Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Berlin, CT

Summary

Ragged Mountain Memorial Preserve
Metacomet Trail
New Britain Museum of American Art
Safari Golf
Timberlin Golf Club
Pistol Creek
Team vs. Time
Still Hill Brewery
New Britain Stadium
Lamentation Mountain
Picture Show at Berlin
Karabin Farms
Berlin Batting Cages
New Britain Youth Museum at Hungerford Park
Van Vleck Observatory

This tranquil industrial and residential town is positioned at the geographic center of Connecticut.

While Berlin may not be a primary destination for tourists, it offers remarkable natural scenery and numerous enjoyable activities for families, particularly along the Berlin Turnpike.

If there is one standout feature of Berlin, it is the Metacomet Ridge, a 100-mile basalt fault.

The ridge’s summits were formed by lava flows 200 million years ago, creating towering cliffs while the surrounding terrain has been gradually eroded.

Hiking is certainly a prominent activity, as the ridge is traversed in Berlin by two Blue-Blazed hiking routes: the Metacomet Trail and the Mattabesett Trail.

1. Ragged Mountain Memorial Preserve

This basalt mountain on the Metacomet Ridge is among the most cherished hiking and climbing spots in the Hartford area.

Here, the ridge reaches an elevation of 500 feet and ascends sharply from the east bank of the Quinnipiac River. Visitors are rewarded with sweeping vistas over Berlin, Southington, and parts of New Britain from the cliff edges.

The principal hiking route is the Metacomet Trail (details provided below), however, a comprehensive network of shorter trails intersects with a main five-mile loop. Therefore, with some strategic planning, you can create a hike that meets your preferences.

2. Metacomet Trail

I mentioned earlier that the Metacomet Ridge traverses Berlin, and the unique variety of ancient volcanic formations nearby creates excellent hiking opportunities.

The 50-mile Metacomet Trail follows the ridge from Meriden, just south of Berlin, up to the Massachusetts state line.

Apart from Ragged Mountain, there are several entry points to the trail within Berlin. The hikes vary in difficulty from moderate to strenuous.

Berlin’s Parks and Recreation Department has released comprehensive guides. Notably, a particularly scenic yet challenging hike takes you up through the Hanging Hills to Hubbard Park’s castle-like observation tower, Castle Craig (1900), located on East Peak.

Starting from the parking area at Edgewood Road, this one-way hike is 4.5 miles long, with an elevation change of 850 feet.

3. New Britain Museum of American Art

One of the advantages of being in proximity to New Britain is that this remarkable museum is just ten minutes away.

Since its inception in 1903, it has been recognized as the first museum in the United States dedicated exclusively to American art.

The collection encompasses a broad spectrum, ranging from colonial-era portraits to recently acquired post-contemporary works, prominently featuring Graydon Parrish’s renowned piece, The Cycle of Terror and Tragedy.

Notable artists included in the museum’s collection are Mary Cassatt, Georgia O’Keeffe, John Singer Sargent, John Singleton Copley, Marcus Jansen, and Frederic Church.

The collection also encompasses movements such as the Hudson River School, American Impressionists, and the Ashcan School.

A distinguished name frequently appearing in the Impressionist collections is Childe Hassam, whose contributions include 11 oil paintings.

The museum’s Cafe on the Park offers a view of the adjacent Walnut Hill Park (1870), an early project of the eminent Frederick Law Olmsted.

4. Safari Golf

I was genuinely impressed by the meticulous care taken in crafting this 18-hole miniature golf course situated on a picturesque hillside overlooking the Berlin Turnpike.

The greens are laid out on terraced levels, adorned with large sculptures of giraffes, elephants, gorillas, and lions. The entire area features streams, waterfalls, and well-maintained shrubs and perennials.

There are numerous photo opportunities as you navigate the course, including a waterfall you can walk behind. Moreover, at the conclusion of your game, you can treat yourself to an ice pop or frozen cone.

During the summer, the course remains open until as late as 10:00 PM. Additionally, if you achieve a hole-in-one on the 18th, you are rewarded with a free game.

5. Timberlin Golf Club

At the base of Ragged Mountain lies a highly regarded municipal golf course. The layout of these 18 holes was first established in the early 1970s by Al Zikorus.

About a decade ago, the course underwent a comprehensive redesign, including the re-contouring of fairways and the addition of extra bunkers.

The fairways can be narrow, and the bunkers are quite challenging, necessitating precision with your irons.

A computer-controlled irrigation system ensures that the greens remain in good condition even after heavy rainfall. I found the rates to be reasonable, with non-residents able to play 18 holes for under $50 (both on weekdays and weekends).

6. Pistol Creek

This former 18-hole golf course was abandoned in the early 2000s but was purchased back by the town in 2008. The town paid significantly to prevent the land from being developed into condominium complexes.

Pistol Creek is not only a scenic location for hiking, cycling, or jogging; it is also fascinating to observe how this water-rich, man-made area has been reclaimed by nature.

During wet conditions, the paved cart paths remain passable, serving as one of the few remnants of its previous use as a golf course.

Depending on the season, visitors may spot herons, kingfishers, and the occasional beaver. The former clubhouse is available for private events.

7. Team vs. Time

This unique escape room brand operates two locations, including one in Berlin.

Team vs. Time features four escape rooms, each equipped with engaging backstories and high production values. Participants are immersed in various historical or fantastical narratives until they successfully escape.

