Brooklyn, Connecticut: History, Forest Trails, and Experiences

Brooklyn, Connecticut, combines historic sites with hiking trails and distinctive activities. Its attractions and offerings provide different ways to experience the town.

Historic Sites and Local History

The Brooklyn Green Historic District was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1982. The Unitarian Church stands in the center of Brooklyn Green. It was built around 1771 and is in the Georgian style. The two dates offer different historical reference points: the district was added in 1982, while the church dates back to around 1771.

The Brooklyn Historical Society Museum features rotating exhibits on local history as well as permanent exhibits in the General Putnam Gallery. Their topics include “Israel Putnam: Facets of a Hero.” The exhibit portrays Putnam as a farmer, soldier, tavern owner, and folk hero—different roles that together offer a broad picture of his life. Since the local history exhibits change, check what is currently on offer if you want to see a specific exhibit.

The Brooklyn Historical Society hosts four free history programs each year, as well as other special events. If a program is important to your trip, check the dates in advance. Behind the museum is the 19th-century Daniel Putnam Tyler Law Office. Daniel Putnam Tyler practiced law in Brooklyn from 1822 until his death in 1875. Putnam Elms preserves the history of the Putnam family dating back to the 18th century. Together, the museum, Law Office, and Putnam Elms offer different ways to explore local and family history.

Hiking Trails and Davis Forest

Hiking trails wind through wooded areas in Davis Forest, which also has a newly built 18-hole disc golf course. Some of the course signage was still being completed. Keep this in mind when finding your way around.

Davis Forest is also home to the Scenic River Overlook Trail. It is 0.5 miles long one way. The one-way distance is useful when planning your route: it does not describe a complete round trip. Brooklyn’s trail list also includes the Quinebaug River Trail, the Creamery Brook Trail, the Carol Randall Memorial Nature Trail, and the Donald Francis Recreation Park Trail.

The remains of Dyer Dam are also in Davis Forest. The dam supplied power to Wauregan Mill, which was used as a cotton mill. Thus, the same forest area brings together a history of industrial use and today’s hiking trails and recreational offerings.

Brooklyn Fair and Special Activities

The history of the Brooklyn Fair is traced back to an agricultural fair organized in 1809. It was intended to take place annually thereafter. The stated address for the Brooklyn Fair is 15 Fairgounds Road, Brooklyn, Connecticut 06234, United States. Check the address before traveling; if the fair is the reason for your stay, also check the event dates.

Creamery Brook Bison offers a different way to experience the region: a 40-minute hayride through a farm to see the free-roaming bison. This may be offered seasonally or by appointment. So check in advance whether you can arrange a time during your travel dates.

Discover more destinations: Woodstock, Killingly, Ashford, Chaplin, Pomfret, Putnam, Plainfield.

View the overarching travel guide: Windham.