Danbury is located 50 miles northeast of New York City on the Stills River. It's part of Fairfield County with a population of 87,642. In 2015, USA Today ranked Danbury second on its list of the best places to live. The city has a long and exciting history that dates back to 1687 when it was named after Danbury in Essex, England. It was incorporated in 1702, and it was chartered as a city by 1809. People referred to the area as "Beantown" because of the quality of beans grown there, but that nickname changed to "Hat City" in the 19th century as it was the center of the hat industry.
During the Revolutionary War, Danbury served as a supply depot for the Continental Army. The town was raided by the British in 1777. Major General William Tryon led these British troops. Today, Danbury's industry relies on the manufacturing of products like electronic equipment, furniture and machinery. It's also the home of Western Connecticut State University.
When visiting Danbury, make the Danbury Museum & Historical Society Authority downtown your first stop. It's located in the 1785 John and Mary Rider Home, where you'll learn more about the history of this city. Another great spot to start is the Danbury Railway Museum, which has many excellent railroad-related displays.
Outdoor enthusiasts will find many green spaces to explore, such as Tarrywile Park and Mansion. The property encompasses hundreds of acres with ponds, fields and hills as well as a mansion and a castle. Bear Mountain Reservation has open fields, small hills and a quiet forest accessed by Red Trail, and Ives Trail Greenway is a 20-mile pathway through the Housatonic Valley Region. End your day of hiking with dinner at Barbarie's Black Angus Grill, which serves local cuisine, or the train-themed Rosy Tomorrow.
Campgrounds Near Danbury, Connecticut
Among the many RV parks near Danbury, you'll find Salem Farms Campground. It has 190 sites with full hookups. Families love the two swimming pools and the animal petting zoo located at the campground, which is an hour and 20 minutes northeast of Danbury. The ice cream stand sells snacks on warm days, and you can always grab a bite to eat at the snack bar. Rates are $31 per day, $220 per week and $855 per month.
The quiet and serene Countryside RV Park in Jewett City, an hour and 45 minutes northeast of Danbury, has 108 sites with full hookups. There's always something to do with a fishing pond, a swimming pond and a man-made lake on-site. Movies and games can be borrowed from the lending library. Daily rates start at $50. Weekly rates are $315, and monthly rates are $945.
The Riverdale Farm Campsite in Clinton, an hour and 20 minutes southeast of Danbury, has 250 sites with full hookups. You can choose from wooded areas, green meadows or waterfront locations. Activities include volleyball, swimming, tennis, softball, fishing and horseshoes. There's also a video arcade and ping-pong and pool tables available. Rates start at $45 per day. Weekly rates are $275, and monthly rates are $850.
State Parks Near Danbury, Connecticut
Twenty-five minutes northeast of Danbury, Kettletown State Park encompasses 605 acres that were originally the home of the Pootatuck Native Americans. The Pootatuck fished in the lakes and hunted on the grounds of what is now the park. While they were successful at this, they were mostly farmers. They raised squash, beans, apples and tobacco. They also created a drum system that allowed them to send messages over 200 miles away within only two hours. After the Connecticut Light and Power Company constructed a dam in 1919, their land was covered in water. Today, visitors know it as Lake Zoar. It's the state's largest freshwater body. Hiking trails in the park offer stunning panoramic views of the lake and surrounding areas.
Macedonia Brook State Park in Kent, 50 minutes north of Danbury, covers 2,302 acres of mountains, water and woods. Hiking is a popular activity here. The Blue Trail crosses a mountain with stunning views, especially in the fall when the leaves are changing. The many streams provide excellent fishing opportunities, and picnic areas allow you to appreciate the beautiful views while eating.
Black Rock State Park, 40 minutes northeast of Danbury, comprises 444 acres of forests to explore. You'll discover a lake in this park in the rolling hills of the Western Highlands. Swimming and hiking are popular activities here. Trails offer you beautiful views of Black Rock, Black Rock Lake and Black Rock Pond. The Mattatuck Trail connects the park with the Mattatuck State Forest. History buffs enjoy learning about the area's Native American history and culture while visiting.
National Sites Near Danbury, Connecticut
Twenty minutes south of Danbury, Weir Farm National Historical Park encompasses 60 acres of fields, woods and waterways. It's the home and studio of the impressionist J. Alden Weir. This area inspired much of his work. Begin your visit by touring the Burlingham House Visitor Center where you can watch the park film. There are also museum exhibits, and you can pick up a souvenir at the Eastern National Park Store. From the house, you can walk the grounds and explore the formal gardens. Hiking trails lead to the beautiful Weir Pond.
Sagamore Hill National Historic Site on Cove Neck's peninsula, across the Long Island Sound in Oyster Bay, New York, an hour and 35 minutes south of Danbury, was where Theodore Roosevelt built his home. He wanted a large enough home for his wife and family with room for the children to enjoy nature. The home was nicknamed the "Summer White House" after he became president in 1901. After his presidency, he lived here until he died in 1919. You can tour the home, as well as the Old Orchard House, which is filled with family artifacts. Hiking trails will take you to ocean beaches, tidal areas and marshy swamps.
The Home of Franklin D. Roosevelt National Historic Site in Hyde Park, NY, an hour and five minutes northwest of Danbury, enables you to learn more about this man and his presidency. This is where he and his wife, Eleanor, retreated while he served as president. You'll be able to see Springwood, which is where he was born, and you can tour the Roosevelt Presidential Library, the first presidential library ever created. You're also welcome to explore the 1,000-acre grounds that include trails and gardens.
National Forests Near Danbury, Connecticut
Green Mountain National Forest is in southwestern and central Vermont, two hours and 20 minutes northeast of Danbury. Popular activities in this forest include hiking, biking, hunting and fishing throughout the year as well as cross-country skiing in the winter. The many wild moose that call this forest home draw visitors, but you'll also find white-tailed deer, black bears, foxes, beavers and coyotes in the area. An area rich in history, the forest contains over 2,000 archaeological and historic sites that you'll discover as you explore.
White Mountain National Forest encompasses 800,000 beautiful acres of Eastern New Hampshire and Western Maine, four hours and 45 minutes northeast of Danbury. While visiting, you'll discover hardwood forests, mountains, rivers, lakes and a variety of wildlife in the area. Hiking, fishing, camping and boating are all popular activities here. The many hiking trails range from easy-to-walk, family-friendly paths to more challenging treks.
Finger Lakes National Forest is in Upstate New York, four hours and five minutes northwest of Danbury. The beauty of this forest more than makes up for its small size. Located between the scenic Seneca and Cayuga Lakes, the forest features lovely waterfalls, deep gorges and plenty of spring wildflowers. This area is known for the best bass fishing in the state, and there are over 30 miles of hiking trails available for you to explore. Biking, skiing and camping are among the many other popular activities found here. If you keep an eye out while visiting the forest, you just might catch a glimpse of wildlife like bears, white-tailed deer, bobcats and foxes.
