Top 23 Things To Do In New Milford, Connecticut

James
Contributing Writer
Updated
| 11 min read
things to do in New-Milford CT

New Milford is located along the Housatonic River and welcomes all visitors with open arms. It is a beautiful town with a rich cultural background and history. Whether traveling alone, with your significant other, in a group, or as a family, there are numerous sights, sounds, and things to enjoy in this beautiful city. The town market houses hundreds of vendors selling different exciting items. The town boasts of several parks that offer you the chance to enjoy picturesque picnics. There is enough space to enjoy several recreational activities, like cycling and hiking. Wander the streets of this town and enjoy an unforgettable experience. Check out our recommended and most exciting things to do in New Milford, Connecticut.

1. Stroll along Lovers Leap State Park

Lovers Leap State Park - Connecticut
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Doug Kerr used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Lovers Leap State Park is a beautiful park located in New Milford. It has a spooky past that will satisfy any visitor with a thirst for adventure. Visit with your significant other and enjoy a beautiful date at the park’s scenic environs. If you want a romantic walk, the delicate areas will make it more memorable. The site boasts of 127 acres (51.4 hectares) of oak forest that lie along the Housatonic River. To enhance your experience at this park, ensure that you stop at Lover’s Leap Bridge and marvel at the structure. The bridge is a red iron wrought edifice that dates back to the late 18th century.

Lovers Leap State Park

Address: 178 Shortwoods Road, New Milford, CT 06776, USA

Website: Lovers Leap State Park

Opening hours: 7am - 8pm (daily)

Price: Free

2. Revisit history at New Milford Historical Society & Museum


No place in New Milford would tell you about the rich background of New Milford like New Milford Historical Society & Museum. The museum boasts of a rich collection of artifacts, records, and landmarks that showcase the history of New Milford. As each city has its own story, New Milford’s is safely preserved in this museum. You will learn about the origins of the town, the challenges faced by the early settlers, and much more. There are also landmarks on the grounds. Such landmarks include one-room schoolhouses and the famous Knapp House.

New Milford Historical Society & Museum

Address: 6 Aspetuck Ave, New Milford, CT 06776, USA

Website: New Milford Historical Society & Museum

Opening hours: Sat: 11am - 2pm; Tue - Fri: 12pm - 3pm (closed Sun & Mon)

Price: 2 - 5 USD

3. Appreciate nature at Harrybrooke Park


Harrybrooke Park is one of the most popular parks in New Milford. The park was formerly the weekend estate of Frank and Elizabeth Warren. Now, the park is a lodestone for hundreds of visitors every month. You can visit the venue and enjoy a beautiful afternoon strolling around. You can even explore the different attractions in the park, like Eagle Trail, Harrybrooke Home and Museum, and so on. Explore and fall in love with the breathtaking beauty of nature. The trees, flowers, and waterfall rapids in the park are attractive sights to behold.

Harrybrooke Park

Address: 100 Still River Dr, New Milford, CT 06776, USA

Website: Harrybrooke Park

Opening hours: 7am - 7pm (daily)

4. Enjoy a day out at Clatter Valley Park

things to do in new-milford ct | enjoy a day out at clatter valley park
Source: instagram

Clatter Valley Park in New Milford is a stunning park that offers a breathtaking view of nature. The park boasts of over 100 acres (40.5 hectares) of open space. Come and enjoy a variety of recreational activities here. Some of the things you can partake in for fun in the park include horseback riding, fishing, hiking, and so on. It is a beautiful site to visit with your lover. The park features a public pavilion that allows you to enjoy a lovely picnic. The tent offers grills and seating arrangements for your use.

Clatter Valley Park

Address: Town Farm Rd, New Milford, CT 06776, USA

Website: Clatter Valley Park

5. Hike New Milford River Trail


Located by Young’s Field, New Milford’s River Trail offers a respite from the stress of your work and other activities. Hit the trail solo or accompanied by your friends. The trail is specially designed to make following it very easy. It is paved for cycling, walking, or jogging. Hit the path in the early hours of the morning before the sun starts blazing. There are bicycle racks, kayak racks, and canoe rack right by the launch. After cycling or jogging, you can park and enjoy a nice picnic at the scenic landscape around the trails.

New Milford River Trail

Address: Boardman Rd, New Milford, CT 06776, USA

Website: New Milford River Trail

6. Get active at Young's Field


New Milford is home to several parks and recreation centers. Young’s Field is a park in New Milford that is used by locals for a variety of events. It hosts annual events like Fourth of July celebrations, shows, and much more. As an active recreation area, you will find kids and adults alike frolicking in the park. It offers several amenities that ensure you always have something to do. Some of the facilities located in the area include a skate park, a basketball court, pavilion, and athletic fields. There is no dull moment at this popular park as it also features a kayak ramp on the Housatonic River which is just across the street.

