Summary
A working community located between New Haven and Hartford, Meriden was a significant manufacturing hub during the 19th and early 20th centuries.
The city became renowned for its silverware and cutlery production, in addition to creating glassware, firearms, musical instruments, and kitchen appliances.
Numerous iconic designs of industrial architecture from this era originated here. Architectural structures from Meriden’s prosperous period can be observed in its grand downtown buildings and stately residences along Broad Street.
Today, however, the city merits attention for the surrounding natural beauty.
The narrow and steep Metacomet Ridge traverses through Meriden, representing a remarkable basalt fault that stretches from Long Island Sound to the Massachusetts-Vermont border, extending approximately 100 miles northward.
This ridge offers breathtaking scenery characterized by impressive rock walls, unique microclimates, and rare plant species. To many, it serves as a spectacular natural playground, providing stunning vistas from the cliff tops.
Let us delve into the top attractions in Meriden:
1. Hubbard Park
Source: Ritu Manoj Jethani / shutterstockWalter Hubbard, president of Meriden’s Bradley & Hubbard Manufacturing Company, generously contributed most of the land for this beautiful park at the turn of the 20th century, stipulating it remained open to the public.
Hubbard Park spans over 1,800 acres of the Hanging Hills, a basalt sub-range of the linear Metacomet Ridge.
Frederick Law Olmsted, renowned for Central Park, was invited to enhance the landscaping of Hubbard Park. Man-made and natural features harmoniously coalesce within flower gardens, streams, woodlands, and towering cliff faces.
The Metacomet Trail, which will be discussed below, traverses Hubbard Park. Additionally, the bandshell and flower gardens host a series of summer concerts and festivals, which will also be covered later.
2. Castle Craig
Source: The Melillos / shutterstockWalter Hubbard funded the creation of this enchanting observation tower, situated high atop East Peak, rising over 970 feet above sea level.
Constructed in 1900 from local basalt, Castle Craig’s architectural style has given rise to various interpretations regarding its intended inspiration.
Given Walter Hubbard’s extensive travels, Castle Craig could be modeled after numerous different structures. Speculations range from a Norman Tower to an Ottoman defense fortification along the Danube, or, as the name implies, it may mimic a tower located in the village of Craigellachie in Moray, Scotland.
A dedication plaque from 1900 rests at the base of the tower, and conditions permitting, visitors can gaze as far as Long Island and the Berkshires. Notably, the Sleeping Giant Mountain Range outside New Haven also graces the view to the south.
3. Metacomet Trail
Source: kfcasper / FlickrAdventure awaits in Meriden, where access to two renowned Blue-Blazed walking trails is readily available.
The town is located near the southern endpoint of the 62.7-mile Metacomet Trail, which extends north to Suffield via Hubbard Park, traversing a substantial portion of the narrow fault-block of Metacomet Ridge.
This geological formation comprises volcanic basalt that was created during the Triassic/Jurassic period approximately 200 million years ago.
What I appreciate about the Metacomet Trail is its close proximity to many developed areas; it remains seldom more than a few miles away from a public road that provides accommodation or basic amenities.
Nonetheless, the pathway preserves a wild and scenic character, though hikers may encounter brisk winds on the exposed ledges.
4. Mattabesett Trail
Source: Raymond Deleon / shutterstockShould one extended trail not suffice, the 62-mile Mattabesett Trail also passes through Meriden. This path takes a horseshoe-shaped route through New Haven County, featuring state forest, municipal parks, and land trust preserves.
This Blue-Blazed trail connects several of the most picturesque locations on our list, including Powder Ridge Ski Area, Higby Mountain, Chauncey Peak, and Lamentation Mountain.
Along your journey, you will traverse steep ledges, cross brooks and bogs, and enter enchanting hardwood forests adorned with mountain laurel.
The history found along the route is captivating; examples include several colonial-era stagecoach paths, such as the Wadsworth Farm Road, believed to have been traversed by George Washington in 1775 and 1789.
The Mattabesett Trail converges with the Metacomet-Monadnock Trail, together forming the 215-mile New England National Scenic Trail.
