and beautiful grounds
82%
Memorable experiences for children
86%
What Customers Love
Knowledgeable and friendly staff, especially Brandon
Unique combination of shopping, museum exhibits, and outdoor activities
Well-maintained facilities and beautiful grounds
Excellent for families with children of various ages
High-quality fossils, minerals, and crystals with good variety
Areas for Improvement
High pricing across all activities and attractions
Many attractions and services frequently closed or limited hours
Limited value for money, especially for younger children
Long wait times at food service
Overall Customer Sentiment
Customers express enthusiasm and nostalgia about the experience, with particular affection for staff members. However, pricing frustration is a recurring theme, with some feeling it's a 'tourist trap.' Families appreciate the variety but debate whether it justifies the cost.
Contact Information
ADDRESS
1650 Hartford New London Tpke, CT-85, Oakdale, CT 06370
WEBSITE
PHONE
Store Hours
Checking hours...
Monday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM