Top 15 Activities and Attractions in Hamden, CT

Summary

Sleeping Giant State Park
Ireland’s Great Hunger Museum
Edgerton Park
Hamden Town Center Park
Farmington Canal Heritage Trail
No Worries Brewing Company
West Rock Ridge State Park
Eli Whitney Museum
Johnson’s Duckpin Lanes
Hindinger Farm
Sleeping Giant Golf Course
Lake Wintergreen
New Haven
Toyota Oakdale Theatre
Lake Whitney

Even to those unfamiliar, Hamden may already be a familiar name. This northern suburb of New Haven frequently ranks highly on lists of America’s most livable towns.

I am captivated by the strong sense of community in Hamden, easily observed at Town Center Park. It serves as an ideal venue for farmers’ markets, free concerts, open-air movies, and the Independence Day fireworks.

Hamden is often referred to as the “Land of the Sleeping Giant,” a name inspired by a basalt ridge that extends nearly three miles and resembles a reclining giant.

You can explore this remarkable geological formation on foot, as it is closely located to another historic site at West Rock Ridge.

In addition, the rich architectural landscape and museums of New Haven and Yale University are just a short drive away.

1. Sleeping Giant State Park

The natural landmark that gives Hamden its nickname is a basalt fault-block ridge, which formed approximately 200 million years ago.

With a length of 2.75 miles and a width of 1.75 miles, rising to 739 feet, the Sleeping Giant is visible from miles away and offers stunning 270° vistas from its summit.

This geological formation resembles a massive man in repose when viewed from the side. One can easily identify the head, chin, chest, hip, knee, and feet.

The pinnacle is located at the left hip, topped by an observation tower from the Depression era, while the head sits at 650 feet atop a dramatic 400-foot cliff.

On a clear day, climbers can see as far as Shoreham on the opposite shore of Long Island Sound.

The surrounding state park is a sanctuary for hikers, climbers, bird-watchers, and mountain bikers, with designated trails for horseback riding and cross-country skiing.

2. Ireland’s Great Hunger Museum

This museum, part of Quinnipiac University in Hamden, is dedicated to the Irish Great Famine of 1845-1852.

Ireland’s Great Hunger Museum has assembled art, sculptures, artifacts, and literature to educate visitors about this tragic period. It examines social, political, and economic perspectives to elucidate the impact on Ireland, its culture, and its populace.

Since its opening in 2012, it has amassed the largest collection of its kind worldwide. Notably intriguing is its visual interpretation of the famine through the works of contemporary and historic artists.

Featured in the collection are notable Irish artists from the past 170 years, ranging from James Mahony to Lilian Davidson.

3. Edgerton Park

Located at the boundary between Hamden and New Haven, Edgerton Park was once a private estate where two notable residents built their homes.

The first residence was for the son of the renowned inventor Eli Whitney, which was later replaced in 1909 by a Tudor-style mansion constructed by industrialist Frederick F. Brewster.

The name “Edgerton” derives from its location on the edge of town; the house was demolished in 1964, yet its landscaped grounds, dating from 1909, have been preserved.

Edgerton Park is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and maintains its original walls, gatehouse, a bridge from the Brewster estate, and several greenhouses.

Explore the Sarah T. Crosby Conservatory housing orchids, tropical species, and desert landscapes.

For cultural enjoyment during the summer, I recommend attending an outdoor performance by the Elm Shakespeare Company.

4. Hamden Town Center Park

This expansive area, bordered by trees, is not merely a park but a crucial gathering space for various celebrations and events throughout the year.

A highlight of the year is the Independence Day fireworks display, which takes place at Hamden Town Center Park, complemented by numerous events throughout the summer, including outdoor movie screenings and Friday night concerts at the Rotary Pavilion.

The farmers’ market every Thursday from spring through fall is a personal favorite of mine, along with the presence of food trucks during summer evenings.

On days without scheduled events, families can enjoy the playground or picnic on the expansive lawn. In winter, the area transforms into an ideal location for cross-country skiing.

5. Farmington Canal Heritage Trail

Traversing Hamden on its 81.2-mile journey from New Haven to Hampden, Massachusetts, this linear walking trail is situated on the former railbed of the New Haven and Northampton Company railroad.

The trail’s history dates back to the 1820s with the original Farmington Canal, transitioning to a railroad about two decades later. Following the cessation of rail operations in the 1980s, several sections have been converted into accessible trails.

Within Hamden, the Farmington Canal State Park Trail is preserved for hiking, cycling, jogging, and winter cross-country skiing, covering 17 miles of the canal path.

For a rich historical experience, I recommend visiting Lock 12, located just a few miles north in Cheshire. It represents the most intact remnant of canal heritage in Connecticut, situated within the Historical Park of the same name.

6. No Worries Brewing Company

In virtually every Connecticut community, you will find a craft brewery, and the one in Hamden exemplifies the essence of this trend.

No Worries Brewing Company’s taproom features a patio that offers breathtaking views of Hamden’s rolling hills. Regular trivia sessions are organized, alongside board games, cornhole, darts, and a rotation of food trucks from Wednesday to Sunday.

It is essential to mention the brewery’s beers, which are compact but diverse, with fewer than a dozen options available during my visit. The predominant styles include IPAs, Sours, and fruit beers, and I particularly enjoyed the tropical notes of Head in the Clouds (IPA).

7. West Rock Ridge State Park

This park encompasses a seven-mile trap rock mountain range located to the west of Hamden and New Haven. Like the Sleeping Giant, it is part of the Metacomet Ridge, extending from New Haven to the Massachusetts and Vermont border.

As one of the area’s most significant natural features, West Rock Ridge ascends to 690 feet, featuring steep, west-facing cliffs.

