Danbury is an average-sized city within the New England region of the United States. It’s precisely located in Fairfield County in Connecticut, which is found not too far from New York City. Danbury is famous for its lake, parks, hiking trails, and dozens of museums; a noteworthy one of them being the Vintage Railway Museum. We understand that such small scale cities are usually ignored in travel shows, also the internet rarely helps to find a proper city guide. Hopefully, you know what we do in such a situation. After extensive research, we have come up with an index that shows the best things to do in Danbury, Connecticut. Scroll down you will get the names of the activities which will help in city exploration.
1. Visit the century-old Danbury Railway Museum
We are commencing the index with this interesting and informative experience, and we’re sure that every age group will like it. Everyone loves trains, and Danbury Railway Museum has properly preserved the railroading history of the past hundred years. They exhibit several dated trains, wagons, equipment, as well as model locomotives on five different scales. Furthermore, this is the same spot that was featured in Alfred Hitchcock’s classic film from the year 1951; ‘strangers on a train’.
Danbury Railway Museum
Address: 120 White St, Danbury, CT 06810, United States
Website: Danbury Railway Museum
Opening hours: Wed - Sat: 10am - 4pm; Sun: 12pm - 4pm (closed on Mon & Tue)
Price: 7 USD
2. Explore the spooky Hearthstone Castle
Don’t mistake Hearthstone Castle for a monarchy home, because Danbury never had any royalties in its past. Actually, this palace was built as a honeymoon cottage in the year 1895 and changed its name to Hearthstone only after its third transfer of ownership. A significant part of this 16-room property is damaged today since it’s been left uninhabited for about 50 years. The city council has also called for its demolition but the action was somehow stalled, thus, explore Hearthstone Castle while you can. The property is also claimed to be haunted; even if it’s not, the castle definitely feels spooky. Visit but take due care.
Hearthstone Castle
Address: 18 Brushy Hill Rd, Danbury, CT 06810, United States
Website: Hearthstone Castle
3. Admire the beauty of Tarrywile Park & Mansion
This is an extensive park, and in fact, the stone castle that we have seen in the previous heading is also established on the same ground. However, the park’s 722 acres (292 hectares) of open area boasts ponds, hiking trail, woodland, and one more significant estate known as Tarrywile Mansion. This is the textbook example of Shingle-Style architecture, which is worth your admiration. Unlike Hearthstone Castle, it still looks to be in perfect condition. You can also get inside of this mansion if you would like, but it requires an appointment.
Tarrywile Park & Mansion
Address: 70 Southern Blvd, Danbury, CT 06810, United States
Website: Tarrywile Park & Mansion
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 9:30am - 3pm (closed on Sat & Sun)
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4. Take a walk in Bear Mountain Reservation
Please don’t get confused with the highest peak of the state of Connecticut that shares the same name, because this is just a city park in the northern region of Danbury. It is a lovely place for a picnic or casual hike, plus you can even walk your dogs here. As you enter the Bear Mountain Reservation, you will see a board that shows 10 well-marked hiking trails, named after colors; the longest being the Red Trail that’s about 3 kilometers (1.7 miles) long. There is a lot to see in this park, from flora, birds, and also the lake.
Bear Mountain Reservation
Address: 17 Bear Mountain Rd, Danbury, CT 06811, United States
Website: Bear Mountain Reservation
Opening hours: 6am - 6pm (daily)
5. Hike through Fairfield County on Ives Trail
Although a full hike at Ives Trail would suit seasoned walkers, people can still take a stroll here. It is because this trail runs about 32 kilometers (20 miles) in Fairfield County, and goes through the town of Ridgefield, Bethel, and Redding. As you continue along this scenic track through the woods, you will spot a lake, some glacial erratic, and a preserved cabin of Sir Charles Edward Ives. Born in Danbury in the 19th century, Charles was a renowned modern-music composer; the trail is named in his honor.
Ives Trail
Address: 36 Sugar Hollow Rd, Danbury, CT 06810, United States
Website: Ives Trail
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
6. Check out the different exhibits at Danbury Museum & Historical Society
Danbury Museum & Historical Society (DMHS) has a back story, and they work on the mission to conserve everything in Danbury that is related to its history. Back in the early 1940s, when a museum home of a departed local industrialist was announced to be replaced for a gas station, an organization stood up and set a fundraiser to preserve this 18th-century heritage. In the same decade, this house along with some others was converted to DMHS property. These houses now hold seasonal galleries that exhibit Danbury’s history.
Danbury Museum & Historical Society
Address: 43 Main St, Danbury, CT 06810, United States
Website: Danbury Museum & Historical Society
Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 10am - 4pm (closed on Sun & Mon)
Price: 6 - 10 USD
7. Unwind at Wooster Mountain State Park Scenic Reserve
Explore Wooster Mountain State Park on days when you wish for an outing in the wild. Although we have already recommended Ives Trail for hike trips, this scenic reserve offers much more. The park is extended to nearly 444 acres (180 hectares) and it features a lake, forest land, and even a shooting range. So, plan a picnic or just chill out in the woods. However, you’ve got to check out their co-op shooting range if you’re into target/skeet/trap shooting.
