Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Southbury, CT

Summary of Top Attractions in Southbury

Kettletown State Park
Southford Falls State Park
Southbury Green
Shepaug Eagle Observation Area
Glebe House Museum & Garden
Larkin State Park Trail
Audubon Center Bent of the River
George C. Waldo State Park
Southbury Farmers’ Market
Quassy Amusement Park & Water Park
Settlers Park
Black Hog Brewing Co.
Walker Road Vineyards
Pomperaug Golf Club
Southbury Public Library

Southbury in New Haven County is the only community in the entire United States with this name.

The town underscores this unique attribute in its motto, “Unica Unaque,” which translates to “The One and Only.” With a population slightly below 20,000, Southbury exhibits a dispersed, rural ambiance and boasts significant natural beauty.

This beauty is especially evident along the dammed sections of the Housatonic River, where two of Connecticut’s five largest lakes are located.

During my visit to Southbury, I explored winding lakeside trails, visited cascading waterfalls, and observed avian predators in their natural habitat. Popular craft breweries and wineries enhance the town’s culinary appeal.

Let’s explore the premier activities available in and around Southbury:

1. Kettletown State Park

The eastern shore of Lake Zoar on the Housatonic River provides a stunning backdrop for a 600-acre state park.

This area was historically inhabited by the Pootatuck Indians, who cultivated crops such as tobacco, beans, and apples. Their village was submerged beneath Lake Zoar when the river was dammed in 1919.

The State of Connecticut acquired this sizable tract of land in 1950, making it a cherished destination for hiking, camping, picnicking, and freshwater fishing.

Although there is a beach at the park, swimming has been temporarily suspended due to recurring blue-green algae. Nonetheless, the park’s scenic beauty, particularly the breathtaking autumn foliage, remains its most compelling aspect.

2. Southford Falls State Park

Located on the Southbury/Oxford boundary, Eight Mile Brook flows through picturesque rocky terrain on its brief journey from Lake Quassapaug to the Housatonic River.

Over 120 acres along the brook have been preserved as a state park, the site of an early 20th-century factory that belonged to the Diamond Match Company, which was the leading match producer in America at the time of this writing.

Inside Southford Falls State Park, I encountered captivating natural scenery as the brook cascades over a series of basalt ledges.

A charming covered bridge spans the brook; while it is newer than it appears, having been constructed in the 1970s, it remains quite picturesque.

Additionally, Papermill Pond by the brook is stocked with trout for fishing activities.

3. Southbury Green

The term Southbury Green refers to the extensive grassy area adorned with trees along Main Street, as well as the substantial shopping center adjacent to it.

Among the retailers at Southbury Green are Gap, Loft, Pier 1 Imports, Athleta, Starbucks, HomeGoods, and Massage Envy.

The focal point of the green is a gazebo that hosts a series of concerts during the summer season.

This initiative is part of a broader program that delivers approximately 20 live performances to various public venues throughout Southbury from late June to early September. Notably, all of these concerts are free and accessible to the public.

4. Shepaug Eagle Observation Area

Lake Lillinonah, the second largest lake in Connecticut, was formed in 1955 due to the construction of the Shepaug Dam by the Connecticut Light and Power Company.

A favorable outcome of this project is the establishment of the dam as a vital nesting and feeding location for eagles and hawks.

A key factor is that the water flow beneath the dam prevents ice formation, providing these majestic raptors with easy access to their prey.

The current proprietor of the dam, FirstLight Power Resources, encourages public use of its recently enhanced observation area, which is equipped with spotting scopes and binoculars.

The platform is operational from December to March on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Reservations were necessary while compiling this list, but the process was straightforward.

5. Glebe House Museum & Garden

In Woodbury, visitors can explore a remarkable Georgian structure built around 1740, which is open to the public from May to mid-October.

The house features a five-bay main facade adorned with a distinctive gambrel roof, which slopes down to the first floor at the rear, showcasing a blend of gambrel and saltbox styles. Above the main entrance, a corniced entablature and a transom window can be observed.

One of its most significant features is the original kitchen fireplace, which is reputedly among the largest in the state.

Glebe House played a pivotal role in 1783, as it was the site of the first Episcopal election in the United States.

By the 1920s, the building had deteriorated, but restoration was conducted under the guidance of Henry Watson Kent, the Secretary of New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art.

He commissioned the renowned English designer Gertrude Jekyll to design the gardens, which stand as the last surviving work of her design in the United States.

The house and gardens are accessible for guided tours from Wednesday to Sunday, between 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM.

6. Larkin State Park Trail

At Kettletown Road in Southbury, one finds the eastern trailhead of this path, which extends over 10 miles and traverses four distinct towns.

The Larkin State Park Trail follows the former roadbed of a western extension of the New York and New England Railroad, which operated from 1881 until 1939.

Upon the line’s abandonment, Dr. Charles L. Larkin acquired ten miles and donated it to the state as a bridleway.

This trail is open year-round for riding, walking, or skiing activities. While walking along this path, I found myself contemplating the challenges faced by the railroad builders as the trail meanders through swamps and rocky ravines, carved out 140 years ago by steam drills.

7. Audubon Center Bent of the River

This expansive 700-acre preserve is managed by the National Audubon Society.

During the conveyance of the land, the former owner, Althea Clark, stipulated that it must be maintained in a state of “mild wilderness.”

The Bent of the River preserve features grasslands, scrub, forests, and wetlands, interspersed with the Pomperaug River.

