Welcome to Norfolk, our friendly, unspoiled town surrounded by the scenic hills and forests of northwestern Connecticut. There’s so much to do, and so much to see here—make sure you don’t miss any of these 12 wonderful things to see.
Stained Glass Windows
Magnificent stained glass windows by Louis Comfort Tiffany, Maitland Armstrong and other notable artists adorn the town’s three churches, the library, the Manor House Inn and many private houses. They may be seen during regular hours or by appointment.
Infinity Music Hall
This lovingly restored Victorian theater was once home to an opera house, a barbershop and a saloon. Today its superb acoustics and modern sound system support concerts in a variety of genres, including rock, pop, jazz and folk music.
Music Shed
Built in 1906, the Music Shed soon became internationally known. Now home to the Norfolk Chamber Music Festival during the summer, its excellent acoustics are attributed to its construction from California cedar and redwood. Open seasonally.
Norfolk Library
Norfolk’s jewel box of a library is a real community treasure. It hosts monthly art shows, plus concerts, lectures, films and other kinds of events for adults and children. Special events include the three-day Haystack Book Festival and an annual book sale famous for its many high-quality offerings.
Campbell Falls
Within Campbell Falls State Park the Whiting River tumbles down through a tight, rocky gorge, ending in a roaring 50-foot cataract. You can sit on the rocks and picnic or enjoy the pool at the foot of the falls. The park itself is a natural reserve area that offers hiking trails and stream fishing.
Haystack Mountain
Norfolk’s Haystack Mountain, visible from downtown and many other locations, is home to a forested state park full of wildflowers and birds. You can park near the top, then walk up to its iconic lookout tower for the spectacular view or enjoy the many trails that crisscross its slopes. Road open seasonally.
Brilliant Fall Foliage
Surrounded by the beautiful northwestern Connecticut hills and forests, Norfolk is ablaze with color in the fall when the leaves turn. The tops of Dennis Hill and Haystack Mountain state parks offer panoramic vistas into the neighboring states, and there are many fine viewpoints to discover along both state and town roads. September/October
Royal Arcanum Building
The Royal Arcanum, built in 1904 by noted architect Alfredo Taylor, sits at the corner of Station Place in downtown Norfolk. Elsewhere in town, many within walking distance, are numerous other examples of period architecture, many by Taylor, whose work in Norfolk has been designated a thematic group by the National Register of Historic Places.
Historical Society Museum
The Historical Society maintains its collections and mounts exhibitions in its museum on the village green. In addition to its annual exhibitions, the museum permanently displays artifacts from Norfolk’s mercantile past, as well as various goods manufactured in town, illustrating Norfolk’s industrial past. Open seasonally.
Freedom Trail Stop
Center Cemetery, established in 1757, is the final resting place of James Mars (1790-1880), the last slave bought and sold in Norfolk. James is buried next to his father, Jupiter Mars (1751-1818), who served in the Revolutionary War. Their gravesites are a stop on the Connecticut Freedom Trail.
Pristine Forests
The pristine forests surrounding Norfolk can be enjoyed from the miles of trails maintained by the Norfolk Land Trust and Great Mountain Forest. They are open to the public year-round for hiking, trail-running, cycling, skiing and more. Norfolk’s three state parks also feature wooded trails.
Connecticut-Asia Cultural Center
The Connecticut-Asia Cultural Center features display areas explaining the Taoist, Confucian, Buddhist, Incan and Christian religions and cultures as a starting point for mutual learning and interaction. Its organizers host periodic seminars and other events, such as tea ceremonies and a Dragon Festival. Open seasonally.