Connecticut Welcome Center Rest Area
(I-84 Westbound)
Tourist Information Center
This cache replaces the original “Cache and Release TB Hotel (GCN52C)” that was placed by Jestjuggle in 2005. It was always very popular until the rest stop was closed for eight months for renovation. The cache was archived during that time, and we thought it was time to bring it back. It's in the same area, but a different location than the old one. If you previously found the old one, count this one as a new find if you come back here.
The Cole Wilde Trout Management Area in Tolland and Willington on the Willimantic River starts at the mouth of Roaring Brook and ends downstream at the bridge on Route 74. Fish are annually stocked with over 2,000 adult brown and rainbow trout in various sections along the Willimantic from the town of Stafford Springs to where it joins the Natchaug River. Anglers are reminded that within the Cole W. Wilde TMA, fishing is limited to fly-fishing only, and all trout caught must be immediately returned to the water without avoidable injury.
The gate may appear to be locked—but it’s not. It just latches differently. Be sure to latch properly when going in and out.
Narrow trail follows the river and can be very slippery after snow and ice. Use caution so you don’t end up in the Willimantic River with the trout. 
A footbridge takes you across a river inlet if you wish to explore the area.
Large container will hold many travel bugs. This hotel is a bit different because it actually has “rooms” that will fit most typical travel bugs. For bugs that are too big for the rooms, there is a bunk room on the second floor where they can spend their time.
THE RULES:
- We’d like this cache to remain a travel bug swap location to help them on their missions.
- It is a medium ammo box and will hold most sizes and shapes.
- We’d like to maintain a minimum of four travel bugs at all times.
- Take a Bug, Leave a Bug—trading the same number.
If you have traded identical numbers of travel bugs, and can still help one or two more on their missions, take more, BUT please leave a minimum of four travel bugs for others to swap.
If you do not have a travel bug to swap (and there are four or fewer TBs), please log your find, but no need to place any other item in the cache. Let’s reserve the cache space for moving our hitchhiking friends along.