Young's Field

Address: 6 Young’s Field Rd, New Milford, CT 06776, USA

Website: Young’s Field

7. Take photos at Candlewood Lake Park

Located on the banks of the Housatonic River is the lively town of New Milford, CT. This Town holds hidden historical...

Posted by Peter Klemm on Monday, 19 August 2019

Candlewood Lake is the largest lake in the state of Connecticut, and Candlewood Lake Town Park is named for this gorgeous body of water. The park offers visitors fun and relaxation. It is an 11-acre (4.5 hectares) park that has enough open space for you to enjoy any of your recreational activities. The beachfront offers stunning views where you can pose and take Instagram-worthy photos. It comes with benches, playgrounds for the kids, and picnic tables. Come with a picnic basket and enjoy the breathtaking view and beautiful ambiance while unwinding. Also, adjacent to the park lies a boat dock where you can enjoy fun rides.

Candlewood Lake Park

Address: 199 Old Town Park Rd, New Milford, CT 06776, USA

Opening hours: 8am - 8pm (daily)

8. Have a picnic at Addis Park


Right off Grove Street lies a quaint, picturesque park that welcomes the fun-seeking traveler. Compared to some other parks in the town, Addis Park is rather small. The size works to its advantage and adds to the appeal because it allows you to enjoy a private picnic and have a great time walking around. The park features picnic spots and grills. As it is by the Housatonic River, it also features a boat ramp. Enjoy kayaking, canoeing, and even fishing. It is a great spot to come with your significant other and share beautiful moments.

Addis Park

Address: 279-237 Grove St, New Milford, CT 06776, USA

Website: Addis Park

9. Walk across Lovers Leap Bridge

things to do in new-milford ct | walk across lovers leap bridge
Source: instagram

Lovers Leap Bridge has a rich and legendary history. It is an iron-wrought bridge located at Lovers Leap State Park. Legend has it that two ill-fated lovers died in the waters running under this bridge. Today, when you visit the park, this bridge is a must-see and experience. Stand over the waters of Lake Lillinonah, or walk across the bridge and reflect on its history and the natives that once called this area their home. The surrounding area is an archaeological paradise with new artifacts being frequently discovered.

Lovers Leap Bridge

Address: New Milford, CT 06776, USA

Website: Lovers Leap Bridge

10. Shop at Elephant's Trunk Flea Market


Located in New Milford, Elephant’s Trunk Flea Market is set up to fulfill your shopping needs. The market was first established in 1976 when some 15 vendors set up shops on a lawn in front of a sprawling Victorian mansion. Since then, the market has grown into an attraction for locals and visitors alike. It is open on Sundays, and you can come here to buy an assortment of goods. It currently houses more than 500 vendors, with each one offering something unique to the buyer. No weekend at the bustling market is the same, as there is always a different mix of goods, food, and sellers. Come and buy lovely products at prices you won’t find anywhere else.

Elephant's Trunk Flea Market

Address: 490 Danbury Rd, New Milford, CT 06776, USA

Website: Elephant’s Trunk Flea Market

Opening hours: Sun: 7am - 2pm (closed from Mon - Sat)

11. Go swimming at Lynn Deming Park

things to do in new-milford ct | go swimming at lynn deming park
Source: instagram

Lynn Deming Park is a popular park in New Milford and is a favorite spot for locals and visitors alike. The park is a beautiful, scenic place for families and groups to have a great time. Following renovations at the park, it retains its scenic beauty and features even more beautiful attractions. Diving, swimming, and fishing docks have been added to the recent popular activities in this venue. Hence, it offers even more options for visitors, whether solo or with friends and family.

Lynn Deming Park

Address: 134 Candlewood Lake Rd N, New Milford, CT 06776, USA

Website: Lynn Deming Park

12. Have a beer at Bad Dream Brewing


Bad Dream Brewing is a spot in New Milford where you can quench your thirst with the best beer Connecticut has to offer. Aside from the delicious beer, what draws folks to this spot is a beautiful atmosphere. A quartet of friends owns the establishment, and before, they used to organize a book club. This background is reflected in the warm, eclectic design of Bad Dream Brewing. You can visit with your friends and enjoy an evening chatting or playing games.

