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Danbury is a city of about 87,000 people in the hills of western Connecticut, about 65 miles from New York City. Once known as the Hat City of the World, it produced a quarter of America's hats in the late 1800s, and it was also the birthplace of composer Charles Ives. Today it is a busy regional hub near beautiful lake country.
Candlewood Lake, the largest lake in Connecticut, stretches north of the city with marinas, coves and the Danbury Yacht Club, and Lake Kenosia has a park and beach. Downtown and the Wooster Square area have historic Victorian homes, and the Danbury Railway Museum displays vintage trains in the city's old railyard.
The Danbury Museum and Historical Society preserves early houses and the King Street Schoolhouse, Western Connecticut State University adds a college feel, and the Danbury Music Centre hosts concerts. The Danbury Ice Arena, the Danbury Fair Mall and the wooded hills of nearby Ridgefield and Kent round out the area.
Danbury Railway Museum is set in the restored 1903 Danbury Station and its rail yard, with dozens of historic locomotives, cabooses and passenger cars to explore. A turntable still works, and short train rides run on many weekends. Check the ride schedule, and let kids climb into the open cars.
Danbury Museum and Historical Society runs a small campus on Main Street with historic buildings, including the John and Mary Rider House and the Dodd Hat Shop, which tells the story of Danbury as the Hat City. Exhibits cover hatmaking and local life. Check opening days, as hours are limited.
The Charles Ives Birthplace is the childhood home of the composer Charles Ives, born in Danbury in 1874, moved to the museum grounds and restored. It shows family items and explains his influence on American music. It is managed by the Danbury Museum, so book a tour or visit during open hours.
Tarrywile Park is a 700-acre city park with a historic mansion, ponds, orchards, a hilltop and over 20 miles of trails through woods and fields. The Tarrywile Mansion hosts events and weddings. Hike up to Hearthstone Castle ruins on the trail network, and pick up a map at the mansion.
Wooster Mountain State Park in southern Danbury has wooded trails over rocky ridges, including part of the Ives Trail, plus a shooting range. Hikes are moderate with some steep sections. Wear sturdy shoes and bring water, as the trails are rugged, and visit in fall for the colorful foliage.
Candlewood Lake is the largest lake in Connecticut, created in the 1920s for hydroelectric power, with Danbury on its southern shore. It is popular for boating, fishing and swimming. Danbury residents can use Candlewood Town Park, while visitors can rent boats at marinas along the shore.
Lake Kenosia is a small lake on Danbury's west side with a city park on its shore offering picnic areas, fishing and a boat launch for small craft. Its calm water is good for kayaking and spotting birds. Bring a kayak or fishing rod for a quiet morning, and check local rules on boat motors.
Danbury Fair Mall is one of the largest malls in New England, built on the grounds of the old Great Danbury State Fair. It has department stores, national brands, a food court and a carousel. Visit on a weekday morning to avoid crowds, and look for the carousel near the food court.
Richter Park Golf Course is a highly rated public 18-hole course owned by the city of Danbury, with wooded fairways, water hazards and rolling hills around a pond. It is popular with local golfers. Book tee times early, especially on weekends, and enjoy the course views from the clubhouse restaurant.
Ives Concert Park is an outdoor music venue on Western Connecticut State University's west side campus, named for Danbury-born composer Charles Ives. It hosts summer concerts, from classical to rock and tribute bands. Bring a blanket or lawn chair, and arrive early for good spots on the grass.
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