Examples of available experiences include “Cure of the Alchemist”, “Save the Queen”, “The Lost Book of Spells”, and “Gangster’s Gamble”.

Each room specifies the required team size, stress level, and difficulty. The only constant is the one-hour time limit.

At times, I felt as though I were part of a cinematic experience, except when we required a hint from the game master.

8. Still Hill Brewery

Connecticut boasts an abundance of craft breweries, and I am pleased to share that there is a notable one nearby, located discreetly behind a light industrial complex in Rocky Hill.

The taproom at Still Hill operates Thursday through Sunday, and on my visit, there were 13 beers available on draft.

Personally, I found The Nut on the Hill (Brown Ale) and Sluggy Buggy, an Oatmeal Stout with rich coffee and chocolate undertones, to be exceptional selections.

The taproom offers a casual, rustic atmosphere, featuring regular live music and stand-up comedy events. Food trucks periodically appear outside, adding to the experience.

9. New Britain Stadium

Residents need not travel far for sporting events, as the New Britain Bees, a local baseball team, play just a couple of miles along Route 9.

Established in 2015, the Bees succeeded the defunct Rock Cats and now compete in the Futures Collegiate Baseball League (FCBL).

Throughout the season, spectators can visit the 6,146-seat stadium to watch the Bees compete against teams from across New England.

The season lasts from late May to early August, and the Bees advanced to the playoffs in the two years leading up to my visit.

10. Lamentation Mountain

Situated on the Metacomet Ridge, another prominent peak can be found in the southern area of Berlin.

Lamentation Mountain towers at a height of 720 feet and merits the effort to climb for its breathtaking views of the Hanging Hills and Silver Lake below.

The ridge is intersected by another Blue-Blazed hiking trail, the 51-mile Mattabesett Trail, which connects with the Metacomet Trail at the mountain’s base.

I found the hike to be relatively moderate, progressively climbing through lush deciduous forests and onto the dry basalt ledges.

The Mattabesett Trail extends southward all the way to Totoket Mountain on the Metacomet Ridge in Guilford, then traverses northeast through a metamorphic landscape en route to the Connecticut River at Middletown.

11. Picture Show at Berlin

Berlin hosts a branch of the nationwide Picture Show cinema chain, providing a luxurious environment to enjoy a film.

Following a recent renovation, the 12-screen cinema features electric-powered luxury recliners with footrests and built-in cup holders, ensuring that every seat offers a great view.

The lounge-style seating enhances the experience, and I was impressed by the affordability of tickets; for instance, on Tuesdays, they were only $5 (all day) at the time of my visit.

12. Karabin Farms

At the western base of Ragged Mountain lies a quintessential New England fruit farm that cultivates 17 varieties of apples. Karabin Farms opens for a Pick Your Own (PYO) season on Saturdays and Sundays from mid-August until late October.

Starting with Zestars and concluding with Red Delicious and Cameo, the PYO experience includes a complimentary wagon ride through the forest to the scenic orchard, where wildlife such as deer and wild turkeys can often be spotted.

During spring and summer, visitors can also seek flowers, and in the fall, pumpkins are available, alongside the option to choose from cut-your-own or pre-cut Christmas trees beginning in late November.

The farm stand is a destination in itself, offering additional produce, farm-raised meats, pickles, local honey, and various grades of maple syrup harvested on-site.

13. Berlin Batting Cages

Contrary to its name, this family entertainment center off the Berlin Turnpike offers much more than batting cages.

Indeed, the cages feature state-of-the-art technology aimed at enhancing your batting performance.

In addition, there are two miniature golf courses at Putter’s Paradise. You may opt for the challenging Course or the Fun Course, complete with whimsical elements like windmills, bucket wheels, and a wishing well.

Recently, a go-kart grand prix circuit was added, along with a bumper boat ride in a large, clear pool. During my visit on a hot summer day, my children thoroughly enjoyed splashing around with the water guns attached to the boats.

14. New Britain Youth Museum at Hungerford Park

For those visiting with young children, this museum and nature center provides ample engagement to captivate their interest for a few hours.

Inside, I found myself absorbed by the colorful and educational exhibits at the New Britain Youth Museum, as well as the displays focused on nature at the Hungerford Nature Center.

Additionally, the facility houses tanks for fish, snakes, turtles, and lizards, all of which are residents who arrived orphaned or injured.

This is also true for the hawks and owls in the aviary, and for the countless chickens, goats, sheep, ducks, and cows located in the barnyard outside.

After interacting with the animals, you can stroll along the park’s marked nature trail. A tip for visitors: remember to bring bug spray if you choose to walk during the warmer months.

15. Van Vleck Observatory

Wesleyan University’s astronomical observatory, located near Berlin in Middletown, welcomes the public every Wednesday evening.

During observing nights, attendees have the chance to look through the observatory’s 16-inch and 20-inch telescopes, pending clear skies.

Prior to the observation session, a 30-minute presentation is conducted by a member of the university’s Astronomy Department, covering topics such as significant space news or details about new discoveries.

I participated in a Wednesday night session aimed at high school students and older, but there are specific children’s nights held on the first and third Friday of each month during the school year.

Additionally, monthly Saturday night observing sessions are offered, managed by the Astronomical Society of Greater Hartford (ASGH).

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