Discover the Landmarks and Historical Sites of Meriden, Connecticut
Meriden, Connecticut, a city famously known as the "Silver City" for its 19th-century reign as the world's silver manufacturing capital, is a community steeped in history and set against a dramatic natural landscape. Located at the "Crossroads of Connecticut," Meriden's past is preserved in its grand parks, historic downtown, and architectural gems. From a stone tower on a mountaintop to the birthplace of a culinary icon, here are the essential landmarks and points of interest to explore in Meriden.
Top Landmarks and Points of Interest in Meriden, CT
Hubbard Park
This 1,800-acre municipal park is the crown jewel of Meriden. Designed in consultation with the legendary Olmsted Brothers (sons of the designer of Central Park), this sprawling landscape is a recreational hub. It features the beautiful Mirror Lake and numerous hiking trails that wind through the Hanging Hills and is the host of the city's famous annual Daffodil Festival.
Castle Craig
The most iconic landmark in Meriden, Castle Craig is a 32-foot-high stone observation tower perched atop East Peak in Hubbard Park. Built in 1900, the tower offers one of the most breathtaking panoramic views in all of Connecticut. On a clear day, the vista extends from Long Island Sound in the south to the foothills of the Berkshires in Massachusetts.
Giuffrida Park
A paradise for hikers and nature lovers, Giuffrida Park is a city-owned park defined by its rugged traprock ridges. The park features a beautiful reservoir, Crescent Lake, which is set against the dramatic cliffs of Mount Lamentation and Chauncey Peak. A scenic trail network, including a portion of the blue-blazed Mattabesett Trail, offers challenging climbs and rewarding views.
The Meriden Green
A modern symbol of the city's revitalization, the Meriden Green is a 14-acre, flood-control park located in the heart of downtown. This beautiful public space features an amphitheater, walking paths, and a scenic bridge over Harbor Brook. It has become a central gathering place for community events, concerts, and farmers markets.
Augusta Curtis Cultural Center
This stunning, 1903 Neo-Classical building, originally the Curtis Memorial Library, is a major architectural landmark listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Today, it serves as a vibrant cultural center for the community, hosting art exhibits, concerts, and various public events in its grand and historic interior.
Colony Street-West Main Street Historic District
This district represents the historic commercial heart of the "Silver City." A walk through this area reveals a collection of 19th- and early 20th-century architectural styles, including grand commercial blocks and the historic Meriden railroad station. It offers a tangible link to the era when Meriden's silver industry was booming.
Ted's Restaurant
A true Connecticut culinary landmark, Ted's Restaurant is a must-visit for food lovers. Since the 1950s, this family-owned diner has been the world-famous home of the steamed cheeseburger. This local invention is a unique and delicious piece of Meriden's cultural history.
Solomon Goffe House
For a deep dive into the city's origins, visit the Solomon Goffe House. Built in 1711, it is the oldest surviving building in Meriden. This historic saltbox home, now a museum, offers a fascinating glimpse into the pre-industrial, colonial life of the area's earliest settlers.
Moses Andrews House
Another of Meriden's oldest surviving homes, the Moses Andrews House is a historic saltbox structure built around 1760. Now managed by the Meriden Historical Society, this house museum is preserved to showcase life in the 18th and 19th centuries, containing period-appropriate furnishings and local historical artifacts.