Wooster Mountain State Park Scenic Reserve
Address: Danbury, CT 06810, United States
Website: Wooster Mountain State Park Scenic Reserve
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
8. Tee off at Richter Park Golf Course
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Fall foliage is here, and the weather is fantastic! Book your tee times now!
Posted by Richter Park Golf Course on Monday, October 17, 2016
You’re looking at one of the finest golf courses in the New England region, and please be informed of the fact that Richter Park is a rather challenging course. Being situated next to West Lake Reservoir, this golfing facility features a variety of holes, elevated terrain, many bunkers, and water hazard at 14 out of 18 holes. Learn to better your game if you’re still a beginner, as this place offers championship-level difficulty.
Richter Park Golf Course
Address: 100 Aunt Hack Rd, Danbury, CT 06811, United States
Website: Richter Park Golf Course
Opening hours: 6am - 6pm (daily)
Price: 50 - 73 USD
9. Plan a day at Lake Kenosia Park
Spend a day at Lake Kenosia Park when you do not have anything important to do in Danbury. It’s situated near Kenosia Lake. You’re not allowed to swim, however, it is open for non-motorized boating. Coming back to park details, it features age appropriated play areas like ball fields and a children’s playground, as well as a seasonal splash pad. Please note that you may have to obtain a permit from the park office to play field games.
Lake Kenosia Park
Address: Danbury, CT 06810, United States
Website: Lake Kenosia Park
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
10. Take water skiing lessons with Lakeside Watersports
Aquasports is viable in Danbury since this city is blessed with Connecticut’s largest reservoir, Candlewood Lake. However, it’s arguably not a very cheap recreation activity as the cost of a boat, equipment, and your safety are always concerned. To have it all affordable and safe, you should meet Mike and Chris from Lakeside Watersports. These youngsters have set up this enterprise and offer services like waterskiing, wakeboarding, tubing, zap, and more. They possess coast guard approved safety gear together with thousands of hours of experience, and their packages are also reasonably priced.
Lakeside Watersports
Address: 16 Forty Acre Mountain Rd, Danbury, CT 06811, United States
Website: Lakeside Watersports
Opening hours: 8am - 8pm (daily)
11. Shop till you drop at Danbury Fair mall
It’s the biggest shopping mall in Danbury, second biggest in the state of Connecticut, and fifth largest in the region in New England. And if you’re wondering about this unusual name, it is because the shopping mall is built over the permanent site of Danbury’s historical fairground. Although this is a commercial center today, they still host several events during summer months. You will find nearly 200 shops and dining areas in this mall, so be prepared to get exhausted while shopping.
Danbury Fair
Address: 7 Backus Ave, Danbury, CT 06810, United States
Website: Danbury Fair
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10am - 9pm
12. Have delicious tapas at Ibiza Tapas Danbury
Although this Spanish cuisine is pretty popular among foodies, there are still misconceptions regarding the meaning of ‘tapas’. First of all, the correct usage for this word should be ‘tapa’, because ‘tapas’ would be its plural. However, in the western world, you would be hearing just ‘tapas’, even when it’s a single plate. Next, it’s neither a particular food nor a starter or some kind of platter, but tapas mean any quarter-sized Spanish recipe with its meaning closer to the English word ‘a la carte’. Thus, you could see hundreds of varieties of tapas, ranging from veggies, meat, and seafood. Coming to the restaurant review, it’s the best at it.
Ibiza Tapas Danbury
Address: 93 Mill Plain Rd, Danbury, CT 06811, United States
Website: Ibiza Tapas Danbury
Opening hours: Tue - Thu: 5pm - 10pm; Fri - Sat: 5pm - 11pm (closed on Mon)
13. Attend a live show at Ives Concert Park
Ives Concert Park is located inside of the campus of Western Connecticut State University, and it’s an eminent outdoor amphitheater for performing arts in the city of Danbury. Similar to the city’s well-known hiking trail which we’ve looked at in one of the above-mentioned headings; this majestic auditorium is also named after ‘Charles Edward Ives’, Danbury-born world-renowned musical composer from the 19th century. This concert park regularly features various art performances, and it is recommended that you should check out their agenda while you’re in Danbury. It’s guaranteed that you will have a wonderful time here.
Ives Concert Park
Address: 43 Lake Ave Ext, Danbury, CT 06811, United States
Website: Ives Concert Park
Opening hours: 10am - 5pm (daily)
14. Have drinks at Lakeside Pub
Although drinking is not a very advantageous thing to your body, having small amounts at a periodic interval does literally no harm. And if you’re into boozing, we can show you the best bar to visit in Danbury that also features an in-and-out seating option. It is the Lakeside Pub; a wonderful bar that is positioned in front of Danbury Town Park as well as the southern edge of Candlewood Lake. However, it’s just a fine drinking establishment; we cannot say the same about their food. Despite the fact that they have several beverage options at a reasonable price, the food menu has just burgers, nachos, sides, and salads.
