Picture beautiful skies, quaint shops, and cozy farms within the shining city of Shelton, located in Fairfield County, Connecticut.
Incorporated in 1915, Sheldon’s rich history features varied tales of growth, decline, and community redevelopment.
It thrived as a manufacturing town but declined because of a colossal arson fire.
Then, Shelton rose again through the locals’ revitalization efforts.
Shelton offers a mix of scenic destinations, casual adventures, and charming local attractions.
You can also taste authentic farm life with different specialties in fresh, locally sourced products.
Nestled along Fairfield County, this place got its name from a powerful water company that made it flourish.
Today, it has many places for leisure, activities, and learning experiences.
Check out the best things to do in Shelton, Connecticut, through this list!
LBSimms Photography / Shutterstock.com
Commune with nature in the city and visit the Indian Well State Park.
This park is an all-in-one destination for outdoor activities such as boating, fishing, swimming, hiking, etc.
It’s a pleasant natural venue with scenic waterfalls, a shaded picnic grove, and access to Lake Housatonic.
Established in 1928, the public area has expanded to more than 100 acres of the tranquil lake.
LBSimms Photography / Shutterstock.com
The Indian Well State Park is rumored to have origins in a Native American legend similar to Romeo and Juliet.
In a serene place like the park, there’s no rush to do anything in particular.
Visitors are provided a place to relax, unwind, and bask in the presence of simple nature.
Along Indian Well Road, it’s no wonder that this state park has become one of the city’s cherished treasures.
LBSimms Photography / Shutterstock.com
Shelton Lakes Recreation Path is a popular trail that takes you through a pleasant journey into the city.
When it finished construction in 2012, the path became common for people to go around some parts of Shelton.
It’s multi-use, so you can try various modes of transportation, such as biking, horseback, and hiking, to enjoy its features.
Shelton Lakes Recreation Path is one of the best ways to explore the city while also seeing its natural beauty.
Follow the path to see charming boulevards, local schools, and historic dams.
There can be challenging parts on some rolling hills, but it’s still considered moderate terrain.
It’s a great way to see the city in its pure form!
You can find it from downtown Shelton and Shelton Lakes Open Space.
The Giggling Pig Art and Party Studio can let you show off your creativity with bright, colorful crafts.
It’s perfect for those traveling with children, but adults can always join if interested!
Making arts and crafts is also a great way to pass the time and release stress.
Beyond an art studio, the Giggling Pig Art and Party Studio offer children a place to foster creativity and meet fellow kids.
From sculpting and painting to making crafts, they’ll teach you various ways to experience art in a fun manner.
The staff is friendly and takes measures to ensure a warm atmosphere.
You can join public events, book private classes, or bring your children for the ride.
At River Road, the Giggling Pig Art and Party Studio present a vibrant way to spend your time in the city.
Since 1849, Beardsley’s Cider Mill & Orchard has become a source of Shelton’s thriving local agriculture.
It began as a small dairy farm but was soon transformed to include fruits, livestock, and a cider mill.
From fresh fruits and honey to homemade pastries and drinks, this quaint farm has a little bit of everything.
You can also experience picking your apples and enjoy browsing through their wide variety of sweet, red fruit.
You’ll get them straight from the plant, so they’ll be guaranteed fresh!
They also sell a particular version of hard cider, made from just the apples on the premises.
Located on Leavenworth Road, this place is a go-to destination for those who want a taste of locally-sourced goods.
Head to Beardsley’s Cider Mill & Orchard for the classic Shelton experience!
The Sports Center of Connecticut had humble beginnings as a golf driving range in 1999.
After great success, it’s expanded into a center for diverse forms of family entertainment.
There’s so much you can do in the Sports Center of Connecticut.
You can spend the day trying out the center’s activities, whether it’s bowling, golf, paintball, or more.
They take pride in having up to 20 forms of recreation, including indoor and outdoor ventures.
You can also join programs or workshops to teach you skills in certain sports like ice skating and hockey.
Nestled on 20 acres, this center can likely accommodate recreation for children and adults!
You can find the Sports Center of Connecticut along River Road.
Spanning five generations, Wells Hollow Creamery is the proud legacy of the Wells family.
At Beard Sawmill Road, the venue is known for having more than 60 flavors of ice cream available in their shop.
From amaretto cherry and cannoli to graham and party cake, they have a splendid variety of standard and unique fixings.
Your next favorite flavor might be in Wells Hollow Creamery!
If you’re looking for entertainment, this farm has also opened a thrilling corn maze.
It features narrow spaces, tricky corners, and tall plants to increase the difficulty of getting out of the attraction.
Even if the farm opened in the early 1900s, they’ve made efforts to keep up with the trends of modern times.
Make sure you drop by the establishment if you’re ever in the city.
Like the other farms in Shelton, Jones Family Farms has a distinct specialty in agriculture.
They specialize in three things: Christmas trees, cooking classes, and a winery.
At Walnut Tree Hill Road, Jones Family Farms open their yard with fresh pumpkins, strawberries, blueberries, and Christmas trees.
