Top 15 Attractions and Activities in North Haven, CT

Summary

Quinnipiac River State Park
Peter’s Rock Park
North Haven Town Green
New Haven
Sleeping Giant State Park
Ireland’s Great Hunger Museum
Wharton Brook State Park
Apizza
East Rock Park
North Haven Historical Society
Rosabianca Vineyards
Pardee Rose Gardens
Foxon Park Beverages
Cinemark North Haven and XD
John Grover Wyman Park

Just before the Quinnipiac River flows into New Haven Harbor, it curves through the town of North Haven.

While New Haven and Yale University may capture your attention in North Haven, the town possesses a distinct historical narrative, which can be observed on the 300-year-old Town Green and at the North Haven Historical Society.

The ancient Metacomet Ridge, estimated to be over 200 million years old, also traverses North Haven.

Over time, the adjacent landscape has been worn down, leaving behind the prominent cliffs of Peter’s Rock, East Rock, and the Sleeping Giant. Consequently, there are excellent hiking opportunities available in and around the town.

Furthermore, being in Greater New Haven, sampling the local “apizza” and a bottle of Foxon Park soda is highly recommended.

1. Quinnipiac River State Park

The Quinnipiac River flows through Connecticut over a distance of 38 miles, originating in Plainville and terminating at New Haven Harbor.

In North Haven, a six-mile winding segment of the river is safeguarded by the 320-acre Quinnipiac River State Park.

Visitors can hike along the river’s forested floodplain, where sightings of deer, wild turkeys, great blue herons, owls, ospreys, otters, and the occasional bald eagle are common. I particularly appreciate the remnants of historical industry along the riverbank.

Due to the floodplain’s characteristics, the forest floor may be muddy during winter and spring.

The park features four miles of the Quinnipiac Trail, a 24-mile Blue-Blazed hiking path that begins in Prospect and concludes in North Haven at Banton Street.

2. Peter’s Rock Park

A significant natural symbol for North Haven is the 375-foot basalt peak known as Peter’s Rock.

This peak is part of the expansive basalt fault known as the Metacomet Ridge, which begins nearby at Long Island South and extends north for 100 miles to the Massachusetts-Vermont border.

Like many summits along the 200-million-year-old Metacomet Ridge, Peter’s Rock features sheer cliffs offering breathtaking views.

The panoramas include Long Island Sound, New Haven Harbor, the Quinnipiac River Estuary, and the Pearl Harbor Memorial Bridge. For the clearest visibility, winter is the best time to visit, although the fall foliage presents its own allure.

The peak measures approximately three-quarters of a mile long and a quarter of a mile wide, providing a satisfying workout.

The trails at Peter’s Rock Park are maintained by volunteers from the Peter’s Rock Association and are primarily accessible from Middletown Avenue.

3. North Haven Town Green

Just as it was 300 years ago, the daily life of North Haven revolves around this gently sloping grassy area adorned with mature trees at the heart of the town.

The Old Center Cemetery, located here, is home to North Haven’s first Meeting House and features headstones dating back to the period between 1723 and 1882. I find the memento mori motifs on the older graves particularly captivating.

The green also encompasses monuments commemorating the Civil War, World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and the events of September 11. The Civil War’s 32-pounder Rodman Gun prominently sits on a Quincy granite plinth in the southwestern corner.

On the green’s western edge stands the Town Hall, designed by local architect Solomon Linsley in the 1880s. In the northeastern corner is St John’s Episcopal Church, which has been in its current form since the 1830s.

4. New Haven

The first planned city in the United States and the home of Yale University is conveniently located near North Haven and should be included in your itinerary.

Yale University plays a significant role in the city’s economy, architecture, and cultural landscape.

The university houses exceptional institutions such as the Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History, the Yale University Art Gallery, and the Yale Center for British Art.

A visit to the central campus allows an inside look at the Beinecke Rare Book & Manuscript Library, which is home to priceless printed works, including one of the 49 surviving Gutenberg Bibles.

Moreover, Yale injects New Haven with a youthful vibrancy, especially apparent on streets such as Howe Street, Chapel Street, and Crown Street. Here you can find a diverse array of dining options, ranging from falafel to pad thai.

5. Sleeping Giant State Park

North Haven’s northern boundary features a distinctive formation on the landscape known as the Sleeping Giant. This basalt landform extends 2.75 miles long and 1.75 miles wide.

The rock formation resembles a giant lying on its back, where the head, chin, chest, hip, knee, and feet are discernible.

The highest point, located at the left hip, reaches an elevation of 740 feet and is crowned by a stone observation tower. I admire this castle-like structure, which was built by the Works Progress Administration during the Great Depression.

Similar to other peaks on the Metacomet Ridge, the Sleeping Giant hosts unique microclimates that sustain plant species not typically found in Connecticut.

Noteworthy are the rare oak savannas situated on the dry and warm upper ridge, which support chestnut oaks and eastern red cedars on the arid cliffs.

6. Ireland’s Great Hunger Museum

Located nearby Quinnipiac University, this museum chronicles the Irish Famine/Great Hunger that occurred from 1845 to 1852.

The museum has assembled an extensive collection of artifacts, artwork, and literature pertinent to the famine.

Exhibits explore the economic, social, political, and historical factors behind this pivotal event in 19th-century history, while also elucidating the enduring consequences.

In addition to contemporary works by artists such as James Brennan, James Arthur O’Connor, and Daniel Macdonald, the museum displays historic pieces by renowned figures such as Jack B. Yeats, Alanna O’Kelly, Robert Ballagh, Brian Maguire, Rowan Gillespie, and Éamonn O’Doherty.

