Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Oxford, Connecticut

This affluent town in western New Haven County is a constellation of small settled areas cutting in from the Housatonic River and almost touching the Naugatuck River in the east.

Oxford’s allure stems from its extensive parks, where visitors can traverse the path of a long-lost railroad, discover picturesque waterfalls at the site of former mills, and relax by the sparkling lakes along the Housatonic.

Within close proximity are two craft breweries and a variety of family-friendly attractions, ranging from quaint mini-golf courses to Quassy Amusement & Waterpark, which is just a brief road trip away in Middlebury.

Let’s delve into the top activities to engage in while visiting Oxford, Connecticut:

1. Southford Falls State Park

Located partially within Oxford, this state park follows the course of Eightmile Brook as it cascades from Lake Quassapaug down to the Housatonic River.

As the brook traverses this brief yet significant journey, it rushes through rugged terrain composed of Collinsville Formation stone, characterized mainly by biotite, quartz, plagioclase, and muscovite. Observant visitors may notice areas where the brook’s level has been intentionally lowered, a historical method employed to accelerate water flow for powering waterwheels of numerous mills once situated along its banks.

Historically, the brook supported sawmills, gristmills, and various skilled tradesmen who produced items ranging from knives to buttons. In the early 20th century, the Diamond Match Company established operations adjacent to this watercourse, eventually transferring the land to the state following a fire in 1927.

2. Jackson Cove Town Park

This park, situated on Lake Zoar, operates from March to November and is accessible to residents with a permit as well as to non-residents who acquire a day pass for a nominal fee.

Visitors can engage in a waterfront hike along the Oxford loop of the Blue-Blazed Pomperaug Trail or explore a 4.6-mile section of the Housatonic River Belt Greenway, which runs between Fiddlehead Road and the adjacent Kettletown State Park.

Additional amenities include a boat launch, beach area, playground, volleyball courts, and a pavilion that Oxford residents may reserve for gatherings.

3. Kettletown State Park

Located along Jackson Cove on the shores of Lake Zoar, this well-frequented state park offers a variety of hiking trails and a campground with 56 sites.

The Blue-Blazed Miller Trail, positioned in the northern area of the park, presents a scenic loop that elevates visitors above the lake, complemented by viewpoints accessible via short side trails marked in blue and yellow.

This land was historically inhabited by the Pootatuck Indians, who had largely vanished by 1758. Legend has it that they granted colonists permission to use the land for hunting and fishing in exchange for a single brass kettle. Notably, as of 2019, swimming was prohibited due to concerns regarding blue-green algae blooms.

4. Larkin State Park Trail

The Larkin State Park Trail stretches 10.3 miles through the northern portion of Oxford, tracing the trackbed of the former New York & New England Railroad.

This rail line operated from 1881 until 1939 and was later acquired by Dr. Charles L. Larkin, who transformed it into an equestrian trail. This initiative led to the trail becoming one of the initial rail trails in the region and passing through four municipalities.

Currently, the Larkin State Park Trail welcomes horseback riders, hikers, cyclists, and cross-country skiers in winter.

The pathway is well-maintained, winding through a tunnel of trees and rocky formations that were dynamited approximately 140 years ago.

5. Black Hog Brewing Co.

Amid a bustling market landscape, Black Hog Brewing Co. stands out as a family-run establishment managed by two brothers and a master brewer.

The brewery’s offerings include seven year-round selections, alongside seasonal and specialty beers. Among the seven core offerings are three fruity IPAs, a pilsner, a coffee milk stout, a granola-infused brown ale, and a ginger-flavored red India pale ale.

Open Wednesday through Sunday, the Oxford taproom features 12 taps, allowing patrons to enjoy pints and flights, as well as growler fills. There are also board and video games available, and visitors can enjoy food trucks that frequent the taproom on weekends.

6. Naugatuck State Forest

Covering an expansive area of 4,153 acres across eight municipalities within the Naugatuck Valley, the Naugatuck State Forest is a natural gem.

A section of the West Block extends into the eastern side of Oxford, offering excellent opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing along blazed trails.

In Oxford, a parking lot is available off Chestnut Tree Hill Road, serving as a launching point for hikes around the Seymour Reservoirs, which comprise a series of four isolated ponds aligned north to south.

As you proceed east along the path of Spruce Brook, you will eventually reach the Naugatuck River, which offers a splendid lookout point above the riverbank.

7. OEC Brewing

For craft beer enthusiasts, Oxford offers another delightful option with OEC Brewing, which opens its doors on Fridays and weekends.

The “EC” in OEC refers to “Eccentric Concoctions,” and the establishment features a charming red barn-style building with a steel roof and rustic wooden furniture.

OEC Brewing specializes in beers with a European flair, presenting 13 “Usual Suspects” that include a Belgian-style lambic, a saison, a bruin, a German-style weisse, a Nordic-inspired double pale ale, and several lagers.

Patrons can check the brewery’s website to view the offerings for a particular weekend, as well as find information about special events such as beer launches and game nights. A small food menu is available at the tasting room, and guests are welcome to order takeout or bring their own food.

