Top 15 Must-See Attractions in New Britain, CT

New Britain, once referred to as the “Hardware Capital of the World,” is currently the global headquarters for the tool manufacturer Stanley Black & Decker.

The predecessor of this company originated here as the Stanley Works in 1843. Furthermore, it is noteworthy that New Britain is recognized as the birthplace of the wire coat hanger.

This city, with a population of 73,000, offers a variety of attractions including a significant Polish-American community, an Olmsted-designed park, the sophisticated New Britain Museum of American Art, and the local New Britain Bees baseball team, competing in the Atlantic League.

A short drive will lead you to the picturesque rural areas of Connecticut, adorned with protected natural spaces and farms that welcome visitors for seasonal apple-picking in the fall.

Let’s delve into the top attractions in New Britain:

1. New Britain Museum of American Art (NBMAA)

Source: New Britain Museum Of American Art / facebook

Upon its inauguration in 1903, this museum became the first in the United States to focus exclusively on American Art. Over the years, the permanent collection has expanded to over 8,300 artworks.

The collection includes colonial and federal portraits by artists such as John Trumbull, John Smibert, John Singleton Copley, and Mather Brown. It also features 19th-century still lifes, works from the Hudson River School, American Impressionists, and the AshCan School.

Noteworthy 20th-century contributors include Georgia O’Keeffe and Thomas Hart Benton, with his notable mural series “The Arts of Life in America.” The NBMAA is also curating a growing collection of post-contemporary art, showcasing artists such as Stephanie Deshpande, Richard T. Scott, and Patricia Watwood.

I had the opportunity to visit during Illuminations, a remarkable installation series by Pakistani-American artist Anila Quayyum Agha.

2. Walnut Hill Park

Source: Jennifer Yakey-Ault / shutterstock

A historic site listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Walnut Hill Park was designed by the renowned Frederick Law Olmsted in the 1860s, predating his famous Central Park project.

The park encompasses nearly 100 acres, featuring clusters of mature trees and expansive lawns, all situated on a previously barren hillside that ascends to the east.

Atop a formally landscaped plateau stands a nine-foot Art Deco obelisk, commemorating New Britain’s World War I soldiers.

Accompanying the monument are a fountain, a pergola, and a picturesque rose garden, making it an enchanting location for sunset views.

Additionally, the Darius Miller Bandshell offers concerts on Monday and Wednesday evenings throughout July and August, making it a favorite summer destination in New Britain.

3. New Britain Downtown District

For enthusiasts of grand historic architecture, New Britain’s downtown area is ideal for exploration on foot. It can be said that many structures owe their existence to the city’s manufacturing history.

A prominent highlight is the City Hall Complex (1885), which features a beautifully restored Italianate former hotel.

Moreover, noteworthy efforts have been directed toward the revitalization of the downtown area over the years. Recent projects aim to enhance the streetscape, promoting walkability.

Currently, the district is a vibrant place for dining and entertainment, offering a diverse array of cuisines, from Thai and fast-food classics to Puerto Rican fare and ice cream. Capitol Lunch (510 Main St) has been a mainstay hot dog establishment since the 1920s.

4. Little Poland Festival

Located north of downtown, the lively commercial district along Broad Street has been officially designated as Little Poland since the 2000s, featuring over 100 small businesses, including bakeries, galleries, and restaurants.

The history of New Britain’s Polish community extends back to the early 20th century and is celebrated annually every June through a unique street festival. Now in its second decade, the Little Poland Festival attracts up to 40,000 attendees along Broad Street.

During my visit, I experienced folk dancing, arts and crafts vendors, costumed characters, carnival rides, and an array of authentic Polish dishes, such as pierogis and kielbasa.

5. New Britain Stadium

Source: Dougtone / Flickr

The New Britain Bees, established in 2015, participate in the Futures Collegiate Baseball League, which comprises eight teams across New England.

The Bees play their home games at the New Britain Stadium, which has a seating capacity of 6,146. They took over the location from the now-defunct Minor League team, the New Britain Rock Cats (1983-2015), which relocated to Hartford.

The Bees have built a strong community following, and baseball aficionados can expect to witness emerging talents aiming for the major leagues.

No seat in the stadium offers a poor view; patrons can enjoy local Alvarium Beer at the “Rooftop Beehive,” and there is a play area for younger attendees.

I also recommend checking the schedule for regular food truck festivals held in the parking lot.

6. New Britain Industrial Museum

Source: new Britain Industrial Museum / facebook

Although compact, the New Britain Industrial Museum provides a valuable insight into the city’s manufacturing legacy. The exhibits reflect the period when New Britain was recognized as the “Hardware Capital of the World” in the early 20th century.

Prominent hardware manufacturers, including The Stanley Works (currently Stanley Black & Decker), Landers, Frary & Clark (LF&C), the P&F Corbin Company (later known as Corbin Locks), and North & Judd were all based in New Britain.

The museum is open from Wednesday to Saturday and features collections from these notable companies. My visit was fascinating, exploring a vast array of locally-relevant hardware items.

Displayed items include planes, antique locks, hinges, vintage signage, scales, coffee pots, meat grinders, an alcohol stove, along with an extensive collection of photographs and documentation.

7. Alvarium Beer Company

Source: Alvarium Beer Co. / facebook

Situated in New Britain’s industrial sector, this brewery and taproom maintains extended hours from Wednesday to Sunday.

A diverse selection of New England IPAs, coffee stout, Mexican lager, fruited sour, brown ale, and several robust Russian imperial stouts are available on draft.

Inside the taproom, the ambiance exudes comfort, featuring handcrafted elements by Alvarium’s dedicated team, including honeycomb lighting and a bar constructed from solid steel I-beams and reclaimed red oak.