The southernmost point on the ridge, known as the South Overlook, provides stunning views of New Haven, New Haven Harbor, and Long Island Sound.

Closer to Hamden, you can overlook the southern Connecticut landscape and towns such as Woodbridge.

I thoroughly enjoyed walking the Regicides Trail, a seven-mile trek featuring blue-blazed routes along the ridge edge.

This trail is named after Edward Whalley and William Goffe, two judges known for their involvement in the execution of Charles I, who fled to the Colonies following the Restoration in 1660. Near the trail’s southern end lies Judges Cave, a rock shelter that served as their refuge.

8. Eli Whitney Museum

This museum, recognized as an experimental learning workshop, is situated on the grounds of the Eli Whitney Gun Factory, established by the renowned inventor in 1798. The factory was pivotal in producing muskets and represented a cornerstone of the American Industrial Revolution.

When Whitney received his first order for 10,000 muskets in June 1798, the factory had yet to be built, and no workforce was in place.

Geared towards children, the museum emphasizes hands-on learning and innovation. Children can create, modify, and test working models of buildings, boats, and gliders.

A variety of experiments related to light, magnetism, gravity, sound, electricity, and energy can be explored here.

I was particularly intrigued by the scale model of Whitney’s historic factory, in addition to an annual exhibition showcasing American Flyer Trains.

9. Johnson’s Duckpin Lanes

For a unique regional experience, I recommend trying duckpin bowling, a variant of tenpin bowling found in New England.

Duckpin bowling utilizes hole-less, handheld balls and shorter, sturdier pins. The challenge lies in the fact that the ball can pass between the pins; however, players do receive three rolls per frame. It is rumored that this was a favorite pastime of Babe Ruth.

For an opportunity to bowl, Johnson’s Duckpin Lanes, located in Hamden Plaza, has been in operation since 1955, featuring 20 lanes along with a game room and snack bar.

10. Hindinger Farm

The Hindinger family has operated this land to the west of Hamden since 1893, now welcoming families to gather farm-fresh produce, enjoy the rural environment, and meet the goats at their newly established pen.

Utilizing Integrated Pest Management, Hindinger Farm minimizes pesticide usage wherever possible. They provide an online ripening calendar detailing when favorite fruits such as peaches and apples are in season.

The market is my preferred source for locally produced goods, including Connecticut maple syrup, fruit preserves, and apple cider.

Try to attend the Strawberry Festival in mid-June, featuring delightful strawberry treats, hayrides, and balloon characters. The harvest culminates in a Fall Festival held in mid-October, complete with live music and offerings from various local vendors.

11. Sleeping Giant Golf Course

This public golf course, offering an economical golfing experience, is ideally situated just west of the town’s renowned natural landmark.

Sleeping Giant Golf Course features nine holes and has operated since 1924; it includes a driving range and practice green. This establishment exudes a relaxed atmosphere that greatly appealed to me, complemented by reasonable green fees.

Despite the course’s flat terrain, it provides dramatic views from the fairways, frequently offering glimpses of the Sleeping Giant and its wooded slopes.

12. Lake Wintergreen

Located within the confines of West Rock Ridge State Park, Lake Wintergreen is just minutes away from the center of Hamden.

While walking the Regicides Trail, several side trails will lead you to the lake’s edge. Lake Wintergreen is primarily untouched by human intervention, offering a serene environment for walks with intriguing elevation variations.

Alternatively, you may opt to relax on a picnic blanket and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

There are ample entry points along the shore for kayaking and canoeing. I highly recommend visiting during the early morning or late evening to witness the stunning sunrises and sunsets.

13. New Haven

Hamden serves as a northern suburb of the historic New Haven, home to Yale University and founded by English Puritans in 1638.

The presence of Yale enriches New Haven’s cultural landscape, featuring the Yale University Art Gallery, the Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History, and the Yale Center for British Art.

All of these esteemed institutions are walkable from one another.

For a closer look at Yale’s storied history and Collegiate Gothic architecture, you can visit the Visitor Center, where student-led tours are available. These tours include the solemn Sterling Memorial Library and the captivating Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library.

This library houses one of the world’s foremost collections, including one of only 49 existing copies of the Gutenberg Bible.

A discussion of New Haven would not be complete without mentioning its distinct pizza style. A notable establishment, Modern Apizza (founded in 1934), is just five minutes from Hamden.

14. Toyota Oakdale Theatre

This venue, rich in history, opened in 1954 as a theater in the round and transitioned to a roofed venue in the 1970s.

Since then, it has hosted performances by prominent artists, including Paul Anka, Tom Jones, Led Zeppelin, The Who, and The Doors.

The current layout, featuring a main auditorium that seats 4,803 and a dome seating 1,649, was established through a $21 million renovation in the mid-1990s.

The venue hosts a diverse range of acts, encompassing major recording artists (such as Demi Lovato during my visit), touring musicals, tribute performances, wrestling events, ballet productions, and shows featuring beloved children’s television characters.

15. Lake Whitney

Located just east of Hamden’s commercial area along Dixwell Avenue, Lake Whitney is a serene water body along the Mill River, bordered by rich forest stretching south toward the New Haven town line.

Historically, Lake Whitney served as a water source for New Haven and has now become a reserve for the South Central Connecticut Regional Water Authority.

The shores are surprisingly tranquil, considering their proximity to the town center, with a striking man-made waterfall cascading back into the Mill River.

In 1778, Eli Whitney harnessed this section of the Mill River to operate his gun factory, where the Eli Whitney Museum is now located.

At the southernmost tip, one finds New Haven’s East Rock Park, which offers breathtaking views of the city and Long Island Sound from the foot of the Soldiers and Sailors Monument.

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