There Are 3 Must-See Historic Landmarks In The Charming Town Of Danbury, Connecticut

These sites take you back to the 1700s and are perfect for all ages.

The Danbury Museum & Historical Society was officially created in 1947 to preserve the structures and history of downtown Danbury. The museum may not seem "that old," but the buildings date back to the 1700s. The grounds include a research library, a garden, and over a handful of historical properties, each with a different story. In one of the buildings, The John Dodd Hat Shop, you can learn about how the hatting industry played a part in the city’s upbringing. The staff at the museum is extremely knowledgeable and passionate about Danbury, which makes for educational and fun tours. Danbury Museum & Historical Society’s tours can be booked here, many of which are free, and for daily updates, follow the society on Facebook.

Tarrywile Park stretches across more than 700 acres and is located on the south end of Danbury. Whether you’re walking, camping, hiking, fishing, or exploring the Tarrywile Mansion, it’s a relaxing spot for all to enjoy, even dogs. The mansion was built in 1897, and during the 1900s it was used as a dairy farm and a peach and apple orchard. You know a place is beautiful when it is a versatile hotspot for weddings and other special events. Tarrywile Park has hiking trails for every skill level, and if you don’t have much time but want to see the beauty of the park, check out the historic gardens. Maps for both can be found here. Did we mention that parking and entry are free? This just got even better.

Back in 1903, the building that is now Danbury Railway Museum was built as Danbury Union Station, and in 1995 the museum was created through the restoration of that station. The inside currently houses pictures, artifacts, and working train models, and outside is the rail yard, which spans over 10 acres of tracks. It is open on weekends year round, is especially popular in the fall and during the holidays, and is known for being a fun place for kids. You can find opportunities to take a train ride, check out the inside of the museum, and stroll through the rail yard by staying updated on Danbury Railway Museum’s hours, events, and admissions here. For a hands-on experience, try the "Hand-On-The-Throttle" program where you (as long as you’re 18 or older) can drive one of the trains; while supervised, of course.