Top 15 Attractions in Norwich, Connecticut

Summary

Slater Memorial Museum
Mohegan Sun
Casino of the Sky
Leffingwell House Museum
The Spa at Norwich Inn
Mohegan Park
Dodd Stadium
Yantic Falls
Howard T. Brown Memorial Park
Epicure Brewing
Mashantucket Pequot Museum
Holmberg Orchards & Winery
Old Norwichtown Cemetery
Preston Ridge Vineyard
RoseGarden Ice Arena

The city of Norwich developed in the 17th century where the Yantic and Shetucket Rivers converge at the head of the Thames.

This location was suited for a port, and by the 18th century, Norwich had vibrant shipping and shipbuilding industries. Today, a charming riverside park now occupies the former docks.

The Native American Mohegan Tribe, which existed long before, has a reservation by the Thames just outside of Norwich that features a modern casino resort.

An obelisk signifies the estimated burial site of the Mohegan sachem Uncas, from whom the land for Norwich was acquired in the 17th century.

He guided the Mohegans to ascendancy over opposing tribes by forming alliances with the English colonists.

Furthermore, Norwich boasts an elegant art museum and a rich history that is intriguing to explore. Additionally, a delightful selection of pick-your-own fruit farms, wineries, and craft breweries are all conveniently located near the downtown area.

Let us delve into the top attractions in Norwich:

1. Slater Memorial Museum

Norwich is home to a local museum that any city would admire. The Slater Memorial Museum is housed in a captivating Richardsonian Romanesque structure dating back to 1886, showcasing the architectural zenith of Stephen C. Earle.

Situated within the Norwich Free Academy grounds, the museum is renowned for its plaster casts of significant works of Egyptian, Greek, Roman, and Renaissance sculpture.

This remarkable collection is complemented by high-caliber permanent exhibitions displaying 20th-century American art, Asian art, African art, and European decorative arts.

I found myself captivated by the display chronicling the global voyage undertaken by museum founder William Slater and his family in 1894-95. The spacious Converse Art Gallery features six temporary exhibitions each year, including the annual Connecticut Artists Juried Exhibition.

During my visit, there was a retrospective for author and illustrator Lynn Curlee (b. 1947), well-known for his children’s literature.

2. Mohegan Sun

Overlooking the Thames River from the west bank is an ever-expanding casino resort managed by the Mohegan tribe on their reservation.

Mohegan Sun comprises 1,563 rooms, two casinos replete with hundreds of slots, a 10,000-seat arena, and several entertainment venues, including the Wolf Den, featuring top acts such as Ludacris, Blue Öyster Cult, Warrant, and Salt-N-Pepa.

The Mohegan Sun Arena serves as the home court for the WNBA’s Connecticut Sun and hosts NCAA Division 1 games and WWE events.

The roster of renowned recording artists who have performed here is impressive. Featured names include Ariana Grande, Taylor Swift, Bruce Springsteen, Jay-Z, Ed Sheeran, and Fleetwood Mac. The Dave Matthews Band and Tool were performing during my visit.

The resort also features 46 dining options, eight clubs, a luxury spa, and a golf course, while hosting significant summer events such as the New England Food Truck Festival at the end of August.

3. Casino of the Sky

The centerpiece of Mohegan Sun since 2001, the Casino of the Sky encompasses 180,000 square feet of gaming space. It features over 600 slot machines along with blackjack and roulette tables, all enveloped in luxury.

Suspended above the casino floor are representations of the sun, moon, and stars on the largest operational planetarium dome worldwide. I was also fascinated by the 55-foot Taughannock Falls, symbolizing a significant aspect of the tribe’s historical migration.

Meanwhile, Wombi Rock rises three stories high and comprises 12,000 pieces of onyx sourced from quarries in Mexico, Iran, and Pakistan, which were subsequently transported to Carrara, Italy to be fused into mesmerizing glass panels.

Wombi Rock houses the Vista Lounge club, overlooking the gaming floor and furnished with a cocktail bar, dance floor, and cozy seating areas.

4. Leffingwell House Museum

The oldest sections of this Colonial-era residence, one of the most intact in New England, date back to 1675.