A few historic structures, including a 19th-century barn used for educational displays regarding the landscape and ecology, can be found within the preserve.

Visitors can walk the trails and participate in an array of conservation-themed programs throughout the year, such as birdwatching walks and river safari tours.

8. George C. Waldo State Park

Located on the eastern bank of Lake Lillinonah, this 150-acre park features an undeveloped, hilly landscape accessible throughout the year at no cost.

The trail, measuring approximately three-quarters of a mile in length, meanders through wetlands and woodlands with a mix of coniferous and deciduous trees.

The trail presents an enjoyable challenge, with an elevation change of about 160 feet along its course. The park accommodates hiking, horseback riding, and fishing.

Mountain bikers frequent George C. Waldo State Park for its 4.5 miles of well-established singletrack across five interconnected trails, featuring log and rock features.

9. Southbury Farmers’ Market

Southbury hosts a small yet vibrant Farmers’ Market, located under the flagpole in front of the Town Hall every Thursday afternoon from mid-June to mid-November.

The advantage of shopping at a producer-only market lies in supporting the local economy and small businesses.

Visitors can expect high-quality produce, eggs, baked goods, natural cosmetics, flowers, olive oil, along with jams and jellies crafted by local artisans.

During my visit, I noticed various prepared foods on offer, including organic ice pops and wood-fired pizza.

10. Quassy Amusement Park & Water Park

Located less than 15 minutes from Southbury, Quassy Amusement Park is a fully developed amusement destination that has been operating for over a century.

Established in 1908 as a trolley park on the route from Waterbury to Woodbury, Quassy is one of the few remaining attractions of this nature in the United States.

However, the park offers much more than a historical perspective. The Wooden Warrior roller coaster continues to rank among America’s finest wooden coasters according to Amusement Today.

Quassy features around 40 rides and attractions, many designed for younger guests.

Splash Away Bay, the park’s water park, includes slides suitable for guests of all ages. The children particularly enjoyed Saturation Station, which features a 300-gallon tilting bucket that drenches the crowds below.

11. Settlers Park

Located at the heart of Southbury, Settlers Park is an excellent space for various outdoor activities.

The park spans nearly 70 acres, featuring fields for soccer, baseball, softball, and lacrosse, as well as an expansive playground for children to enjoy.

For more relaxed recreation, there is a walking trail that encircles the sports facilities. Additionally, Southbury’s community gardens, a gazebo, restrooms, and a picnic area are available for quieter pursuits. During my visit on a sunny summer’s day, I spent an hour by the gazebo enjoying a book.

Licensed anglers can fish along the banks of the Pomperaug River, which borders the park.

12. Black Hog Brewing Co.

Expertly crafted beers are readily accessible in Southbury, with Black Hog Brewing Co. located just minutes away in Oxford.

The brewery focuses on a core lineup of year-round beers, including hoppy IPAs (BHB and Hazy Ale), Vienna Lager, Granola Brown Ale, and Hog Lager Pilsner.

Furthermore, they offer a variety of seasonal and specialty brews, ensuring there is always something new to explore.

Black Hog is open from Thursday to Sunday and hosts a full events calendar featuring painting sessions, art exhibitions, trivia nights, and live comedy performances.

A food truck is typically parked outside, particularly on weekends. During my visit, the grilled cheese offered was exceptional.

13. Walker Road Vineyards

Operated from a picturesque 150-year-old barn, Walker Road Vineyards specializes in wine crafted from a blend of locally-grown grapes.

The tasting room is open on weekends from May to December and features a newly unveiled deck as of 2019. Weather permitting, visitors can bring a bottle of Walker Road wine up the hill for a picnic amidst the vines.

In keeping with European traditions, Walker Road’s wines are primarily created from a blend of red and white grapes cultivated on the property, including varietals such as Cabernet Franc, Saint-Croix, Sangiovese, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Seyval Blanc, and Traminette.

The only single varietal wine in Walker Road’s selection is the dry red Marquette. These wines are available at liquor stores in and around Southbury, Woodbury, and Middlebury.

Visitors should check the calendar for upcoming events and activities, such as yoga and pilates classes in this idyllic setting.

14. Pomperaug Golf Club

Set against a lush backdrop, Pomperaug Golf Club is a public daily fee course featuring a nine-hole par 35 layout designed to challenge players’ precision as they navigate numerous sand traps and water hazards.

Designed by Ted Manning, the course opened in 1971, featuring a slope rating of 115 and a maximum distance of 2,750 yards from the longest tees.

As previously mentioned, water hazards pose a continual challenge on this course, complementing several difficult par 3s. The layout also incorporates challenging doglegs that prompt strategic thinking. It is advisable to play later in the season, as conditions may be inconsistent during spring.

15. Southbury Public Library

The Southbury Public Library serves as a point of pride within the community, exemplifying its central role. The new facility, which opened in 2006 at a cost of $6 million, marks the first public building constructed in the town in three decades.

With 32,000 square feet spread over two floors, the library houses an impressive collection of 90,000 books.

Additionally, it offers meeting rooms, a comprehensive media library, audiobooks, public computers, a coffee bar, a cozy fireplace, and an outdoor patio.

Programs are available for children, teens, and adults, including classes, storytimes, guest speaker talks, movie screenings (Wednesdays for adults), book clubs, and more.

For those seeking a quiet space for work or study, free Wi-Fi is available throughout the library.

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