The establishment also boasts an outdoor patio, foosball and shuffleboard tables, and an exceptional sound system. A rotating selection of food trucks is available outside, complemented by locally made kielbasa—an homage to the city’s Polish heritage.

8. Stanley Quarter Park

Source: jbj / Flickr

This serene expanse of woodlands and water is another excellent choice for leisurely walks or invigorating outdoor exercise. Stanley Quarter Park is conveniently located near the campus of Central Connecticut State University.

The park features a 10-station fitness trail surrounding a lake, along with six tennis courts. Additional amenities include a basketball court, baseball diamond, softball fields, skate park, and two soccer fields.

Younger guests will enjoy the playground and a fishing pond tailored for children. During warm weather, an ice cream truck frequents the area following school hours and remains popular throughout the summer months.

I recommend attending the “Great American Boom”—a spectacular 4th of July fireworks event renowned for being one of the finest fireworks displays in Central Connecticut.

9. Dinosaur State Park & Museum

Source: Dinosaur State Park, Friends / facebook

Located just minutes east of New Britain in Rocky Hill, this site is recognized as one of the largest dinosaur track locations in the United States.

The fossilized tracks, embedded in Jurassic-era sandstone, were formed approximately 200 million years ago.

Approximately 500 tracks are visible inside a geodesic dome, preserved from a carnivorous dinosaur resembling a dilophosaurus.

The dome also houses life-sized dioramas depicting plants and creatures, along with a discovery room showcasing additional tracks from the Connecticut Valley, as well as live exhibits featuring Madagascar hissing cockroaches and lizards.

The surrounding arboretum is equally captivating, containing over 250 species of conifers, complemented by ginkgoes, magnolias, and other plant families that thrived during the age of dinosaurs.

10. Rogers Orchards

Source: Rogers Orchards / facebook

Located nearby in Southington, Connecticut’s largest apple grower, Rogers Orchards, spans 250 acres and cultivates an impressive 20 varieties of apples. The orchard also produces nectarines, apricots, peaches, plums, and pumpkins during the harvest seasons.

The farm has been in operation for eight generations and traces its history back to 1809.

Aside from fresh produce, visitors can purchase an assortment of homemade goods such as honey, syrup, apple-smoked bacon, preserves, cheeses, various baked items (notably cider donuts), and flowers.

From early September to late October, apple-picking is available at Rogers Orchards on Fridays through Sundays, weather permitting.

11. Ragged Mountain

One aspect I appreciate about New Britain is the ease of accessing natural landscapes. This is primarily due to the 100-mile Metacomet Ridge that stretches west of the city.

Ragged Mountain (761 feet) is part of this ridge and, like the remainder of the formation, consists of volcanic basalt. The vistas overlooking the lakes from the cliffs are well worth the trek.

Fortunately, there is a trailhead a mere five minutes from downtown New Britain, located at 437 West Lane in Berlin. To enhance the experience, it is advisable to arrive early in the day, as parking spaces at the trailhead are limited.

12. New Britain Youth Museum at Hungerford Park

Source: New Britain Youth Museum

From the outside, this children’s museum may seem unassuming, but it compensates for its size and technology through charm and creativity.

Featuring a single elongated hall divided into various zones, the New Britain Youth Museum encourages drawing, crafting, and educational play.

Engaging activities include culinary preparation, puppet shows, puzzles, playtime in an ice cream parlor, and storytime sessions.

At the rear of the museum, an indoor terrarium and aviary house reptiles, amphibians, and birds, allowing children to interact with these creatures under the guidance of a knowledgeable handler.

A delightful addition is the outdoor animal barnyard, where children can interact with rabbits, an owl, a cow, geese, a peacock, a llama, and goats. A second location is situated at 30 High Street, which is indoors and devoid of animals.

13. A.W. Stanley Park

Source: SultanKebab FoodTruck / facebook

This beautiful public park recently underwent a comprehensive renovation prior to my visit. A.W. Stanley Park serves as a cherished community space, particularly during summer when families gather at the swimming and wading pools.

Alongside these features, the park includes a fishing pond, two baseball diamonds, a scenic nature trail, a ping pong table, a playground, and picnic areas equipped with grills.

The public Stanley Golf Course is conveniently adjacent, offering 27 holes, a 19-station driving range, a teaching academy, and the Back Nine tavern restaurant.

14. Karabin Farms

Source: Karabin Farms / facebook

This beloved working farm seamlessly transitions through the seasons. Additionally, Karabin Farms produces seasonal delights, including spring flowers, farm-raised meats, maple syrup, apples, pumpkins, vegetables, and Christmas trees, all available for purchase on-site.

For an enjoyable autumn experience, from mid-August to October, visitors can participate in pick-your-own excursions in the apple orchards.

A free wagon ride transports families to the orchards, where they may spot wild turkeys and deer along the way. Varieties of apples available include Zestar, Ginger Gold, Macoun, Yellow Delicious, Gala, Red Delicious, Mutsu, Snow Sweet, among others.

The farm shop offers a variety of meats including bacon, chops, sausages, turkeys, and different beef cuts, ranging from ribeye to filet mignon.

15. Connecticut Theatre Company

Source: Connecticut Theatre Company / facebook

For those who appreciate supporting local arts, the non-profit Connecticut Theatre Company presents an ideal option.

This community theater group performs five productions annually, primarily focusing on Broadway musicals. Notably, Spring Awakening and The Drowsy Chaperone were featured during my last inquiry.

Since 1955, this venue has hosted performances after the acquisition of the Norden Street Lodge, which served as the predecessor for the current organization.

Each production by the Connecticut Theatre Company is a labor of passion, supported by community donations and enthusiastic volunteers.