Built in 1868, Sheffield Island Light is a historic lighthouse at the end of the Norwalk Islands. Oil lamps were used to warn ships of the treacherous shoreline. Today visitors can explore the lighthouse and the beautiful surrounding area on a guided tour with the Norwalk Seaport Association’s Friends of the Norwalk Islands, who offer a fascinating insight into the history and heritage of the lighthouse and Sheffield Island.
The excursion includes a scenic 45-minute boat ride to the island and a tour of the 10-room tower before ambling along the nature trail into the Stewart B. McKinney Wildlife Refuge, adjacent to the Isle, which is home to a variety of waterfowl and other birds. Stroll along the rock beach, beachcomb for seashells, and enjoy a picnic lunch in the beautiful surroundings.
Contact: 40 N. Water Street, Seaport Dock, Norwalk, CT, 203-838-9444
Located in the beautifully restored Switch Tower originally built in 1896, the SoNo Switch Tower Museum showcases the history of the "towers" used by railroads to house the mechanism used to switch trains from one track to another. The museum delves into the story of “Signal Station 44,” and its 88-year old history, as well as the fascinating job and the people behind the operation of switching the tracks.
Signal Station 44, or Tower 44, was a vital cog in the region’s essential service between New Haven and New York City, providing an outlook for train movements and control of track assignments in the Norwalk area. The Tower worked continuously from its inception in 1896 until retirement in 1984 without stopping. The museum provides a fun exploratory outing for anyone interested in trains and the railroad system.
Contact: 77 Washington Street, South Norwalk CT, 203-246-6958
Stepping Stones Museum for Children provides an environment that inspires lifelong learning for children through an array of educational-based exhibits, displays, and programs. Aiming to enrich the lives of children through education as well as enhance their understanding of the world, the museum features several hands-on, interactive exhibits that encourage children to explore, discover, inquire, and learn.
Special exhibits include “Energy Lab,” a million-dollar exhibit that presents a wonderful way for children to learn about the science of energy; “Build It!,” which allows children to explore the world of architectural design and construction in a fantastic two-story structure; and “ColorCoaster,” a mesmerizing 27-foot kinetic giant mechanical toy that uses energy, motion, gravity, color, and light to spin, whirl, and fascinate visitors of all ages. The museum also provides a range of educational programs for the whole family, from school and groups programs to professional development courses.
Contact: Mathews Park, 303 West Avenue, Norwalk, CT, 203-899-0606
Cranbury Park & Gallaher Estate
The Gallaher Mansion and Cranbury Park include wooded trails, a dog park, pavilion and a regulation disc golf course that winds in and out of the woods. Playground, picnic areas, and sculpture gardens. Surrounded by 227 acres of land, the historic Gallaher Mansion is a classic example of the Tudor Revival-style of architecture. Designed by Percy L. Fowler, the building was models after St. Paul's Episcopal Church located at the Norwalk Green.
Completed in 1931, it boasts carved limestone shields, hand-painted stained glass, a heavy slate roof and cross gables that help punctuate its medieval style. The Gallaher Mansion and picnic pavilion are available for private functions.
Contact: Cranbury Park & Gallaher Estate, 300 Grumman Avenue, Norwalk, CT, 203-854-7806