I found it particularly intriguing that this museum houses the world’s largest collection of art related to this tragedy.

7. Wharton Brook State Park

Partially located in North Haven and Wallingford, this century-old park has a fascinating history, having initially served as a rest stop for early motorists.

Wharton Brook State Park is characterized by wooded sandy knolls, with the majority of attention centered on the 96-acre Allen Brook Pond, which is stocked with trout and is inviting for swimming during the warmer seasons. Walking through the area, I was enamored by the picturesque views of the shores during autumn.

Along the water, visitors can find picnic tables and pavilions with grills available on a first-come, first-served basis.

An interesting historical note is that in 2018, the park was struck by an unforeseen tornado, which damaged the woodlands and disrupted the trails.

8. Apizza

Greater New Haven is celebrated for its Italian-American heritage, which has led to the emergence of a distinctive style of pizza.

Apizza shares several characteristics with authentic Neapolitan pizza, particularly in its thin crust and the high-temperature baking in coal-fired ovens.

A unique aspect of New Haven-style pizza is that a “plain” pizza consists solely of tomato, oregano, and a light sprinkling of pecorino romano. To have mozzarella added, it generally must be requested.

Additionally, genuine apizza is offered whole, not as individual slices.

A locally esteemed establishment is Grand Apizza North, situated at 448 Washington Avenue. This venue offers a selection of local craft beers and Foxon Park Soda, known for its use of raw cane sugar sourced from East Haven.

Other notable mentions include Inferno Apizza (411 Universal Dr N) and Olde World Apizza (1957 Whitney Ave).

9. East Rock Park

New Haven’s renowned park is located just beyond the southwestern edge of North Haven. It derives its name from a 200-million-year-old basalt peak that rises 330 feet near the southern end of the Metacomet Ridge.

At the summit of East Rock stands the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument, erected in 1887, offering expansive views of New Haven, Long Island Sound, and Long Island.

The park comprises a network of nature trails, many of which traverse the ridge, guiding visitors through landscapes designed by Donald Grant Mitchell and the Olmsted Brothers over a century ago.

Activities such as snowshoeing and cross-country skiing are available in winter, while the Mill River is ideal for kayaking in the summer months.

10. North Haven Historical Society

Situated near the Town Green on Broadway, the North Haven Historical Society is housed in the North Haven Cultural Center (1938).

This distinguished Georgian Revival building originally served as the town library. The Historical Society currently shares its space with the North Haven Art Guild and Studio 27 Gallery.

You can explore the collection on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons to learn about the town’s history. The exhibits feature an array of artifacts dating from prehistory to the mid-20th century.

Among the collection, I observed architectural elements, furniture, maps, books, portraits, photographs, china, cooking utensils, period costumes, agricultural tools, and antique toys.

Make sure to review the calendar for seasonal events, including a delightful open house during the Christmas season.

11. Rosabianca Vineyards

This charming, family-run vineyard is located just five minutes east of North Haven in Northford. There is a plethora of activities available at Rosabianca Vineyards, especially during the summer months.

Offering a range of dry to sweet wines, the winery produces Italian-style varietals and blends from grapes such as Pinot Grigio, Muscat, Dolcetto, Sangiovese, and Primitivo.

The winery is open from Friday to Sunday, and visitors can participate in tastings featuring five selected wines.

It is advisable to check Rosabianca’s calendar, as events frequently occur on weekends, including food trucks, painting and sipping events, yoga sessions, or live comedy performances.

12. Pardee Rose Gardens

From April to October, this stunning free garden located on the east slope of East Rock in Hamden features over 50 different varieties of roses.

This two-acre garden was established in 1922 as a gift from William Scranton Pardee, a descendant of the Morris family, which has connections to the New Haven area dating back to the 17th century.

The garden is equipped with a greenhouse and visitor center, both of which are inviting to explore. One of the most picturesque features is the arbor, which serves as a popular backdrop for wedding photographs.

13. Foxon Park Beverages

A short distance south of Peter’s Rock Park is the headquarters of a soft drink company that dominates the local market.

Founded in 1922, Foxon Park Beverages is a nostalgic company that prides itself on using natural cane sugar instead of corn syrup, which is a significant benefit.

The beverages are packaged in traditional bottles with caps, which many aficionados find preferable.

Foxon Park offers 17 different flavors, including conventional offerings such as Kola, Root Beer, Orange, Cream, and Grape, as well as some unique options like wintergreen White Birch.

Visitors can obtain products at their location at 103 Foxon Park Blvd, from Monday to Saturday.

14. Cinemark North Haven and XD

Following renovations in the 2010s, the Cinemark multiplex in southern North Haven is, in my opinion, the finest in the Greater New Haven region.

Patrons can expect a sleek design, exceptional sound quality, and outstanding concessions with a self-service station.

The auditoriums offer spacious and comfortable reclining seats, accommodating even taller individuals as they relax and enjoy the film.

Additionally, visitors may purchase coffee from Starbucks, pizza from Pizza Hut, or even a glass of wine or beer.

15. John Grover Wyman Park

It is reasonable to conclude that children in North Haven will be captivated by the playscape at this community park.

The equipment at John Grover Wyman Park is primarily constructed from wood and features an intricate design of bridges, platforms, and small towers to explore, alongside swings, slides, and a sandbox.

In the summer months, an ice cream truck consistently stops by.

For older visitors seeking exercise, the park offers a bike path and a softball field. Additionally, there are numerous picnic benches available in shaded areas, and the facilities are well-lit for evening use.

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