Overlooking the Housatonic River, Shelton is a small city on the western outskirts of New Haven. It was settled by English colonists in 1639 and grew into an important manufacturing hub, with many of the 19th-century buildings in its downtown area now lovingly restored.
Things to do in Shelton
Forming part of Osbornedale State Park is the Colonial Revival-style Osborne Homestead, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It was once home to Frances Osborne Kellogg, who played an important role in campaigning for equal opportunities for women in Connecticut. Now open to the public as a museum, the residence offers insight into her life and is surrounded by a beautifully tended garden.
Keen golfers can hit the fairways of the Highland Golf Club, which was founded in 1900 and is home to a clubhouse that dates back to the 1920s. Also in Shelton is the 18-hole Brownson Country Club, whose original course was designed by Albert Zikorus. Non-golfing family members can swim in the Olympic-sized pool or feast at one of the club’s dining establishments.
Bordering an impoundment of the Housatonic River is Indian Well State Park, which was regularly hosts regattas of the New Haven Rowing Club. Launch a boat to fish for white perch, carp and American eel or cool off with a swim during the summer months. Traversing the park is the 23-kilometre Paugussett Trail, which takes in the park’s horsetail waterfall.
Getting around Shelton
Shelton is around 25 minutes’ drive from the centre of New Haven and 30 minutes from Tweed-New Haven Regional Airport, which has flights to destinations across the United States. Regular trains connect to the Derby-Shelton railway station and buses travel throughout the city. The centre of Shelton can easily be explored on foot.