Top 15 Attractions and Activities in New Milford, CT

Summary

New Milford Town Green
Lovers Leap State Park
New Milford Historical Society and Museum
Harrybrooke Park
Bank Street
Candlewood Lake
TheatreWorks
Elephant’s Trunk Flea Market
Bull’s Covered Bridge
Lynn Deming Park
Mine Hill Preserve
Bridgewater Country Fair
Candlewood Valley Country Club
Housatonic River Brewing
Young’s Field

The flourishing town of New Milford is situated along the northeastern shore of Lake Candlewood. For generations, affluent New Yorkers have established secondary residences in this area.

One prominent estate belonged to the industrialist Frank Harden during the mid-20th century. It has since transformed into the refined Harrybrooke Park, which houses a museum in the one-floor residence that Harden constructed in 1941.

As is typical of a distinguished New England town, New Milford features a charming green alongside impressive Victorian architecture. The surrounding countryside exemplifies quintessential New England with its rugged elevations and brilliant autumn hues.

The downtown area is also thriving, adorned with locally-owned restaurants, boutiques, and various amenities. Additionally, the shores of Candlewood Lake are lined with golf courses, marinas, and beaches.

1. New Milford Town Green

This elongated expanse of lawns and trees stretches down the eastern side of downtown New Milford. The town green is bordered by grand Victorian homes, dining establishments, municipal buildings, and two majestic churches.

One notable building is the Village Center for the Arts, originally a Greek Revival-style church from 1830, which later became a hardware and antiques store. The center serves as a non-profit community arts venue for New Milford.

The New Milford Town Green remains a hub for seasonal events. For instance, during the holiday season, a row of Christmas trees is illuminated during a special ceremony at the end of November.

In August, I particularly enjoy the ambiance on Saturday evenings, when a weekly concert takes place at the bandstand.

2. Lovers Leap State Park

According to local lore, at the turn of the 18th century, Chief Waramaug’s daughter, Princess Lillinonah, and her beloved leapt to their deaths from the rock that now lends its name to this park.

Lovers Leap stands at an elevation of 1,200 feet and provides a breathtaking view over the Housatonic River gorge for those who have the stamina to reach it.

The park encompasses 160 acres, a third of which was bequeathed to public use by the Hurd family in 1972. In addition to its natural beauty, Lovers Leap State Park includes many intriguing historical remnants.

I was particularly impressed by the Lovers Leap Bridge, which was built by the Berlin Iron Bridge Company in 1895. Be sure to also visit the Yellow Cat Tea House, a vine-covered relic from the Hurd estate. To the northwest, one can discern the ruins of mills adjacent to the water.

3. New Milford Historical Society and Museum

Located at the northern end of the Town Green is a complex of structures managed by the New Milford Historical Society. This organization is dedicated to collecting, preserving, and interpreting artifacts and documents related to the New Milford area.

The main gallery connects to the Knapp House (built in 1815), which served as a mercantile store from 1796 and is recognized as the first bank in New Milford, established in 1822.

The museum’s permanent exhibits cover diverse topics, all thoroughly researched and accompanied by numerous artifacts.

Some notable exhibits include Black Life in New Milford’s History, New Milford’s Pre-Colonial Peoples, Tobacco Farming in New Milford, the Creation of Candlewood Lake, Business Dynamics, and The Great Fire of 1902.

I was particularly intrigued to learn more about Roger Sherman (1721-1793), a New Milford lawyer and statesman who was the sole individual to sign all foundational documents of the United States.

4. Harrybrooke Park

Situated in the southwestern corner of Lovers Leap State Park, Harrybrooke Park occupies an estate that was gifted to the town by industrialist Frank Harden and his spouse, Elizabeth.

The couple resided here on weekends and holidays from 1941 to 1965. Currently, their former residence is preserved as a house museum, furnished with period-appropriate decor and artwork.

The grounds encompass manicured gardens, two pavilions, picnic areas, and a scenic riverside walk featuring a waterfall. Notably, in the late 1950s, Marilyn Monroe and Arthur Miller, who lived nearby in Roxbury, were frequent visitors to the estate.

Recently, the property has seen the return of peacocks, which once thrived in the area.

5. Bank Street

For a town with a population of approximately 28,000, New Milford boasts a vibrant main commercial thoroughfare. Bank Street is filled with independent local establishments, complemented by striking views of the Connecticut hills in both directions.

The area features a yoga studio, a toy store, a bookstore, a jewelry shop, a salon and spa, an ice cream parlor, a cheese shop, and a health food store. Additionally, numerous restaurants can be found along both Railroad Street and Main Street.

Lucia (51 Bank St) offers modern Italian cuisine, while River & Rail Cafe (No. 21) features small plates and healthier options.

Enhance your evening by catching a film at the historic Bank Street Theater, which dates back to 1902 and showcases an Art Moderne facade. I appreciate downtown theaters like this, which continue to showcase first-run films.

6. Candlewood Lake

A significant factor contributing to New Milford’s charm is its proximity to Candlewood Lake.

This elongated body of water is lined with densely forested banks and was created in the 1920s by a hydroelectric dam situated just south of the confluence of the Housatonic and Rocky Rivers.

It is evident why numerous New Yorkers maintain second homes along Candlewood Lake. The 60 miles of picturesque shoreline offer beaches, golf courses, marinas, and a variety of other recreational facilities.

New Milford features a public beach, Lynn Deming Park (limited to residents), and a lakeside golf course. Additionally, kayaks and motorboats can be rented from Gerard’s Marina, located slightly to the south.

For a beach accessible to everyone, Squantz Pond State Park is located 12 miles away, along the western shore of the lake. Meanwhile, New Milford’s Dike Point Park requires a 24-hour advance reservation for access.