Lakeside Pub
Address: 31 Hayestown Rd, Danbury, CT 06811, United States
Website: Lakeside Pub
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 9am - 11pm; Fri - Sat: 9am - 1am; Sun: 11am - 12am
15. Play your favorite sport at Danbury Sports Dome
No one can deny the fact that natural fields are forever the finest but are they weatherproof? At least once in your life, you must have seen that day when rain, snow or maybe too much sun had stopped your practice. Well, that was the real reason why the sports dome was introduced and the city of Danbury is very fortunate to have the largest domed facility on the East Coast. Danbury Sports Dome provides controlled weather all year-round, so you can play safe and uninterrupted. Now you know a place in this city where you can still play your favorite game even in the most negative climate.
Danbury Sports Dome
Address: 25 Shelter Rock Ln, Danbury, CT 06810, United States
Website: Danbury Sports Dome
Price: From 10 USD
16. Enjoy retro-style bowling at Danbury Duckpin Lanes
Unless you’re an elderly person, there are next to nil chances that you understand how life was in the decade of the 1950s. Talking about the game of bowling, the ball size was nearly half, score sheets were manual, and pinsetters were slower AMF machines. No, you cannot go back in time but you can still have a blast from the past at Danbury Duckpin Lanes. This bowling club has been in operation here since the 1950s, and they have made virtually no changes all these years. They feature 16 lanes, a snack bar, video games, and age/gender appropriate year-round running leagues.
Danbury Duckpin Lanes
Address: 7 E Hayestown Rd, Danbury, CT 06811, United States
Website: Danbury Duckpin Lanes
Opening hours: Wed - Thu: 3pm - 6pm; Fri: 3pm - 8pm; Sat: 11am - 8pm; Sun: 11am - 5pm (closed on Mon & Tue)
Price: 20 USD
17. Learn winemaking at Shelter Rock Winery
How about learning the art of winemaking and adding a remarkable chapter to your Danbury trip? This fresh activity wouldn’t just deliver a fresh skill, but you can also exercise that knowledge in your garage or basement. It’s totally possible, all thanks to the expert winemaker Giovanni Petrella. He hails from a winemaking family from Avellino, Italy, and they have been into wine production since the 15th century. It’s their family legacy, and Giovanni just tries to share this noble gift with everyone who’s interested.
Shelter Rock Winery
Address: 5 Shelter Rock Rd, Danbury, CT 06810, United States
Website: Shelter Rock Winery
18. Watch a movie at AMC Danbury 16
We are almost sure that you will love this activity since everyone prefers to watch cinemas in theaters only. If you are a movie person and approve of our said statement, we would like to show you a guide to the better movie experience. AMC Theater in Danbury is apparently the largest multiplex of this city as it boasts 16-screens in one place. Its different sections feature Dolby Surround, IMAX, and regular screens. So it is never a question of whether your favorite movie is released but rather if you would like to have it enhanced or not.
AMC Danbury 16
Address: 61 Eagle Rd, Danbury, CT 06810, United States
Website: AMC Danbury 16
19. Visit Charles Ives Birthplace Museum
The city of Danbury really honors Charles Edward Ives, because we have already given you the names of two attractions so far which have been named after him. Now, it is easy to presume that you are taking his name for granted unless you’re a resident of this city or you’re engaged in music. But since you’re in his hometown, we sincerely believe that you should learn some details about this famous composer from the 19th century. There wouldn’t be a better place to get all the information than his birthplace museum. Visit and learn why this city loves him so much until now.
Charles Ives Birthplace Museum
Address: 7 Mountainville Ave, Danbury, CT 06810, United States
Website: Charles Ives Birthplace Museum
20. Play or watch a game of hockey at Danbury Ice Arena
Let’s end the index with this final activity that is to play hockey or try ice skating at Danbury Ice Arena. It is a 20-year-old staking rink that operates throughout the year, and its usage is versatile. But this arena also holds professional game events annually, and you can easily get a seat in its 3,000-capacity coliseum. If you’re interested in such a sport, or maybe you’re looking for a summer camp activity in Danbury, you should check out this place. The admission price and equipment rental are very affordable.
Danbury Ice Arena
Address: 1 Independence Way, Danbury, CT 06810, United States
Website: Danbury Ice Arena
Opening hours: 7am - 12pm (daily)
Price: 8 - 18 USD
The best sides of Danbury
This is, perhaps, the most comprehensive tour guide for this city on the internet, and we sincerely hope that you’ve liked it. In order to present to you the best sides of Danbury, we have shown some seriously long trails, scenic reserves, a massive water body, and even a spooky castle. Although this index should be more than enough to guide you in Danbury, always look for something new.
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