5. Historic Downtown Meriden
In the heart of Meriden, the downtown area gives the impression of a neighborhood on the cusp of revitalization. During my visit, I observed a selection of local stores and services.
This environment offers opportunities to enjoy a Jamaican patty or a cup of freshly roasted coffee and perhaps witness an impromptu art exhibition at a local bar.
The city’s historical society has curated a comprehensive self-guided walking tour throughout downtown. This tour includes 18 stops, primarily along East Main Street, encompassing many impressive structures.
I was particularly struck by the architectural beauty of the Masonic Temple (1927), the Meriden Armory (1908), and the Colonial Revival City Hall (1907), which replaced a previous structure that was destroyed by fire in 1904.
6. Higby Mountain
Source: Paul W. Brady / shutterstockAnother striking landform on the Metacomet Ridge, Higby Mountain rises to an elevation exceeding 890 feet, with cliffs that soar 590 feet above the Quinnipiac River valley.
As previously noted, this mountain ridge is traversed by the Mattabesett Trail. Here, the path continues seamlessly along a two-mile ledge, presenting breathtaking views of Meriden.
The Higby Mountain preserve encompasses 158 acres and is accessible from dawn until dusk. If one travels from downtown Meriden, a trailhead and parking area can be found just off Connecticut Route 66, approximately 1.5 miles outside the city.
Fishing and boating activities are permitted within the Black Pond State Wildlife Area, located on the southern side of Route 66.
7. Quinnipiac River Gorge Trail
Source: S.Cauffman / FlickrFormerly disused rail beds around Meriden are being transformed into elongated trails as part of an initiative to recharacterize the area as a vibrant, nature-rich community.
At the time of writing, six trails have been established, the most picturesque being a 1.3-mile segment of the Meriden & Waterbury Railroad, built in 1888 along the scenic Quinnipiac River Gorge.
This rail line experienced minimal traffic and was officially closed in 1966. You can access the trail at the west bank of Hanover Pond and enjoy a leisurely hour or two exploring the flat, paved terrain through this scenic gorge.
Hanover Pond dates back to 1855 and was formed when a dam was constructed to fuel a factory for the Meriden Cutlery Company.
The Hanover Pond Linear Trail extends just under a mile, starting from the north bank of the pond and proceeding along Sodom Brook to Orville H. Platt High School.
8. Solomon Goffe House
Source: Turover (talk) Ben Turover / WikimediaThe oldest structure in Meriden stands at 677 North Colony Street, where it has been since 1711. The building features eight bays and five dormers facing the street, boasting a wooden frame with a gambrel roof and clapboard siding.
Very little information is available about its original builder, Solomon Goffe, however, the building has been meticulously restored to reflect its early 18th-century appearance. An inviting herb garden representative of the period is also located outside.
I recommend seizing the opportunity for a tour inside. These tours take place on the second Sunday of each month from April to November and are accompanied by special activities, such as Strawberry Day in June and an apple festival in October.
9. Giuffrida Park
Source: Emily Szymaszek / shutterstockThis park, situated to the northwest of Higby Mountain, offers access to the western side of the 690-foot Chauncey Peak, another basalt formation, with the eastern side being an operational quarry.
Chauncey Peak, located on the Mattabesett Trail, dominates Meriden’s eastern skyline, and the cliffs facing the city rise 300 feet above the Bradley Hubbard Reservoir.
The alkalinity of the soil at the base of the cliffs nurtures flora that is uncommon in New England’s typically acidic environment.
Visitors to the sprawling 600-acre Giuffrida Park partake in activities such as hiking, cycling, picnicking, and cross-country skiing during winter.
The long ridgeline of Lamentation Mountain, also integrated within the park, connects through the Mattabesett Trail. This location derives its name from a 1636 incident involving a member of the Wethersfield Colony who was discovered lost after three days.
10. Powder Ridge
Source: Powder Ridge Park / facebookThe peak located immediately south of Higby Mountain on the Metacomet Ridge is the 850-foot Besek Mountain, home to Powder Ridge Mountain Park & Resort.