Their offerings vary with the season, but there’ll always be something for everyone at this venue.
The Harvest Kitchen also offers cooking lessons about family-style meals made from locally-grown crops.
Finally, the winery features a diverse list of wines, including whites, reds, fruit, and dessert wines.
With all those attractions, Jones Family Farm has much to try.
Give the place a shot!
Shelton Riverview Park can be a safe choice if you’re unsure where to go.
This city’s first-ever park was constructed in the early 20th century.
Ever since, it’s become a well-known spot for locals who are searching for a bit of natural peace.
It has a scenic overlooking view of the Housatonic Dam!
You can sit at one of the picnic benches, gaze at the impressive sight, and freely relax in Shelton Riverview Park.
Otherwise, you can use their facilities, including basketball courts, sports fields, and a children’s playground.
The historic Memorial Building is also built to honor Shelton citizens who lost their lives in previous wars.
You’ll see the Center Stage Theatre along the lengths of Grove Street.
It’s a community-based theater that showcases local talents through stellar performances and top-notch acting.
They handle everything from actors and actresses to production, lighting, and sound system to craft entertaining shows.
At first, the Center Stage Theater was once a bookstore/coffee shop with a small theater on the side.
However, the theater shined and received praise from its customers!
It produced various productions each year while establishing a center for education.
Their shows feature various genres, including comedy, action, romance, musicals, and more.
Get your fix of local entertainment from the Center Stage Theater!
While in Shelton, you should treat your eyes to the pretty sights of Eklund Wildflower Garden.
These public gardens are home to lush, colorful flowers native to the Northeastern United States.
It used to be an upscale log cabin in the early 20th century, but only the gardens of that former cabin remain.
It’s a refuge of wildflowers that you can explore through an extensive hiking system!
If you’re tired of the city aesthetic, you can always drop by Eklund Wildflower Garden to soothe your eyes.
With many native plants and flora, this can be a great way to discover the natural side of Connecticut.
It’s also a hidden gem that few people know, so it likely won’t be too crowded!
Head to Oak Valley Road if you’re interested.
The Shelton History Center is one of the best destinations for history buffs in Shelton, Connecticut.
The center’s origins date back to 1971 when a private organization purchased the home of the Brownson family.
From there, the Shelton History Center was created to preserve the city’s history and spread awareness of the past.
It has three main attractions onsite: the Brownson family home, the Trap Falls School, and the Wilson Barn.
Each building has its unique charm, so explore them all!
There are many fascinating things to see, from original furniture and authentic documents to old-school trinkets and tools.
The Shelton Historical Society ensures that the artifacts are well-preserved while collecting other vintage goods.
Travel back to the past in the Shelton History Center at Ripton Road.
If you need groceries while traveling, try the Common Bond Market.
Huntington Street is a powerhouse for natural, local, and organic products.
From fresh agriculture and canned goods to sweet treats and hygiene goods, this place has almost everything for essentials.
They also have a selection of niche items you can only find in rare places.
They also serve tasty meals from safe, healthy ingredients inside the store if you get hungry.
Their menu often varies, so you can always check out if they have something new.
For more than 20 years, the Common Bond Market has become a reliable source of groceries for customers in the area.
Shop with them and support the locals of Shelton!
Shelton Parks & Recreation Center is great for people seeking active recreation.
It’s home to several amenities like basketball courts, baseball fields, and other sports facilities and equipment.
You can also join workshops and programs if you are interested in meeting other people.
The swimming pool is the most popular amenity in Shelton Parks & Recreation Center!
It’s open to the public, secured with lifeguards, and features a decent-sized pool.
Many visit the center for the pool, especially during the hot summer seasons.
The staff keeps it in clean condition too.
Head to Church Street if you’re interested in convenient recreation.
Located about ten minutes from Shelton, the Whitney Farms Golf Course is in Monroe, Connecticut.
The venue offers a challenging but beautiful championship course on pristine greens.
The full-service golf shop has your back if you miss out on equipment!
It has appeared in the prestigious Golf Digest and other local magazines in Connecticut.
About 7,000 yards of tranquil terrains open to the public await those who plan to visit Whitney Farms Golf Course.
You can find it at Shelton Road, nestled within Monroe.
While it may look like a small art gallery, don’t worry too much.
There’s more to Main Street Gallery than what meets the eye!
Located in Ansonia, Connecticut, this place allows artists to display their works publicly.
They have works from teens, adults, and even senior citizens, so long as each artist has a passion for the art.
The Valley Arts Council manages the gallery, promoting a love for arts and creativity within their community.
You can stop by, see some of their creations, and purchase any that you like.
At Main Street Gallery, the owner has curated a list of skilled artists who can deliver high-quality art in the studio.
It’s also six minutes from Shelton, so that it won’t be too far of a drive.
Shelton’s a shining city with lots to offer its travelers.
From natural destinations and modern recreation to local farms, there’s no shortage of things to do.
Check out the best things to do in Shelton, Connecticut, for an unforgettable adventure!
Discover the world.
© All rights reserved.