Over the subsequent century, the Leffingwell House expanded, resulting in a rough square layout. It features two primary facades, giving it a configuration reminiscent of two saltbox houses joined at a corner.

A clue to the building’s diverse evolution can be found in the surprising number of kitchen hearths. Historically, the Leffingwell House served as a significant meeting site leading up to the Revolutionary War and transformed into a spacious residence for a patriot by 1776.

From April through October, visitors can explore the house on weekends. I was captivated by artifacts tracing back to Norwich’s founding in 1659, as well as local crafts showcased at the accompanying Joseph Carpenter Silversmith Shop (1772).

5. The Spa at Norwich Inn

Located on the route to Mohegan Sun, this spa is frequently regarded as one of the best in the state by various publications and their audiences.

Among these are YANKEE Magazine, New England Travel & Life, Connecticut Magazine, and Hartford Magazine. Visitors can experience firsthand why The Spa at Norwich Inn is held in such high regard.

Whether you’re seeking beauty treatments, detoxification, or rejuvenation, I appreciate the flexibility to mix and match experiences at this facility. Rather than being confined to a package, customization of your entire spa day is encouraged to accommodate personal needs.

Available amenities include 37 treatment rooms, a fitness center, indoor pool, salon, sauna, and much more, all situated within over 40 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens.

6. Mohegan Park

The largest park in Norwich is an expansive woodland surrounding Spaulding Pond. There are formal areas next to the water, which include a square, pavilion, and fountain.

One of the most attractive features is the path traversing the pond’s earthwork dam, lined with pergolas and flowerbeds. Keep an eye on the water, as I observed a number of turtles during my visit.

Mohegan Park’s gardens are especially delightful in June and July, and the rose garden is frequently reserved during this period for wedding ceremonies.

For outdoor recreational activities, you can find a swimming area, a disc golf course, nature trails, playgrounds for children, and a multi-purpose ball field.

7. Dodd Stadium

Nothing embodies American culture quite like enjoying a hot dog, beer, and a ballgame on a warm summer evening. Over the three decades since the completion of Senator Thomas J. Dodd Memorial Stadium, several Minor League franchises have come and gone.

As I compiled this list, the primary team was the Norwich Sea Unicorns, competing in the wood-bat Futures Collegiate Baseball League.

There is much to appreciate, including affordable admission prices and reasonable concession rates (the hot dogs and cheeseburgers are delightful). You can also enjoy giveaways, children’s activities, raffles, and weekly post-game fireworks every Friday night, along with the excitement of watching emerging prospects perform.

8. Yantic Falls

One unexpected highlight in Norwich is a striking waterfall located almost in the heart of the city. Yantic Falls marks the origin of Norwich’s industrial lineage, dating back to a grist mill established here in the 17th century.

Historically, this waterfall is believed to have witnessed a cataclysmic incident involving the Narragansett tribe, where many were propelled into the abyss while fleeing from Uncas’ Mohegans following a confrontation in 1643.

A footbridge spans the 39-foot descent and its intimidating rocks. During evenings when the sun sets, the mist from the falls can create a beautiful rainbow, a memory I will cherish.

9. Howard T. Brown Memorial Park

This picturesque park resides in the Norwich Harbor District, located at a romantic junction where the Yantic and Shetucket converge at the head of the Thames River.

A path meanders around this expansive water area, featuring a bandstand surrounded by meticulously maintained hedges.

As the informational placards indicated, this site was once bustling with wharves and shipyards three centuries ago. Known as Chelsea Landing, it was a hub for schooners, brigs, and sloops discharging cargo from the Caribbean and Europe.

By 1774, as the Revolutionary War approached, Norwich became the 12th largest city in the colonies due to this intense trade.

If possible, visit during the summer for the Rock the Docks concert series, which takes place every Wednesday evening from mid-July to August.

10. Epicure Brewing

A short distance from the old harbor, you can savor a pint, half-pint, or flight of craft beer from Wednesday to Sunday.

With exposed pipes overhead, Epicure Brewing features a well-designed 75-seat taproom serving various beers brewed on-site using a 15BBL system.

When I visited recently, some available options included Stay Prettier (Blonde IPA), Czech Freak (Czech Pilsner), B.D.E. (IPA), and my favorite, Porter Party (Porter).

