Naugatuck ConnecticutATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Naugatuck, Connecticut.
1. Naugatuck State Forest
NATURAL OUTDOOR WONDERLAND
Naugatuck State Forest offers visitors a vast network of trails and natural beauty across multiple blocks of preserved woodland. The forest features the notable Naugatuck Trail, a 5.5-mile Blue-Blazed network of paths throughout the area, leading to attractions like Beacon Cap, a glacial erratic boulder at 770 feet elevation. Visitors can explore four reservoirs, two waterfalls, and the majestic Spruce Brook Gorge with its beautiful cascades.
2. Whittemore Glen State Park
SCENIC HIKING DESTINATION
Whittemore Glen State Park provides a peaceful escape into nature with various hiking trails through Connecticut's beautiful landscape. The park connects with the larger Naugatuck State Forest system, offering extended hiking opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors appreciate the serene environment and opportunities for wildlife viewing throughout the seasons.
3. Naugatuck Center Historic District
HISTORIC TOWN CENTER
The Naugatuck Center Historic District, listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1999, features 137 contributing buildings and monuments centered around the town's tree-shaded Green. Notable structures include the Congregational Church, St. Michael's Episcopal Church, the Borough of Naugatuck Building, and the stately Howard Whittemore Memorial Library. The Green itself was landscaped in 1895 and contains paved walkways radiating from the 1885 Civil War Memorial and the Memorial Fountain from 1895.
4. Naugatuck Spring Festival
ANNUAL COMMUNITY CELEBRATION
The Naugatuck Spring Festival brings the community together each mid-May on the town's historic Green. The festival features live music, activities for children, craft vendors, and a popular Food Truck Festival showcasing local restaurants. This annual event has become a beloved tradition that highlights the community spirit of Naugatuck.
5. Howard Whittemore Memorial Library
HISTORIC ARCHITECTURAL GEM
The Howard Whittemore Memorial Library stands as a piece of architectural beauty in Naugatuck, built in the early 20th century with elegant style and charming details. Inside, visitors can admire the beautiful interiors while enjoying the wide range of resources available to the community. The library regularly hosts lectures and cultural events, serving as an important community hub that combines historical architecture with modern services.
6. Naugatuck Historical Society Museum
LOCAL HISTORY PRESERVED
The Naugatuck Historical Society Museum, operated by dedicated volunteers, showcases the town's rich past through thoughtfully curated exhibits. Housed in a former train station, the museum displays a treasure trove of local artifacts that highlight Naugatuck's industrial background and community development. Visitors can enjoy scheduled tours and interactive sessions that bring the town's history to life in an engaging manner.
7. Tomo 68
UPSCALE JAPANESE DINING
Tomo 68 offers diners a refined Japanese culinary experience with an emphasis on fresh sushi and Asian cuisine. The restaurant maintains a reputation for quality ingredients and artistic presentation that appeals to both casual diners and sushi enthusiasts. Patrons appreciate the diverse menu options ranging from traditional Japanese dishes to innovative fusion creations.
8. 66 Church Gastro Pub
MODERN AMERICAN GASTROPUB
66 Church Gastro Pub combines the casual atmosphere of a pub with elevated American cuisine for a distinctive dining experience in Naugatuck. The establishment features a thoughtfully curated menu alongside a selection of craft beers and cocktails that complement their food offerings. The gastropub has become a popular gathering spot for locals and visitors seeking quality food in a relaxed environment.
9. Jesse Camille's Restaurant
CLASSIC AMERICAN DINING
Jesse Camille's Restaurant serves American favorites with attention to quality and taste in a comfortable setting. The restaurant offers gluten-free options alongside their traditional menu, accommodating various dietary preferences. Patrons enjoy both the bar area for casual gatherings and the dining room for a more formal experience.
10. Nardelli's Grinder Shoppe
ICONIC CONNECTICUT SANDWICHES
Nardelli's Grinder Shoppe has built a reputation for serving exceptional Italian-style grinders that have become a Connecticut culinary institution. The shop prides itself on using quality ingredients to create their signature sandwiches that have attracted loyal customers for generations. Visitors appreciate the authentic deli experience and the consistent quality that has made Nardelli's a local favorite.
11. Chiangmai Thai Naugatuck
AUTHENTIC THAI CUISINE
Chiangmai Thai Naugatuck offers authentic Thai flavors in a welcoming atmosphere that transports diners to Southeast Asia. The restaurant features a diverse menu with vegetarian-friendly options that showcase traditional Thai cooking techniques and ingredients. Patrons appreciate the balance of sweet, sour, spicy, and savory elements that characterize the restaurant's carefully prepared dishes.
12. Mario's Pizzeria
FAMILY-FRIENDLY ITALIAN FAVORITE
Mario's Pizzeria delivers classic Italian comfort food with an emphasis on traditional pizza recipes that have pleased local palates for years. The family-friendly establishment offers affordable dining options with vegetarian selections available for those with dietary preferences. Customers return for the consistent quality and welcoming atmosphere that make this pizzeria a Naugatuck staple.
13. Naugatuck Parks & Recreation
COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES HUB
Naugatuck Parks & Recreation provides residents and visitors with year-round programming and well-maintained facilities for outdoor enjoyment and community gatherings. The department manages various parks, playgrounds, sports fields, and recreational areas throughout the town. Their organized events and activities cater to all age groups, fostering community connections and healthy lifestyles.
14. Saint James Cemetery
HISTORIC MEMORIAL GROUNDS
Saint James Cemetery serves as both a historical landmark and a peaceful memorial ground in Naugatuck. The cemetery contains gravesites of notable local historical figures and veterans, offering insight into the community's past generations. Visitors appreciate the serene setting and well-maintained grounds that provide a place for reflection and historical appreciation.
15. Mattatuck Museum
REGIONAL ART & HISTORY
The Mattatuck Museum, located in nearby Waterbury, showcases Connecticut art and cultural history through its diverse collections and exhibitions. The museum features works by Connecticut artists alongside artifacts that tell the story of the region's development and heritage. Visitors can enjoy rotating exhibits, educational programs, and special events that make this cultural institution worth the short trip from Naugatuck.