Plymouth ConnecticutATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Plymouth, Connecticut.
1. Lake Winfield
RECREATION AND NATURE
Lake Winfield is one of Plymouth's most popular recreational facilities featuring 33 acres to explore, including a 16-acre lake for fishing and non-motorized boating. Visitors can enjoy walking the 0.8-mile path that encircles the lake or use the playscape, picnic gazebo, tennis courts, and pickleball courts. While swimming is not permitted, the park offers ample parking off Holt Street and at Seymour Road for those looking to enjoy this natural setting.
2. Lock Museum of America
HISTORICAL LOCK COLLECTION
The Lock Museum of America is located at 230 Main Street, housing over 23,000 colonial and antique locks, making it the largest collection in the United States. This unique museum sits across from the original Eagle Lock factory site, founded in 1854, and has been featured in many travel guides for those seeking unusual attractions. The museum represents the area's industrial heritage and 'Yankee ingenuity' that characterized early American innovation.
3. Historic Waterwheel
INDUSTRIAL HERITAGE SITE
The Historic Waterwheel at 264 Main Street is on the National Register of Historic Places and is the oldest water wheel in the United States with original parts. Built in the 1830s, this remarkable structure stands as a testament to early American industrial innovation and engineering. The Town is developing an educational park around this site to highlight the heritage of the area and demonstrate historic power generation techniques.
4. Plymouth Town Forest
NATURAL WOODLAND TRAIL
The Plymouth Town Forest is a 53-acre woodland that was donated to the Town as open space for the Plymouth Heights subdivision. Located near the end of Watchtower Road, the forest offers hiking trails and natural scenery for outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can access this peaceful retreat via a 50-foot wide right-of-way between two houses, marked by a weatherbeaten sign at the trail entrance.
5. Railroad Museum of New England
HISTORIC TRAIN EXPERIENCE
The Railroad Museum of New England offers visitors a chance to experience railroad history through its collection of historic trains and equipment. Located just outside Plymouth in nearby Thomaston, the museum operates scenic train rides that showcase Connecticut's natural beauty. Visitors consistently rate this attraction highly, making it one of the most popular destinations in the area.
6. Plymouth Historical Society
LOCAL HISTORY PRESERVED
The Plymouth Historical Society at 572 Main Street houses a restored 1852 Woodruff & Beach steam engine, the only engine of this kind still operational in the United States. This organization preserves and showcases the rich history of Plymouth through various exhibits and historical artifacts. Visitors can learn about local industrial development and the town's significant contributions to Connecticut's history.
7. Plymouth Land Trust Trails
HISTORIC INDUSTRIAL FOUNDATIONS
The Plymouth Land Trust manages 30 acres adjacent to Plymouth Center with trails that reveal the area's industrial past. A notable trail on Main Street leads visitors to the foundations of the circa 1850 Shelton Tuttle Carriage factory. Nature enthusiasts and history buffs alike can enjoy this unique combination of outdoor recreation and industrial archaeology.
8. West Cemetery
HISTORIC RURAL CEMETERY
West Cemetery on Carter Road features a mid-1800s rural cemetery design that represents an important shift in American burial traditions. The cemetery's landscaped grounds and historic monuments offer insights into 19th-century funerary art and cultural attitudes toward death. History enthusiasts and those interested in genealogy will find this peaceful setting both educational and contemplative.
9. Old Cemetery
CLOCKMAKER'S FINAL REST
The Old Cemetery on South Main Street contains the graves of Eli Terry, Eli Terry Jr., and their families, connecting visitors to Plymouth's famous clockmaking heritage. Eli Terry revolutionized the American clock industry in the early 19th century, making Plymouth a center for manufacturing innovation. This historic burial ground offers a tangible connection to the industrialists who helped shape early American manufacturing.
10. East Church
HISTORIC RELIGIOUS ARCHITECTURE
East Church is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and stands as an excellent example of historic religious architecture in the village of East Plymouth. From the church, adventurous visitors can access a one-mile trail that leads to Tory Den, a cave with historical significance. This combination of architectural and natural history makes East Church a distinctive destination for those interested in Connecticut's past.
11. Buttermilk Falls
NATURAL WATERFALL ATTRACTION
Buttermilk Falls is one of Plymouth's scenic natural attractions where visitors can enjoy the sight and sound of cascading water. The falls offer a refreshing destination for hikers and nature photographers seeking to capture Connecticut's natural beauty. This peaceful setting provides a perfect retreat from urban life and an opportunity to connect with the region's natural landscapes.
12. A Time in History Mural
PUBLIC ART DISPLAY
A Time in History Mural represents Plymouth's heritage through public art that captures significant moments and figures from the town's past. The mural provides visitors with a visual narrative of local history that complements the town's historical sites and museums. Art enthusiasts and history buffs alike will appreciate this creative depiction of Plymouth's evolution through time.
13. A Balanced Body Massage and Spa
RELAXATION AND WELLNESS
A Balanced Body Massage and Spa offers visitors and locals a chance to unwind and rejuvenate with professional spa services. This highly-rated wellness destination provides a range of treatments designed to reduce stress and promote physical well-being. Travelers exploring Plymouth's historical and natural attractions can balance their itinerary with some personal care at this popular establishment.
14. Baldwin Park
COMMUNITY RECREATION SPACE
Baldwin Park serves as a community gathering space in Plymouth where visitors can enjoy outdoor recreation and leisure activities. The park offers amenities for various age groups, making it suitable for family outings and casual sports. Its central location makes it an accessible stopping point when exploring Plymouth's other attractions and historical sites.
15. Disc Golf Course
OUTDOOR SPORTING ACTIVITY
The Disc Golf Course in Plymouth provides an engaging outdoor activity for sports enthusiasts of all skill levels. Players navigate a course using flying discs with the objective of completing each hole in the fewest throws possible. This recreational facility offers a fun alternative to traditional sightseeing and appeals to active visitors looking to enjoy Plymouth's outdoor spaces.