There are several great things to do in Norwalk, Connecticut. This southwestern city is located in Fairfield County and sits on the northern shore of Long Island Sound. It is a part of the New York/Bridgeport metropolitan area. The city is home to a wide variety of cultural attractions, including a zoo, museums, and historic sites.
South Norwalk
If you are looking for the best places to visit in South Norwalk, Connecticut, you have come to the right place. The city has many places to visit that are unique to the area. First, there is the Norwalk Historical Society Museum, which is located in the former Lockwood House. Originally built in 1891, the house is now a museum, with several exhibitions highlighting the African-American migration. It is also home to different collections of objects donated by the historical society. There are also photographs from the 19th century that depict Norwalk and its people.
Another place to visit in the area is the SoNo Distillery. This distillery produces prime craft spirits from alternative grains, and won double gold at the San Francisco World Spirit Competition, one of the most prestigious competitions for spirits in the world. Tours are available, as are tastings, and there is even an apothecary laboratory for visitors to tour. The museum is open to the public, but you must be at least 21 years of age to attend the tour.
South Norwalk is home to a variety of shops, and has a vibrant and eclectic downtown area. Many of the shops and restaurants in South Norwalk are small, but have a unique personality. There are more than 30 restaurants, buzzing bars, and trendy shops. The Maritime Aquarium is located nearby, and visitors can also take scenic walks along the Norwalk River.
Oyster Shell Park
Pedestrian paths along the waterfront provide an excellent view of the harbor and include educational signs. There is also a disc golf course. The park is a great place to visit for a day trip to the Connecticut shoreline. The park is free to visit and is a great way to experience the harbor, the city, and its natural history.
Oyster Shell Park is a great place to visit for those who love the ocean. There are plenty of restaurants and shops in Norwalk. The town also hosts events throughout the year. The state park has plenty of parking. You can also catch a show or enjoy a movie at the theater.
The park is located in the historic section of the city. There is a boardwalk with a concession stand and two beach volleyball courts, as well as a large wooden playscape for children. It is also one of the first sustainable parks in the nation, a designation that recognizes green landscape design and maintenance. The park is also adjacent to the former police department and Stepping Stones Museum for Children.
While you’re in the area, you’ll want to check out the Center for Contemporary Printmaking, the only nonprofit organization between Boston and New York City dedicated to the art of print. The exhibits here are constantly changing, and visitors can enjoy an interactive display on the various disciplines involved.
Robert White Park
One of the most popular parks in Norwalk is Robert White Park, a large green space with plenty to do. This area offers many attractions, including a playground for children, a basketball court, and a campground. It’s also a great place for people to bring their pets.
If you love the water, don’t miss the Aquatic Pavilion, located on Mapledale Street. The house was built in 1890 and once belonged to the Johnston family. The home is built of redwood and features a Victorian design. It also has several interesting artifacts and exhibits.
The park is also home to a cultural arts center, where you can learn about different art forms. The center hosts classes for kids and adults. It also offers classes that nod to the city’s Hispanic heritage. The Cultural Arts Center also hosts a variety of dance performances throughout the year.
Another great place to visit in Norwalk is the Long Island Sound State Park. The park features a nature center, two miles of tree-lined shoreline, and a 62-acre wildlife sanctuary. It is open from dawn until dusk. The Birds of Prey Exhibit in Animal Hall and the Natureplace are among the top attractions here.
SONO Switch Tower Museum
The SONO Switch Tower Museum is one of the most fascinating attractions in Norwalk, Connecticut. This preserved, historic switch tower was built by the New York, New Haven and Hartford Railroad in 1896. It was used to control the switches at the junction of the New Haven Line and the Danbury Branch.
The museum is free to enter and documents the history of a special rail road network. Its construction resembled an ancient computer system, as the switch tower is built of metal mechanics. The museum is a lot of fun, and the staff are very friendly.
While in Norwalk, be sure to visit the Maritime Aquarium, a family treasure. Home to nearly 7,000 animals, the Maritime Aquarium also houses an IMAX theatre. It also boasts the original Stew Leonard’s supermarket, which offers interactive exhibits, an animatronics petting zoo, and kid-friendly programming.
Another unique attraction in Norwalk CT is the SONO district. This district is home to over 30 shops and eateries. You’ll be amazed at the historic and modern architecture of the area. You can also explore the history of the New Haven Railroad, which covered more than two thousand miles of track and ran through much of south New England between 1872 and 1968. It is also worth a stop at the SoNo switch tower, as it is much more interesting than you might have imagined.
Another noteworthy Norwalk attraction is the Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum. This 1865 red brick building is the oldest in the city. It was constructed by legendary financier LeGrand Lockwood and was listed as a National Historic Landmark in 1971. The museum also features a cemetery where early settlers rest.
Sky Zone Trampoline Park
Sky Zone Trampoline Park is a franchise of indoor trampoline parks that offer dodgeball, free bouncing and fitness programs. There are several locations in Connecticut, including Norwalk, and the entire chain is well-known for its friendly staff and fun atmosphere.
This indoor trampoline park is open year-round, and it is perfect for parties or team-building events. Its website is also full of helpful industry resources and articles about trampoline parks. For more information, visit skyzone.com.
Sky Zone Norwalk has added several features to the facility. In addition to a large indoor jumping area, Sky Zone now features a rock climbing wall and toddler and kids’ areas. The park is also available for corporate events. And if you’re looking for a fun way to spend a sunny afternoon, the Sky Zone Norwalk trampoline park is one of the best places to visit in Norwalk.
In addition to Sky Zone Trampoline Park, you can visit the Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum, one of the largest collections of Second Empire-style country homes in the country. This building was once the home of railroad baron LeGrand Lockwood, and is now a National Historic Landmark.
Sky Zone offers special events for kids and adults, as well as open jump sessions for the public. For those who are hesitant to jump, they can try the Foam Zone, a giant foam pit where participants can tumble over and land. The Park also offers classes and workshops for kids and adults. However, be aware that the park can get very busy during the winter, so it’s best to reserve a jump time in advance.
Wall Street Theater
Whether you’re looking for a fun date night or a birthday celebration, the Wall Street Theater is a great place to go. The historic venue hosts a variety of concerts, stand-up comedy, dance, film screenings, and private functions. It also has convenient parking and a lobby bar. The venue’s acoustics are also top-notch, making it the perfect place to watch live entertainment.
The Wall Street Theater is owned by the Wallstreet Theater Company, and is located at Commerce St. The theater is also close to Belden Avenue and Burnell Blvd, which is also a great option for visitors. To get to the theater, you can use Moovit, a website that provides real-time directions to the city’s main attractions.
Located downtown, the Wall Street Theater features live performances and intimate concerts. It’s the perfect place for a night out and is also close to Troupe 429, which is known as New England’s gay bar. Both sites are managed by the Norwalk Historical Society, a non-profit organization founded in 1899 to promote and preserve the history of the town. They aim to celebrate diversity, which is a big part of Norwalk’s culture.
The Wall Street Theater is a historic theater in the Norwalk Arts District. It opened in 1915 and was home to several famous performers from the past. Famous people from the silent era graced its stage, including Lilian Gish and John Philip Sousa. Later, when the movies became more popular, the Wall Street Theater was renovated and became a movie house.