Bad Dream Brewing

Address: 116 Danbury Rd #3, New Milford, CT 06776, USA

Website: Bad Dream Brewing

Opening hours: Thu: 5pm - 9pm; Fri: 5pm - 10pm; Sat: 11am - 7pm; Sun: 11am - 6pm (closed from Mon - Wed)

13. Explore Tory's Cave Preserve


If you love exploring caves, then you have to head to Tory’s Cave Preserve. It is a marble solutional cave located in New Milford. As you roam about Connecticut, you will not find other caves aside from this one. It has a depth of about 15.24 meters (50 feet) below the ground. If you wish to visit and explore the cave, ensure that you do not go between October through to April 1st. The restriction is because endangered species of bat colonies have recently been discovered to live in the cave and it has been closed to the public to protect the bat population.

Tory's Cave Preserve

Address: 499 Kent Rd, New Milford, CT 06776, USA

14. Visit the pumpkin patches at Harris Hill Farm

things to do in new-milford ct | visit the pumpkin patches at harris hill farm
Source: instagram

Harris Hill Farm has been the leading pumpkin grower in town for more than two decades. The main export of the farm are pumpkins; however, the farm also grows other crops. Come during Halloween and see some of the scariest and biggest jack-o-lanterns in the region. It is a beautiful site that offers an exciting experience for all members of your group or family. You can also enjoy rides on the hay wagons on the farm. Additionally, you can interact with some of the friendly farm animals and gain knowledge about farming techniques and other trivia.

Harris Hill Farm

Address: 106 Ridge Rd, New Milford, CT 06776, USA

Website: Harris Hill Farm

Opening hours: Sun: 7pm - 7:05am (closed on Mon - Sat)

Price: 3 USD

15. Relax at Dike Point Park

Candlewood Lake Looking our from Dykes Point Park New Milford, CT

Posted by Craig Barrett on Saturday, 2 November 2013

New Milford is home to a large number of parks. Dike Point Park is one of the parks in the town where you can enjoy hiking along the largest lake in Connecticut - Candlewood Lake. As you walk, you will come across different species of wildlife in the park. Furthermore, the trail offers a magnificent view of the surrounding area. The recreational Dike Point Park also provides picnic spots where you can have an excellent time with friends or family.

Dike Point Park

Address: 17 Old Town Park Rd, New Milford, CT 06776, USA

Opening hours: Sat - Sun: 8am - 8pm; Mon - Fri: 12pm - 8pm

16. Have some fun at The Hobby Hangout


If you want to enjoy some of your favorite hobbies without spending much, The Hobby Hangout is the ideal spot. Enjoy a fantastic morning doing a range of enjoyable activities. The Hobby Hangout has plenty of things to choose from and you can get rolling in minutes. The location features a speed oval carpet track and other racing programs for cars and trucks. You can also have a great time in the drone repair and training hangout spots. If you want to chill with friends for an afternoon, you can come and lounge at The Hobby Hangout.

The Hobby Hangout

Address: 48 Anderson Ave, New Milford, CT 06776, USA

Website: The Hobby Hangout

Opening hours: Sat: 11am - 6pm; Sun: 11am - 4pm; Wed: 5pm - 9pm; Thu - Fri: 3pm - 9pm (closed on Mon & Tue)

17. Unleash your creative side at Village Center for the Arts


During your stay in New Milford, if you have a creative itch you need to scratch, there’s no better “scratching post” than Village Center for the Arts. It enables you to unleash or tap into your creative side. Although the original purpose of the center was to promote and highlight performance art, it has since evolved. Now the center is open to other art forms like painting, pottery, and so on. Village Center for the Arts features an Open Studio program that allows members of the public, regardless of age, to take classes and programs to unlock and improve their creative prowess.

Village Center for the Arts

Address: 12 Main St, New Milford, CT 06776, USA

Website: Village Center for the Arts

Opening hours: Sat: 10am - 6pm; Sun: 12pm - 5pm; Tue - Thu: 11am - 6pm; Fri: 11am - 8pm (closed on Mon)

18. Experience a boat tour at Gerard's Marina


Gerard’s Marina is situated at Candlewood Lake. If you seek a spot to enjoy exhilarating water sports, boat tours, and refreshing afternoons, this venue is right for you. The marina houses several high-quality and reliable boats. Some of the boats are from popular manufacturers like FourWinns. If you want to enjoy a boat tour, the marina has what you need. Boat lovers that want to try different models of boats or want to get one for themselves will be attended to as well. Savor an afternoon of relaxation and luxury on the various ships at the marina.

