Waterbury, Connecticut is a city that is known for its rich history, culture, and natural beauty. With so much to see and do, it can be difficult to know where to start. In this blog, we’ll explore some of the best things to do in Waterbury, Connecticut, including its museums, parks, and attractions.
- Visit the Mattatuck Museum
The Mattatuck Museum is located in the heart of Waterbury, Connecticut and is home to a variety of exhibits and artifacts that showcase the history and culture of the region. The museum features permanent exhibits that highlight the area’s Native American history, as well as its industrial past. It also hosts rotating exhibits, so there’s always something new to see. Be sure to check out the museum’s schedule of events, as it regularly hosts lectures, workshops, and other programs.
- Explore the Brass City
Waterbury is known as the Brass City due to its history as a center of brass manufacturing. The city was once home to more than 50 brass mills, and many of its historic buildings and landmarks are reminders of this past. Take a stroll through downtown Waterbury and admire the beautiful architecture of its historic buildings, including the Palace Theater and the Waterbury Clock Company building. There are also several walking tours available that will guide you through the city’s rich history.
- Check out the Timexpo Museum
The Timexpo Museum is located on the grounds of the former Waterbury Clock Company and is dedicated to the history of timekeeping. The museum features a variety of exhibits that showcase the evolution of clocks and watches, from ancient sundials to modern atomic clocks. One of the museum’s most popular exhibits is the Timex collection, which features a wide range of watches and clocks from the iconic brand.
- Visit the Holy Land USA theme park
Holy Land USA is a religious theme park located in Waterbury, Connecticut. The park features replicas of famous biblical sites, including the Garden of Eden, Noah’s Ark, and the Tower of Babel. Although the park is no longer open for visitors, it remains a popular tourist attraction and a unique piece of Waterbury’s history.
- Go hiking at the Mattatuck State Forest
The Mattatuck State Forest is a 4,000-acre forest located just outside of Waterbury, Connecticut. The forest features miles of hiking trails that wind through its scenic hills and valleys. There are also several ponds and streams throughout the forest, making it a great spot for fishing and picnicking. If you’re looking to spend a day in nature, the Mattatuck State Forest is a great place to start.
- Take a tour of the Fascia’s Chocolates factory
Fascia’s Chocolates is a family-owned chocolate factory located in Waterbury, Connecticut. The factory offers tours that give visitors a behind-the-scenes look at how their chocolates are made. You’ll get to see the chocolate-making process from start to finish, and of course, sample some of their delicious chocolates along the way.
- Visit the Palace Theater
The Palace Theater is a historic theater located in downtown Waterbury, Connecticut. The theater was built in 1922 and has since been restored to its original grandeur. It regularly hosts a variety of shows and events, including concerts, plays, and dance performances. If you’re a fan of the arts, a visit to the Palace Theater is a must.
- Take a day trip to Lake Compounce
Lake Compounce is an amusement park located about 30 minutes outside of Waterbury, Connecticut. The park features a variety of rides and attractions, including roller coasters, water rides, and a kiddie area. There are also several restaurants and snack bars throughout the park, making it a great spot for a fun-filled day with family and friends. The park is open seasonally from May through October, so be sure to check its schedule before planning your trip.
- Visit the Waterbury Green
The Waterbury Green is a historic park located in the heart of downtown Waterbury. The park features a variety of monuments and statues that pay tribute to the city’s rich history, including the Soldiers’ Monument and the Christopher Columbus Monument. It’s also a popular spot for picnicking, relaxing, and people-watching.
- Explore the Naugatuck State Forest
The Naugatuck State Forest is a 5,000-acre forest located just outside of Waterbury, Connecticut. The forest features miles of hiking trails that wind through its scenic hills and valleys. There are also several ponds and streams throughout the forest, making it a great spot for fishing and picnicking. If you’re looking to spend a day in nature, the Naugatuck State Forest is a great place to explore.
- Take a tour of the Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream factory
The Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream factory is located about 45 minutes outside of Waterbury, Connecticut in Waterbury, Vermont. The factory offers tours that give visitors a behind-the-scenes look at how their famous ice cream is made. You’ll get to see the ice cream-making process from start to finish, and of course, sample some of their delicious flavors along the way.
- Visit the Barker Character, Comic & Cartoon Museum
The Barker Character, Comic & Cartoon Museum is located just outside of Waterbury, Connecticut in Cheshire. The museum features a variety of exhibits that showcase the history and art of comic books, cartoons, and pop culture. It’s a great spot for both kids and adults who love comics and cartoons.
- Take a wine tour at the Hopkins Vineyard
The Hopkins Vineyard is located about 40 minutes outside of Waterbury, Connecticut in New Preston. The vineyard offers tours that give visitors a behind-the-scenes look at how their wines are made. You’ll get to see the vineyard and production facilities, and of course, sample some of their delicious wines along the way.
- Go skiing or snowboarding at Mohawk Mountain
Mohawk Mountain is a ski resort located about 30 minutes outside of Waterbury, Connecticut in Cornwall. The resort features a variety of trails for skiers and snowboarders of all levels, as well as a snow tubing park. There are also several restaurants and snack bars throughout the resort, making it a great spot for a winter getaway.
In conclusion, Waterbury, Connecticut has plenty of things to do for visitors of all interests. From museums and historic sites to parks and outdoor activities, there’s something for everyone in this beautiful city. Whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, or an adventure seeker, a visit to Waterbury is sure to be a memorable experience.