This resort reopened in 2013 following the closure of its predecessor six years prior, offering a total skiable area of 80 acres divided among 19 slopes. In addition to skiing, facilities for snowboarding, freestyle skiing, and snow-tubing are available.
During the summer, Powder Ridge transforms into an active sports hub, featuring a zip-line park. Furthermore, rentals for mountain-biking, disc golf, tubing, synthetic skiing, and snowboarding are available.
The resort hosts numerous events throughout the year, including a popular beer and music festival held at the end of July that attracts around 30 breweries.
11. Hunter Golf Club
Source: Hunter Memorial Golf Club / facebookRecognized as one of the top ten public golf courses in Connecticut, Hunter Golf Club is a well-maintained 18-hole par 72 course. The front nine is particularly challenging due to its narrow fairways and a dogleg on the third fairway.
Later, accurate shots are essential on the 11th hole, where the green is flanked on three sides by water hazards. On my most recent visit, I found the entire course to be in excellent condition.
To conclude a day out, enjoy a delightful Italian meal at Violi’s Restaurant located on the course.
12. Meriden Green
Source: Appreciate and Save the Meriden Connecticut Green / facebookWhat was once a 14-acre expanse of contaminated commercial and industrial land at the former “Hub” site has transformed into Meriden Green, a lush park situated directly in the center of Meriden beside the Amtrak station.
After nearly a decade of planning and construction, the park debuted in 2016 at a cost of $14 million.
This community space features a pedestrian bridge spanning a stream, alongside meandering trails that lead through well-maintained lawns and newly planted trees. In my view, it represents an outstanding public asset on the cusp of a rapidly changing downtown area.
On the eastern side, an amphitheater hosts public concerts, while a drivable turf area accommodates a weekly farmers’ market during the warmer months (June-October) and welcomes a fleet of food trucks throughout the year.
13. Farmer Joe’s Gardens
Source: Farmer Joe’s Gardens LLC / facebookThis local farm stand supports the Meriden community through weekly baskets as part of a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program. For visitors passing through, there’s an excellent standalone store featuring ultra-fresh seasonal produce and other provisions.
During my visit, I encountered honey, premium cuts of meat, pickles, preserves, herbs, flowers, homemade pies, eggs, and organic milk (including chocolate and strawberry variants).
The store also offers hand-crafted Adirondack chairs, and on Wednesdays and Thursdays, a food truck serves meals made from the farm’s own produce.
Families with children will find a delightful opportunity to meet barnyard animals in the area behind the store.
14. Wadsworth Falls State Park
Source: Jennifer Yakey-Ault / shutterstockA brief 15-minute drive from Meriden leads to a different form of natural beauty at a state park featuring two stunning waterfalls within its boundaries.
Wadsworth Big Falls and Wadsworth Little Falls are both readily accessible via well-maintained trails.
On the 50-foot-wide expanse of the Coginchaug River, Wadsworth Big Falls cascades over a 30-foot basalt ledge.
Wadsworth Little Falls, while smaller, boasts a higher drop of 40 feet down a sandstone incline, located along Wadsworth Brook.
Both falls are framed by dense forests, with numerous trails available for hiking and mountain biking. During the summer months, a beach with lifeguards offers a safe swimming option.
This park is situated on the previous site of Long Hill Estate, once owned by conservationist and New York National Guard member Colonel Clarence C. Wadsworth (1871-1941). During my visit, I observed Wadsworth’s Classical Revival mansion (1911), located just east of the park, which is available for weddings.
15. Meriden Daffodil Festival
This delightful family-oriented event has been a staple in the local calendar since 1978. Typically held in April or May, the Meriden Daffodil Festival coincides with the blooming of daffodils at Hubbard Park.
Conveniently serviced by shuttle buses, the festival features numerous activities throughout the park over two days. Attendees can enjoy a multitude of arts & crafts vendors, children’s rides, a business expo, and a parade.
I was impressed by the exceptional quality and variety of offerings at the food tent, featuring everything from Philly cheesesteaks to Belgian waffles. Meanwhile, live entertainment runs throughout the day, showcasing local musical talent from Connecticut.