Epicure Brewing promotes itself as a “Bring Your Own Food/Make Yourself at Home” establishment. Several dining options, including Indian, Chinese, sandwiches, and pizza, are within a short walking distance.

11. Mashantucket Pequot Museum

For a more profound understanding of the region’s Native American heritage, one can take a brief trip to the Mashantucket Pequot Museum. This educational attraction is managed by the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation.

A variety of artifacts representing all nine Native American tribes in the eastern United States is featured here, with items dating from the 1500s to the 1900s.

These collections are complemented by ambient sounds, interactive installations, life-sized dioramas, as well as photographs and videos.

For instance, “Glacial Crevasse & A World of Ice” immerses visitors in the depths of an Ice Age glacier, while “Arrival of the People” delves into Native American creation narratives.

Here, you can discern how climate change transformed life in the Northeast 6,000 years ago. Meanwhile, “Pequot Village” showcases the diverse skills practiced by the Pequot tribe in the 16th century.

Subsequently, you’ll examine the impacts of colonization, the Pequot War of 1637, and the transformative experiences undergone by the tribe from the end of the 17th century to the present.

12. Holmberg Orchards & Winery

Now in its fourth generation, Holmberg Orchards was originally acquired by a newly immigrated Swedish couple in 1896.

The founders’ sons began planting fruit trees in the 1930s, and by the 1960s, Holmberg Orchards emerged as one of New England’s premier fruit producers.

My primary reason for visiting was the U-Pick fruit experience, available from June to October, starting with blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries.

Peach and nectarine season commences in late July, while various apple varieties can be picked from mid-August to October. This coincides with the pumpkin patch in fall.

The farm market is operational year-round, offering seasonal fruits and vegetables, some cultivated on-site and others sourced locally. They also feature baked goods, hard cider, local artisanal sauces, and cider-scented candles.

Since the 2000s, the family has expanded operations to include winemaking, producing Gewurztraminer and Pinot Blanc, which result in four varietal wines. Visit to sample these alongside a variety of fruit wines during weekend afternoons at the farm’s Wine Barn.

13. Old Norwichtown Cemetery

For additional evidence of Norwich’s historical significance, visit this cemetery, which dates back to 1715.

This atmospheric site consists of two sections linked by a small footbridge. In the parking area on Old Cemetery Lane, a box containing leaflets narrating the site’s history awaits visitors.

Notable burials include the mother of Benedict Arnold, who was born in Norwich and famously switched allegiances during the Revolutionary War.

Another distinguished individual interred here is Samuel Huntington, a signatory of the Declaration of Independence and the President of the Continental Congress from 1779 to 1781. Notably, ghost tours are organized in this rather eerie location during the lead-up to Halloween.

14. Preston Ridge Vineyard

Nurtured by two families, this vineyard is located in the scenic hills across the Thames from Norwich. The setting is idyllic, perched on a ridge offering views of the Connecticut countryside for 20 miles.

Preston Ridge primarily cultivates white grape varieties such as Traminette, Vidal Blanc, Riesling, Cayuga, and Chardonnay, with red varieties like Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon spread across its 60 acres.

The Vidal Blanc, Riesling, and Cabernet Sauvignon wines have received numerous accolades from Amenti del Vino and the CT Specialty Food Association in recent years.

The tasting room, open Friday to Sunday, features an inviting ambiance and a deck that overlooks the vine-laden hill and rolling forests behind. I recommend visiting for live music performances, scheduled every Friday and Sunday, alongside food trucks.

15. RoseGarden Ice Arena

For cost-effective family entertainment, Norwich offers a popular ice rink that hosts Public Skate sessions every day of the week.

For a nominal fee, you can glide on the ice, and skate rentals are similarly affordable ($7 during my visit). On Friday evenings, the lights dim for a special Laser Skate event.

The RoseGarden serves as a local hockey center, hosting youth and AHL (Adult Hockey League) games. Participation in pick-up games is allowed, provided you have the necessary equipment.

If you’re looking to improve your skating skills or if you have children who need to learn to skate, the rink’s Ice Academy offers lessons for skaters of all ages, starting from three years old.

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