7. TheatreWorks

Explore the cultural tapestry of West Connecticut at this small yet dynamic producing theater.

Housed in a former Black Adventist Church established in 1902, the venue was converted to a performing arts center by The Creative Arts Center of New Milford in the 1970s.

Since 1992, it has operated under the name TheatreWorks, presenting a schedule from March through December with a wide array of dramas, comedies, and musicals to suit various preferences.

I attended a delightful performance of the Tony Award-winning “25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee,” and thoroughly enjoyed every moment.

8. Elephant’s Trunk Flea Market

For nearly half a century, bargain-seekers, upcyclers, food enthusiasts, collectors, and treasure hunters from all walks of life have flocked to New Milford for this expansive outdoor market.

The Elephant’s Trunk Flea Market operates every Sunday from April to December. The vendors vary each week, ensuring a unique experience with every visit.

Typically, sellers arrive from all parts of the East Coast. On an average Sunday, over 500 vendors are ready to showcase their goods by 7:00 AM.

General admission to the market is modest, but avid deal hunters may opt to pay for early access. For instance, an Early Buyers’ pass grants entry by 5:30 AM.

9. Bull’s Covered Bridge

Spanning the Housatonic River just outside the limits of New Milford lies one of the only three remaining covered bridges in Connecticut.

A crossing has existed at this location since 1760, originally constructed by Jacob and Isaac Bull.

The oldest materials in the current lattice truss bridge date back to 1842, complemented by subsequent reinforcements made over the last 180 years. What captivated me about Bull’s Bridge was its impressive span of over 100 feet.

Like all covered bridges, the roof serves to protect the wooden bridge deck from the elements.

Bull’s Bridge has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1972 and is located near the renowned Appalachian Trail.

10. Lynn Deming Park

New Milford features its own public beach along Candlewood Lake, open from Memorial Day weekend until Labor Day.

Lynn Deming Park boasts a sizable sandy area gently sloping into the tranquil waters of the lake, surrounded by woods.

Lifeguards are present during the season, typically between 11:00 AM and 6:00 PM. Additional facilities include restrooms, a pavilion, and picnic tables nestled in the woods behind the beach.

While the offerings seem ideal, it is important to note that access to the park is restricted to residents possessing a car pass. Visitors to New Milford will need to carpool with locals to gain entry.

11. Mine Hill Preserve

This natural and historical conservation area located adjacent to Roxbury reveals the remnants of a 19th-century iron mine and furnace operation.

The hill straddles both New Milford and Roxbury, with the preserve situated on the eastern slope facing Roxbury.

Mining activity commenced shortly after European settlement, while the established large-scale operation was initiated by the Shepaug Spathic Iron and Steel Company in 1865 to extract carbonated iron ore.

The mine and furnace remained in operation until 1905. Visitors can explore the remaining structures, marked with informative signage. To me, the furnace resembles a Gothic tower due to its arched design.

12. Bridgewater Country Fair

The quaint town of Bridgewater, located directly south of New Milford, hosts a wholesome and well-attended country fair in mid-August.

The event celebrated its 70th anniversary in 2022 and raises funds for the Bridgewater Volunteer Fire Department, the only self-sustaining fire agency in Connecticut.

The three-day affair commences on Friday evening with a parade featuring Volunteer Fire Companies from across Connecticut and New York, showcasing modern firefighting vehicles and vintage machinery.

The weekend is filled with an array of food options, including BBQ, fried dough, fried Oreos (a personal favorite), tacos, beer, roast beef, roast chicken, ice cream, and fruit smoothies. There are plenty of activities each day, including carnival rides, tractor pulls, arts and crafts, and live music.

Additionally, the fair features numerous competitions across various categories, encompassing pie-eating, canning, fruits, vegetables, flowers, baked goods, livestock, and even egg exhibitions.

13. Candlewood Valley Country Club

New Milford is home to a well-regarded public golf course nestled in the rolling countryside adjacent to Candlewood Lake.

The front nine offers a gentler experience, allowing golfers to find their rhythm. Conversely, the back nine presents a substantial challenge, requiring precision and skill.

Successfully navigating the doglegs, narrow fairways, and multiple hazards on holes 13, 14, 15, and 16 while maintaining your score is a commendable feat.

Rates are surprisingly affordable, and for those wishing to complete nine holes before dusk, special twilight fees are available.

The Clubhouse restaurant features a variety of wraps, flatbreads, pizzas, burgers, and sandwiches, all while offering a scenic view of the 18th hole with refreshment carts available on the course.

14. Housatonic River Brewing

This craft brewery opened its doors in New Milford in 2018, with roots extending much deeper. The founder has been entrenched in the brewing industry for decades, having brewed his first beer in the 1980s.

At the time of writing, Housatonic River Brewing boasts a core lineup of eight primary beers, including Willie Make It (Hazy IPA) and the refreshing Duffer (Lager). My personal favorite is Sacred Grounds, a Coffee Porter developed in collaboration with Grounds Coffee Roasters.

The establishment also offers a selection of wines and hard seltzers, with a different food truck on site each evening. Housatonic River Brewing is well-known as a vibrant live music venue, hosting performances that are scheduled months in advance.

15. Young’s Field

Nestled along the banks of the Housatonic River in the heart of New Milford, Young’s Field presents a convenient option for enjoying the outdoors. This expansive area offers a large grassy field, a skate park, a children’s playground, a basketball court, two baseball fields, tennis courts, and a pavilion.

Just across Young’s Field Road, visitors will find a launch point for kayaking on the tranquil river.

If you are inclined to extend your outing, a section of the New Milford River Trail follows the Housatonic River for five miles, stretching from Boardman Road to Gaylordsville.

As of my latest information, plans are underway for a total of 13 miles of trail, incorporating a rail-trail segment.

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