The Little-Known Park In Connecticut That Transforms Into An Ice Palace In The Winter
Winter in Connecticut can get pretty frigid. Sure, we don’t typically have the massive amounts of snowfall you encounter in the Midwest, and we don’t often see temperatures too far below zero, but it certainly gets cold enough that you might be tempted to spend winter days inside. Don’t let the whole season pass you by, though! There are plenty of great winter attractions in Connecticut, and much of the Nutmeg State is just as beautiful, if not more so, in the wintertime. One of our favorite places to visit when the weather is frightful is the magnificent Osbornedale State Park. This underrated park in Derby has a variety of activities to enjoy throughout the year, and it’s especially magical in the winter months.
Osbornedale State Park spans 417 acres right along the banks of the Housatonic River. Thanks to the park's miles of trails, fishing pond, environmental center, and historical attractions, it's a great spot to visit at any time of year.
Spending time on the water is wonderful on a hot day, but the presence of the pond here becomes even more magical in the winter. Designated areas of the pond are tested regularly and, dependent on the weather, deemed safe for ice skating.
Derby's annual snowfall is higher than the national average, so keep an eye on the weather reports if you're looking to see the area all covered in white.
The park has an interesting history, and was previously the site of several cow farming operations. Further back, it was used for silver mining and spring water bottling.
Another fascinating feature of Osbornedale State Park is the park's glacial erratics. These rocks are unique in that they are made of different minerals than the rocks present in the area where they lie. They were transported, sometimes vast distances, by glaciers moving across the earth's surface.
Lisa loves animals and has dogs, rats, cats, guinea pigs, and snakes. She is passionate about animal rescue, particularly fixing stray cats. She also likes reading, playing Pokemon Go, and going to concerts. Her dog Cece is the best dog in the whole world. You can reach Lisa at lsammons@onlyinyourstate.com
