New Canaan Travel Guide

Trek Zone

Town

Facts and practical information

Located in the beautiful state of Connecticut, New Canaan is a charming town that offers a perfect blend of history, nature, and small-town charm. With its picturesque landscapes, elegant architecture, and vibrant arts scene, this town has something to offer for everyone.

One of the highlights of New Canaan is its rich architectural heritage. The town is home to several iconic mid-century modern houses, designed by renowned architects such as Philip Johnson and Marcel Breuer. Visitors can explore these architectural gems through guided tours or by simply driving around the town's leafy streets. The Glass House, designed by Philip Johnson, is a must-visit attraction, offering a glimpse into the visionary world of modernist architecture.

Nature lovers will also find plenty to explore in New Canaan. The town is surrounded by lush greenery, with numerous parks and nature reserves. Waveny Park is a local favorite, offering walking trails, gardens, and even a castle-like mansion that now serves as a community center. Visitors can enjoy picnicking, hiking, or simply taking in the serene beauty of the park.

For art enthusiasts, New Canaan is a hidden gem. The town is home to several art galleries and studios, showcasing the works of local and international artists. The Silvermine Arts Center is a popular destination, featuring rotating exhibitions, art classes, and workshops. Visitors can immerse themselves in the vibrant art scene and even take home a unique piece of artwork as a souvenir.

In addition to its natural and cultural attractions, New Canaan also boasts a lively downtown area. Elm Street is the heart of the town, lined with boutique shops, art galleries, and cozy cafes. Visitors can spend the day strolling along the charming streets, exploring the shops, and indulging in delicious local cuisine.

Alternative names: Settled: 1731Population: 19.7 thous.Area: 22.51 mi²Elevation: 308 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 41°8'50"N, 73°29'38"W

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ConnecticutUnited States

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New Canaan Top Attractions

New Canaan Attractions - What to See and Explore

New Canaan offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Glass House, Waveny Park, New Canaan Nature Center, John Rogers Studio. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Museum • Art museum • History museum
Glass House
The Glass House, or Johnson house, is a historic house museum on Ponus Ridge Road in New Canaan, Connecticut built in 1948–49. It was designed by architect Philip Johnson as his own residence. It has been called his "signature work".
Park • New Canaan
Waveny Park
Waveny Park is a park in New Canaan, Connecticut. The park's centerpiece is "the castle" built in 1912 and surrounded by 300 acres of fields, ponds and trails. The architect for the structure was William Tubby.
Hiking trail • Nature and wildlife • Outdoor activities
New Canaan Nature Center
The New Canaan Nature Center is a botanical garden, arboretum and nature preserve located at 144 Oenoke Ridge, Route 124, about.25 miles north of the center of New Canaan, Connecticut.