8. Quaker Farms Historic District

On your way to Lake Zoar, you may pass through a picturesque village center along Quaker Farms Road (Connecticut Route 188). This area constitutes the Quaker Farms Historic District, which developed around the prominent structure, Christ Church Episcopal.

The congregation, established earlier, has a current Federal-style church building that has stood since 1814, recognized for its Doric pilasters that flank the entrance, intricate pointed arch windows, three-stage steeple, and Ionic capitals that support the ceiling within.

The oldest of the 11 buildings in the district dates back to 1720, with the Greek Revival house from 1836, located opposite the church, standing out due to its grand portico and pediment.

9. Twitchell-Rowland Homestead

In 2012, the Twitchell-Rowland Homestead, a Colonial house dating back to 1755, opened as the inaugural museum of the Oxford Historical Society.

Situated at 60 Towner Road in the northern part of town, this homestead will soon be joined by a relocated one-room schoolhouse from 1850. The homestead itself underwent a significant relocation in 2006, moving three-tenths of a mile after being saved from demolition.

The homestead has been home to four generations of the Twitchell family, later succeeded by the Rowlands. Notably, Edward Rowland played a prominent role in town affairs during the first half of the 20th century as a selectman, charter member, and master of the Oxford Grange.

Visitors can admire 18th-century chestnut beams, paneling, and floorboards, complemented by regular exhibits from the society’s collections. The open hours are irregular, so it is advisable to check the Oxford Historical Society’s website for details.

10. Olde Sawmill Snackbar and Miniature Golf

This beloved seasonal venue operates from spring through fall and is situated at the base of a wooded hillside adjacent to the Little River stream.

It features 18 holes of mini golf in a scenic setting, embellished with water features, flowerbeds, and well-maintained shrubs and trees.

A replica sawmill with a functioning waterwheel adds to the charm, and there are numerous benches available for relaxing mid-game.

The grill offers a menu filled with comfort food items such as burgers, fish and chips, foot-long hot dogs, and wraps.

11. Rockhouse Hill Sanctuary

The town of Oxford owns and manages a remarkable 600 acres known as the Rockhouse Hill Sanctuary, supported by volunteer residents who have contributed to the establishment of over 15 miles of trails in the last decade.

This sanctuary sits on the banks of the Housatonic River, featuring varied topography that ranges from gentle slopes to steep elevations.

The landscape is dotted with boulders, remnants from the last Ice Age, alongside exposed gneiss schist and pegmatite bedrock visible in cliffs and rocky outcroppings.

Additionally, the sanctuary includes a watershed for the Four Mile Brook and encompasses wetlands, hosting a diverse range of hardwood trees, including ash, maple, oak, hickory, beech, poplar, and birch.

12. Quassy Amusement & Waterpark

This established attraction boasts over a century of history, having originally opened as a trolley park at Lake Quassapaug in 1908, along the route between Waterbury and Woodbury. Gradually, the area evolved into a summer destination, leading to the creation of an amusement park post-World War II.

Each new season introduces fresh thrill rides, with the Wooden Warrior roller coaster often celebrated as one of the finest wooden coasters worldwide according to the Golden Ticket Awards.

The water park, Splash Away Bay, received recent renovations, providing an excellent way for families to cool off during warm weather. An array of body slides and raft rides cater to older children, while younger visitors can enjoy a large splashpad and the amusing Saturation Station, where a 300-gallon bucket delights crowds with an elaborate water spill.

13. The Golf Club at Oxford Greens

Nestled in wooded surroundings to the west of Naugatuck State Forest, the Golf Club at Oxford Greens is a public golf course frequently recognized as one of the state’s best.

Designed by Mark Mungeam, this golf club opened in 2005 and features undulating fairways and fast-moving greens.

Among its standout holes are the one-shotters, notably “Vista,” the second hole at 218 yards, which offers a challenging green situated 50 feet (15 meters) below the tee. “Skinny,” the ninth hole, derives its name from a particularly long and narrow green that necessitates precision from the tee shot.

As of 2019, green fees ranged from $30 on weekday evenings to $79 on weekend mornings before noon.

14. Shepaug Eagle Viewing

Situated upstream from Lake Zoar on the Housatonic River lies Lake Lillinonah, Connecticut’s second-largest lake, covering an area of 2.9 square miles.

This body of water is regulated by the Shepaug Dam, which was constructed in 1955. Since its establishment, the dam has become a vital wintering ground for raptors, including bald eagles, due to the steady water flow that prevents the ice from freezing completely and allows fishing opportunities.

The dam’s operator, FirstLight Power Resources, maintains an observation area outfitted with binoculars and spotting scopes, which is accessible on Wednesdays and weekends from December through March.

15. Downtown Seymour

Located just three to four miles away, the Downtown Seymour Historic District should not be overlooked in your itinerary.

This grid of streets resides on a curve of the Naugatuck River, nestled between Connecticut Route 8 and the historic Naugatuck Railroad Line.

The town of Seymour developed into an urban center during the mid-19th century, fueled primarily by the brass and textile manufacturing industries.

In the present day, visitors can explore numerous antique and gift shops located along Main Street, 1st Street, Columbus Street, and Bank Street.

At the northern end of Main Street, the Strand Theatre has withstood the test of time and continues to showcase classic and cult films through double-feature screenings for at least 80 years.