Newington ConnecticutATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Newington, Connecticut.
1. Mill Pond Park
HOME TO SMALLEST WATERFALL
Mill Pond Park features Mill Pond Falls, which is officially the smallest natural waterfall in the United States. The park offers numerous recreational facilities including a baseball field, basketball court, tennis courts, soccer fields, a public pool, and a children's playground. It's also the location for Newington's impressive Fourth of July fireworks show, considered one of the best in the state.
2. Iwo Jima Survivors Memorial Park
HISTORIC MILITARY MONUMENT
Iwo Jima Survivors Memorial Park honors the veterans who fought in this significant World War II battle. The memorial serves as a place of reflection and remembrance for visitors interested in American military history. With its 4.5-star rating, it stands as one of Newington's most respected attractions.
3. Lucy Robbins Welles Library
CULTURAL LEARNING CENTER
Lucy Robbins Welles Library is a highly-rated community resource with an impressive 4.9-star rating. It offers a wide range of books, digital resources, and educational programs for residents of all ages. The library serves as an important cultural hub in Newington.
4. American Radio Relay League
AMATEUR RADIO HEADQUARTERS
American Radio Relay League is an educational site with a 4.8-star rating that serves as the national association for amateur radio in the USA. Visitors can learn about the history and technology of amateur radio communications through various exhibits. The site includes the Hiram Percy Maxim Memorial Station, which is of particular interest to radio enthusiasts.
5. Montana Nights Axe Throwing
UNIQUE RECREATIONAL EXPERIENCE
Montana Nights Axe Throwing offers a unique recreational experience with a stellar 4.9-star rating. Visitors can try their hand at the increasingly popular activity of axe throwing in a safe, supervised environment. It's recommended as a must-try attraction when visiting Newington.
6. Vintage At Strandz
PERFECT 5-STAR SHOPPING
Vintage At Strandz boasts a perfect 5.0-star rating, making it a standout shopping destination in Newington. The store specializes in vintage items, offering unique finds for collectors and fashion enthusiasts. Its exceptional rating suggests consistently high customer satisfaction and quality merchandise.
7. Kellogg-Eddy House & Museum
LOCAL HISTORY PRESERVED
Kellogg-Eddy House & Museum is a specialty museum dedicated to preserving and sharing Newington's local history. The historic house provides visitors with insights into the area's past through period furnishings and historical exhibits. It serves as an important cultural and educational resource for both residents and tourists interested in Connecticut's heritage.
8. Cedar Hill Cemetery
HISTORIC MEMORIAL GROUNDS
Cedar Hill Cemetery is a historic cemetery near Newington that serves as the final resting place for many notable Connecticut residents. The cemetery's beautiful landscaping and architectural elements make it an unexpected but worthwhile attraction for visitors. Beyond its memorial function, it offers a peaceful setting for walking and reflection.
9. Newington Waterfall Festival
ANNUAL CULTURAL CELEBRATION
The Newington Waterfall Festival is a popular annual event held every September that celebrates the town's unique natural landmark. The one-day festival features live music, a farmers' market, 70+ arts and crafts stalls, food vendors, and a special Kids Zone with performances. The highlight of the festival is the Artist's Chalk Walk, where Market Square is transformed into a colorful open-air art gallery.
10. Newington Junction
HISTORIC RAILWAY DISTRICT
Newington Junction is a historic district in town with significant railway heritage. This area preserves the charm of Connecticut's transportation history through its historic buildings and infrastructure. Visitors interested in local history and architecture will find this district particularly appealing.
11. Mills Pond Falls
AMERICA'S SMALLEST WATERFALL
Mills Pond Falls is officially recognized as the smallest natural waterfall in the United States, dropping 16 feet over rocks at a maximum rate of 3.5 gallons per second. The waterfall is accessible via a scenic path that circles the pond and crosses the falls on a charming wooden footbridge. This iconic landmark has become central to Newington's identity and is celebrated annually with a dedicated festival.
12. Market Square
TOWN CENTER HUB
Market Square serves as Newington's town center and community gathering space. The square hosts various events throughout the year, including the famous Waterfall Festival with its Artist's Chalk Walk. Surrounding the square are local businesses and restaurants that contribute to Newington's small-town charm.
13. Elizabeth Park
HISTORIC ROSE GARDEN
Elizabeth Park is located near Newington and features America's oldest public rose garden with over 800 varieties of roses. The park spans 102 acres and includes various gardens, walking paths, recreational facilities, and a pond. Visitors can enjoy seasonal displays throughout the year, with the rose garden in peak bloom during June and early July.
14. Westfarms Mall
PREMIER SHOPPING DESTINATION
Westfarms Mall is a premier shopping destination located near Newington featuring over 160 stores and restaurants. The two-level enclosed shopping center includes major department stores like Macy's, Nordstrom, and JCPenney, along with numerous specialty retailers. Its convenient location makes it a popular shopping option for Newington residents and visitors seeking retail therapy.
15. Dinosaur State Park
PREHISTORIC FOSSIL SITE
Dinosaur State Park is a short drive from Newington and protects one of the largest dinosaur track sites in North America. The park's geodesic dome houses over 500 preserved Jurassic-era dinosaur footprints that are approximately 200 million years old. Visitors can also enjoy nature trails, an arboretum featuring plants from the age of dinosaurs, and various educational programs about prehistoric life.