Museum • Art museum
John Rogers Studio
The John Rogers Studio and Museum is the preserved studio of sculptor John Rogers, a popular American artist called "the people's sculptor" in the latter 19th century.
41°9'1"N • 73°29'50"W
New Canaan Historical Society
Museum • History museum
Church • New Canaan
Grace Farms
Grace Farms is an 80-acre public space in New Canaan, Connecticut. Grace Farms is owned and operated by Grace Farms Foundation, which supports initiatives in the areas of nature, arts, justice, community, and faith, and encourages participation locally and globally.
41°9'8"N • 73°29'54"W
St. Mark's Episcopal Church
Architecture • Sacred and religious sites • Fountain
Modernist architecture • New Canaan
Marcel Breuer House II
The Marcel Breuer House II, also known as the New Canaan Breuer House I, is a historic house at 122 Sunset Hill Road in New Canaan, Connecticut. Built in 1947, it was designed by architect Marcel Breuer as a home for his family.
Modernist architecture • New Canaan
Arthur and Lyn Chivvis House
The Arthur and Lyn Chivvis House is a historic house at 2 Wydendown Road in New Canaan, Connecticut. Built in 1977-78, it was designed by architect Eliot Noyes for a family friend, and was his last residential commission. Its Modern Movement design is based in part of the architect's own residence in New Canaan.
41°11'53"N • 73°30'29"W
Abijah Comstock House
The Abijah Comstock House is a historic house at 1328 Smith Ridge Road in New Canaan, Connecticut, United States. Built about 1779 and enlarged about 1810, it is a good example of high-style Federal period architecture. It is also significant for its documented history as the home of a slave owner.
41°8'53"N • 73°29'36"W
New Canaan Town Hall
City hall • New Canaan
Modernist architecture • New Canaan
Durisol House
The Durisol House, also known as the Jens Risom House is a historic house at 43 Marshall Ridge Road in New Canaan, Connecticut. Built in 1949, this Mid-Century Modern house was built to showcase cement-bonded wood fiber, a newly-developed material marketed under the brand name Durisol.
Modernist architecture
Elinor and Sherman Ford House
The Elinor and Sherman Ford House is a historic house at 55 Talmadge Hill Road in New Canaan, Connecticut. Built in 1952 for the parents of architect Russell Ford, the house is a good local example of Mid-Century Modern architecture. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2010.
41°9'16"N • 73°30'0"W
Hampton Inn
The Hampton Inn, also known as The Maples Inn, is a historic former hotel property at 179 Oenoke Ridge in New Canaan, Connecticut. It is a three-story wood frame Colonial Revival structure, built in 1908 as a vacation boarding house. It is the only surviving building of its type in New Canaan.
41°8'42"N • 73°31'36"W
Richard and Geraldine Hodgson House
The Richard and Geraldine Hodgson House is a historic house at 881 Ponus Ridge Road in New Canaan, Connecticut. It is an International Style house that was built in 1951 to a design by Philip C. Johnson and Landis Gores.
41°8'49"N • 73°29'45"W
Maxwell E. Perkins House
Maxwell E. Perkins House is a historic house at 63 Park Street in New Canaan, Connecticut. The Greek Revival house was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2004. The house was home to Maxwell E. Perkins, the editor of Ernest Hemingway, F. Scott Fitzgerald and Thomas Wolfe. The house was built in 1836 for Mrs.
41°9'35"N • 73°30'13"W
Hanford Davenport House
The Hanford Davenport House, also known as the Davenport-Green House, is a historic house at 353 Oenoke Ridge in New Canaan, Connecticut, United States. It was built in 1820.
41°8'4"N • 73°30'45"W
Rayward–Shepherd House
The Rayward–Shepherd House, also known as Tirranna and as the John L. Rayward House, was designed by renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright and built in New Canaan, Connecticut in 1955 for Joyce and John Rayward. Although commissioned by the Raywards, Herman R. Shepherd completed the design after purchasing it in 1964.
41°11'54"N • 73°29'48"W
Landis Gores House
The Landis Gores House is a historic house on Cross Ridge Road in New Canaan, Connecticut. It is a "Wrightian" house that was designed by architect Landis Gores and built by John C. Smith for the Gores family's use.

Day trips

New Canaan – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of New Canaan, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Discovery Museum and Planetarium (Bridgeport), Great Hollow Lake (Monroe), Beardsley Zoo (Bridgeport).

14 milesE
Museum, Children's museum, Observatories and planetariums
Discovery Museum and Planetarium, Bridgeport
Nestled in the heart of Bridgeport, Connecticut, the Discovery Museum and Planetarium stands as a beacon of learning and exploration for individuals of all ages. This educational landmark offers a wealth of interactive exhibits and displays that ignite curiosity...
17 milesNE
Lake
Great Hollow Lake, Monroe
Nestled in the tranquil town of Monroe, Connecticut, Great Hollow Lake offers visitors a serene escape amidst nature's splendor. This picturesque lake is a cherished spot for both locals and tourists looking to enjoy outdoor activities and the peaceful surroundings.
17 milesE
Animals from North and South America
Beardsley Zoo, Bridgeport
Nestled in the heart of Bridgeport, Connecticut, Beardsley Zoo offers an enchanting wildlife experience for visitors of all ages. As the only zoo in the state, it has been a cherished destination for families, tourists, and animal lovers since its opening in 1922.
16 milesE
Arenas and stadiums, Hockey, Sport
Webster Bank Arena, Bridgeport
Total Mortgage Arena is a 10,000-seat multi-purpose arena in downtown Bridgeport, Connecticut, United States. Managed by the Oak View Group, the arena was built alongside the Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater and opened on October 10, 2001.
16 milesSW
Amusement, Theme park, Amusement park
Dragon Coaster, Rye
The Dragon Coaster is a wooden roller coaster at Playland amusement park in Rye, New York. Opened in 1929, it was designed and built by amusement ride creator Frederick Church, the co-inventor of the Racing Derby, another early 20th century amusement park ride.

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Best Time To Visit New Canaan

Learn when is the best time to travel to New Canaan weather-wise and what to expect in each season.

Popularity among visitors

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May is the most popular and therefore the most crowded month to visit this location. Many people also choose to visit in June, July, September, October and November.

Average temperatures in °F

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The highest air temperature is in June, July and August. While the coldest is in January and February.

Monthly rainfall in inches

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The lowest rainfall is recorded in February. Most of it rains in March, April, May, September and November.

Length of day in hours

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We can expect the longest days in June, while the shortest in December.

Sunrise

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the top attractions to visit in New Canaan?

The top attractions to visit in New Canaan are:

What is the best time to visit New Canaan?

May is the most popular and therefore the most crowded month to visit this location. Many people also choose to visit in June, July, September, October and November. The highest air temperature is in June, July and August. While the coldest is in January and February.