Gerard's Marina

Address: 120 Old Town Park Rd, New Milford, CT 06776, USA

Website: Gerard’s Marina

Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)

19. Go bowling at Dolrbill's Bowling & Family Entertainment Center


If you are a fan of bowling, or you want to enjoy an activity with all members of the group or family, then head over to Dolrbill’s Bowling & Family Entertainment Center. This bowling alley is open to all and is a popular spot to have loads of fun in the town. The venue features a premium, world-class amenities and attractions. The bowling accessories and equipment are top-of-the-line and ensure that all members of the group can happily participate. On some weekends, the bowling alley is transformed into an LED laser light show. If you go alone, you can mingle with the other tourists and the locals at this favorite entertainment hub.

Dolrbill's Bowling & Family Entertainment Center

Address: 145 Danbury Rd D, New Milford, CT 06776, USA

Website: Dolrbill’s Bowling & Family Entertainment Center

Opening hours: Sat: 9am - 1am; Tue: 10am - 10:01pm; Fri: 10am - 1am (closed on Sun - Mon & Wed - Thu)

Price: From 14 USD

20. Watch a show at Merryall Center for the Arts

I will be performing with my band, Nick Bariluk, Steve Clarke & Michael Thompson at the Merryall Center For The Arts, 8...

Posted by Sherry Winston on Thursday, 3 May 2012

Merryall Center for the Arts is situated along Litchfield County’s backroads. The rural community is host to one of the essential landmarks of the town. If you want to enjoy exquisite theater and mingle with the local community, this center is the place to go. For more than 60 years, Merryall Center for the Arts has warmly welcomed folks from far and wide. Despite being a 75-seater center, the performances are impressive and intimate. Several famous artists have graced the stage of this small theater to provide excellent performances for their audiences.

Merryall Center for the Arts

Address: 8 Chapel Hill Rd, New Milford, CT 06776, USA

Website: Merryall Center for the Arts

Opening hours: Sat: 10am - 6pm; Sun: 12pm - 5pm; Tue - Thu: 11am - 6pm; Fri: 11am - 8pm

21. Savor tasty meals at Dagwoods New American Lounge

Posted by Patti Zaloski on Wednesday, 22 February 2017

Dagwoods New American Lounge is a clean and spacious restaurant just by the river in New Milford. The waiters are friendly, attentive, and aim to make your experience pleasant. The food is filling, and the ambiance is warm. If you happen to stop by this eatery, ensure that you try out the flatbread pizza; it will be the best you might have ever tasted. The restaurant is set by the river and offers guests a beautiful view of the surrounding area while they dine. Meet up with friends at Dagwoods New American Lounge and have a memorable time together.

Dagwoods New American Lounge

Address: 300 Kent Rd, New Milford, CT 06776, USA

Website: Dagwoods New American Lounge

Opening hours: Fri - Sat: 7am - 10pm; Sun - Mon, Wed - Thu: 7am - 9pm (closed on Tue)

22. Sample the nightlife at O'Connor's Public House


O'Connor’s Public House is an Irish pub in New Milford that offers guests beautiful drinks and a great, friendly atmosphere. Walking into the establishment, you are greeted by a stunning mosaic of Cork City, Ireland - the original home of the Irish owners. The menu is clear, and the food, delicious. If you do not feel like eating, you can order a round of drinks for your enjoyment. O'Connor’s is better enjoyed with friends or family. This beautiful bar inevitably leaves guests with a full belly and a light heart.

O'Connor's Public House

Address: 46 Railroad St, New Milford, CT 06776, USA

Website: O'Connor’s Public House

Opening hours: Fri - Sat: 11am - 2am; Sun: 12pm - 12am; Mon - Thu: 11am - 1am

23. Play golf at Candlewood Valley Country Club


If you crave a fun, relaxing game of golf, then head over to Candlewood Valley Country Club. The club is the first landmark you will encounter as you enter the city. The club features an 18-hole public course where you can play with friends and other guests. The service at the club is impeccable with the staff willing to assist you with whatever you require. The golf course is excellent for all players regardless of their skill level.

Candlewood Valley Country Club

Address: 401 Danbury Rd, New Milford, CT 06776, USA

Website: Candlewood Valley Country Club

Opening hours: 7am - 7pm (daily)

Price: From 80 USD

Have an unforgettable experience in New Milford

New Milford, Connecticut, has many features and attractions to keep every member of the group or family excited. Explore the cave, shop at the market, play in the parks, and enjoy so many other activities in this lovely town. There is no shortage of things to do in New Milford, Connecticut.

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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James Kure is an ardent writer from a very humble background. He loves writing about the world’s top travel destinations, especially the Scandinavian and Japanese regions. When not writing, James...View profile

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