Nature & Parks

For a $7 adult admission ticket, one can visit a Westport-based ‘nature discovery center’ that houses live animals for public viewing, shows wildlife dioramas, and maintains more than 62 acres of woodlands with walking trails, picnic areas, kids’ playgrounds, butterfly gardens, and a gift shop.

The beating heart of Norwalk, the Town Green is our most beautiful public space, one that encompasses a classic gazebo, memorials to our 360-year history, and flower gardens, not to mention picturesque views of ‘Connecticut Yankee’ structures like the First Congregational Church. During the warmer months, the Norwalk Town Green is the site of numerous community festivals, free concerts, and parades.

Cranbury Park originated in the wooded groves surrounding the 80-year old Gallaher Mansion, and in the years since its lush 220 acres have come to feature biking trails, picnic pavilions, frisbee courses, and playgrounds. The Mansion is often utilized for weddings, and the Park is the site of the annual Round Hill Highland Games.

In the late 1800’s, Sheffield Island illuminated the Long Island Sound for passing sailors. In the early 2000’s, the popular landmark enlightens summertime visitors through historic tours, sweeping skyline views, a nearby wetlands nature refuge, and a program of regular clambakes. Ferry tickets to the Lighthouse range from $5-22 and reservations are recommended.

Connecticut’s first state park is still one of its finest, as Sherwood Island proudly offers picnicking, swimming, hiking, and fishing opportunities along with sweeping views of the Westport shoreline.