Summary
Killingly is a municipality located in the serene eastern region of Connecticut, characterized by its picturesque ponds and woodlands, which once thrived with industrial activity.
The brooks cascading through Killingly provided power to ironworks and textile factories, and visitors can explore the locations where these industries flourished, now preserved in state and town parks.
In the borough of Danielson, there exists a historic district on Main Street, showcasing imposing commercial edifices from the 19th and early 20th centuries, remnants of an era when Killingly was among the most industrious communities in the state.
Let’s examine the top attractions in and around Killingly:
1. Old Furnace State Park
As suggested by its name, this scenic state park has a rich industrial heritage, formerly serving as the site of an iron furnace.
In the 18th century, streams and rivers across New England were harnessed for milling purposes.
During the Revolutionary War, horseshoes were crafted at this location for the Continental Army, utilizing local resources, including iron ore sourced from Eastern Connecticut swamps and charcoal from the ancient forests of New England.
Currently, the three-mile Blue-Blazed Old Furnace Trail meanders through this area, starting from the parking lot off Route 6 at the northern terminus.
This route presents an opportunity to observe two man-made ponds and ascends to a rocky overlook at 61 meters, offering views of Lower Ross Pond and a portion of Rhode Island.
2. Black Pond Brews
This craft brewery, situated in a brick and clapboard structure, embodies a boutique experience.
Black Pond Brews produces a diverse range of beers, frequently infused with innovative touches.
Bare Branches is a German-style lager enhanced with maple syrup, Sun Gate is a Porter brewed with Peruvian coffee, and the Saison, Machu Picchu, derives its distinctive flavor from real jalapeños.
The intimate, unpretentious taproom features eight rotating beers on tap.
It operates from Thursday to Monday, hosting trivia nights on Mondays, open songwriting sessions every third Saturday of the month, and other engaging activities such as video game tournaments and a German-themed Oktoberfest in the fall.
3. Danielson Main Street Historic District
In the late 19th century, Danielson in Killingly emerged as one of the most active communities in eastern Connecticut, propelled by a textile industry that was expanded across the nation through the advent of railroads.
The Danielson Main Street Historic District offers a glimpse into that era, encompassing 20 acres and featuring 40 structures, most of which were constructed between 1850 and 1920. These include primarily commercial buildings along with civic and religious monuments, showcasing architectural styles from Italianate (1870s) to Romanesque Revival (1890s), Colonial Revival (1900s), and Commercial Style (1920s). While walking, observe notable landmarks such as Killingly Town Hall (1876), the Attawaugan Hotel (1856), the Cyr Block (1893), the Evans Block (1878), the Danielson Fire Station (1908), and the Bugbee Memorial Library (1901).
4. Cat Hollow Town Park
Opened in 2003, Killingly’s newest park is a cherished location for strolls through dense mixed woodlands along the banks of the swiftly flowing Whetstone Brook.
Since the area’s European settlement, the brook has been instrumental in industrial activities, and Cat Hollow Park encompasses the remains of two historical mills.
The Sayles and Sabin Mill transitioned from sawmilling to textile production in the mid-19th century, whereas the Killingly Worsted Mill, established in the 1860s, was redesigned for fine cashmere production in 1889. Remnants of this mill persist in the form of a pond, dam, and waterfall.
5. Logee’s Greenhouses
Logee’s Greenhouses can be described as a botanical garden, where the vast majority of the plants are available for sale.
The establishment comprises six remarkable greenhouses and a retail shop, having been operational since 1892, and is home to some plants that have been cultivated since before that date.
Within the Lemon Tree House, visitors will encounter the “Ponderosa” lemon tree, which has been nurturing produces since 1900, yielding lemons as large as grapefruits.
The Big House features an orange tree, cultivated for 150 years with ten distinct grafts.
Additionally, this area is home to geraniums, camellias, succulents, and cacti.
In the Long House, patrons will find blooming begonias of various types, while the Herb House boasts an array of medicinal and culinary plants. The Fern House, dating back to the inception of the company in 1892, remains a significant attraction.
6. Owen Bell Park
Owen Bell Park, situated in Dayville, has recently undergone renovations to provide a plethora of outdoor activities suitable for all age groups.
The park features a meandering walking trail, a soccer field, a skatepark, a baseball field, tennis courts, basketball courts, picnic areas, and playgrounds designed for various age categories.
During warm summer days, a splash pad with an assortment of fountains and sprays offers added enjoyment for children.
Moreover, the community of Dayville and neighboring areas congregate at Owen Bell Park for a Fourth of July fireworks display, complete with musical accompaniment.
7. Quinebaug Lake State Park
This 181-acre park is popular for its lake, which encompasses two-thirds of the area and provides opportunities for non-motorized boating and fishing.
Supplied by a brook of the same name, Quinebaug Lake is a natural body of water that has been expanded with a dam at its outlet.
A boat launch is located at the northern end, along with accessible trails that lead to the water’s edge for fishing enthusiasts.
This lakeshore is designated for bass and catfish management, allowing fishing for both largemouth and smallmouth bass from the second Saturday in April to the end of February.
8. Killingly Pond State Park
Similarly, this state park, which straddles the Connecticut-Rhode Island state line, is predominantly characterized by its expansive 122-acre pond.
The park’s land surrounding the water is limited.
While there is no beach available, visitors often engage in swimming or tubing during the summer months.
Killingly Pond boasts crystal-clear water, attracting anglers throughout the year, including during the winter months for ice fishing.
Engines up to 10 horsepower are permitted, however, there are limitations on bass and pickerel catch (5 maximum, with minimum length requirements of 12 inches and 14 inches respectively).
9. Jerimoth Hill
The highest elevation in the state of Rhode Island is located adjacent to Killingly along Route 101. To illustrate the ease of reaching this summit, it is the lowest high point among all 50 states, with the next highest located in notably flat Illinois.
Jerimoth Hill rises to 247 meters above sea level and has a prominence of only 59 meters.
A brief yet pleasant 480-meter trail through a pine forest leads from the road, ascending a mere three meters to the summit, which is marked with a plaque.
This location is particularly popular with “highpointers,” individuals who strive to reach summits across America and worldwide.
10. Tikkanen’s Berry Farm
This inviting farm, located right on the Connecticut-Rhode Island border, is family-owned and opens during summer weekends for a brief yet lively pick-your-own season.
For a delightful day in the picturesque countryside, guests can select gooseberries, blackcurrants, beach plums, but notably blueberries, which are consistently plump and succulent.
As expected, the availability of berries is contingent upon weather conditions, but details regarding the optimal picking times can be found on the farm’s website.
Typically, the season commences in early July with blackcurrants and continues until beach plums become available around early September.
