10 Fun Things to do in Norwich, Connecticut

Are you thinking of visiting Norwich, Connecticut and you wonder what there is to do in this city? Here are 10 fun things to do and see if you are visiting Norwich, Connecticut. From brew pubs, to museums, parks, theater, great restaurants and a marina, Norwich has something for everyone. While there are way more than 10 things to do in the Norwich area, we think these should definitely be on your bucket list.

These Guys Brewing Co Norwich Connecticut

These Guys Brewing Co– These Guys Brewing stems from a passion and love of Great Beer! Combining a hunger for beer infused food with a foodie flare, the creative force behind These Guys was born. Their mission is to create unique and delicious brews with an emphasis on complex malt flavors and balance that come together with an ever-evolving seasonal menu in order to make a dining experience that is greater than the sum of its parts. Come check out local events, like regular comedy shows, or grab a bite to eat, like their South Asian Beer Wings or Short Rib Grilled Cheese. theseguysbrewing.com

Chestnut Street Playhouse– In 2000, this building was transformed into a 67-seat black box theater. Now, located at 24 Chestnut Street, in the heart of downtown Norwich, CT, Chestnut Street Playhouse is the place to be for entertainment, education and a celebration of the performing arts. Chestnut Street Playhouse is committed to providing high quality theatrical experiences that entertain audiences, educate students, and nurture and develop the local arts community. They strive to be a major catalyst for community involvement and revitalization through the arts. facebook.com/CSPNorwich

Slater MuseumLocated on the campus of Norwich Free Academy, the Slater Museum awakens visitors to the richness and diversity of the human experience through art and history. For more than one hundred years, the Museum has displayed and interpreted the best examples of fine and decorative art, representing a broad range of world cultures of the Americas, Asia, Europe and Africa. The Slater Memorial Museum presents several permanent or long-term exhibitions in spaces on two levels, accessible via elevator or stairs.  These include the museum’s inaugural exhibition of plaster cast copies of the great ancient Greek, Roman, Middle Eastern and Renaissance sculpture. slatermuseum.org

The Harp and Dragon Pub– This Irish Pub in the Heart of Norwich has been a fan favorite of locals for decades. Come enjoy the casual family friendly atmosphere, where you can choose from a variety of amazing appetizers, pub grub, and entrees. Grab drinks from a fully stocked bar and over 30 beers on tap! hndpub.com

The Harp and Dragon Pub also hosts regular events like trivia nights, pub crawls, and seasonal activities and includes an amazing outdoor patio and bar upstairs (open during the warmer months).

Water Works Bar and Grill– Located on N. Main Street, Water Works Bar and Grill offers some of the most amazing culinary creations you’ve seen at a pub! Their latest creations include grilled pork belly, pulled pork mac & cheese quesadillas, and a variety of tacos and flatbreads. waterworksct.com

In the mood for a drink?  They offer 12 local changing beer taps and a variety of custom made drinks. During the warmer months, come hang out with them in their back yard! Have some fun in the sun and sipping on your favorite beverage. Enjoy some great local bands and some of the best music while playing outdoor games such as flip cup, life-sized Jenga, corn hole, beer pong and Can Jam. Open Friday – Monday from spring through fall (weather permitting).

Yantic Falls, Norwich Connecticut
Photo Credit: Flickr, Linda Grant Photography

Yantic Falls– Uncas Leap, also known as Yantic Falls and Indian Leap, is a waterfall and deep rocky gorge on the Yantic River. According to popular legend, during 17th century war between the Mohegan and Narragansett tribes, a group of fleeing Narragansetts attempted to jump across the gorge and plunged to their death. Located at 196-200 Yantic Street in Norwich. The 1.2-acre landmark along the Yantic River is the site of the culmination of the Battle of Great Plains between the Mohegan and Narragansett Tribes. The site boasts an 19th century mill ruin, an incredible gorge and a breathtaking waterfall. walknorwich.org/uncas-leap-trail

Currently, the site is open year round and is in the process of being developed as a park intended to commemorate the culmination of the Battle of Great Plains, a significant Native American battle. Additionally, the site is being developed to emphasize the Mohegan Tribe’s significant heritage and the manufacturing history of the site. The property is owned by the City of Norwich and is the perfect place for the “off the beaten path” adventurer to visit.

At the site, visitors can connect to the Heritage Trail and the Uncas Leap Trail, which is a part of the Walk Norwich Trail system. The Heritage Trail is a 2.8-mile roundtrip trail along the Yantic River connecting historic downtown Norwich, CT to Uncas Leap. Parts of the site offering views of the water are wheelchair accessible. Some parts of the trail include a steep incline, which may be challenging for some visitors.

The Uncas Leap Trail features the Native Mohegan Tribe’s rich history in southeastern Connecticut, including a legendary battle with the Narragansett Tribe, the tribe’s friendly relationship with Norwich’s early settlers (which close relationship exists today), and key sacred sites. The flat trail is roughly 1 mile round trip and visitors can walk on the sidewalk to connect with the historic sites along the Uncas Leap Trail.

American Wharf Norwich Connecticut
Photo Credit: American Wharf

Howard T. Memorial Park and Marina– Located in the heart of downtown and part of the Norwich Heritage Walk, Howard T. Memorial Park also hosts the beautiful American Wharf Marina and boat launch, as well as a variety of events held in the gazebo in the warmer months. Come walk along the dock and enjoy the amazing views, feed the ducks, or bring your family during the warm weather months to enjoy the spectacular scenery. norwichct.org/Howard-T-Brown-Memorial-Park

Dodd Stadium– Home of the CT Tigers- Senator Thomas J. Dodd Memorial Stadium is a stadium in Norwich, Connecticut. It is primarily used for baseball, and, in 2010, became the home of the Connecticut Tigers of the New York–Penn League. It is named for Eastern Connecticut native Thomas Dodd who was a United States Senator and Representative from Connecticut, and the father of U.S. Senator Christopher Dodd. A special event is to be held here in the coming months, a festival, there will be several different bands playing over the course of a few days. milb.com/cttigers

Dodd Stadium, Norwich, Connecticut
Photo Credit: Minor League Baseball

Leffingwell House Museum The Leffingwell House Museum (Circa 1675) is one of the finest restored examples of New England Colonial architecture which shows the architectural development common to CT. Starting as a two room home that evolved into a pre-Revolutionary Tavern. By 1776 it was the elegant home of a Norwich Patriot. leffingwellhousemuseum.org

The house is filled with a fascinating assortment of pieces representative of its architectural evolution. Interpreters use displays of artifacts, dating from the founding of Norwich in 1659 through the Civil War, to evoke the lifestyle of early America.   The Museum is open Saturdays, April through October, 11am-4pm, $5 

Norwich Bowling Alley and Entertainment Center– Our center offers a variety of entertainment for all ages. We have 32 synthetic lanes with auto scoring. We also have automatic bumpers. Two State of the Art Golf Simulators and our Brand New State of the Art Arcade with a fully stocked redemption center. While your visiting our center, don’t forget to check out our Spare Room Diner and our Sports Bar. Rock-N-Bowl every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday night featuring loud music with black and disco lights. norwichbowling.com

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