Bethel, which means house of God, got its name from the General Assembly of the Colony of Connecticut when the parish of Bethel was organized in 1759. The name Bethel remained when the parish became a township in 1855.
Things to do in Bethel
Blue Jay Orchards
Orchard features a cedar mill and press, and a farm market. Seasonal events include pick your own apples and hayrides to the pumpkin patch. Call for hours. Admission is free. Call 203-748-0119 for more information.
125 Plumtrees Road, Danbury / Bethel, CT
Danbury Museum & Historical Society
Late 18th and early 19th-century furnishings in the John and Mary Rider House (1785); Revolutionary War and woodworking exhibits; local hat industry exhibits in John Dodd Shop (1790). Changing exhibits, research library and gift shop. Call 203-743-5200 for more information.
43 Main Street, Danbury / Bethel, CT
Danbury Railway Museum
Vintage locomotives and other rolling stock can be found in the railroad yard. Seasonal local train rides in a restored 1903 train. Station features model railroads, displays and a gift shop. Open year round Tuesday - Saturday 10am - 5pm; Sunday 12 - 5pm. Call 203-778-8337 for more information.
120 White Street, Danbury / Bethel, CT
Ives Concert Park
Outdoor amphitheater featuring rock and roll, jazz, blues, mo-town and classical music. Performances are held June - September. Located at Western Connecticut State University / Westside Campus. Call 203-837-9226 for more information.
Military Museum of Southern New England
Life-size interior dioramas feature military vehicles and equipment. A large collection of models and dioramas depicting World War II scenes can also be seen. Outdoor exhibits of tanks and heavy material. Gift shop on site. Open April 2 - October 31 Tuesday - Saturday 10am - 5pm; Sunday 12 - 5pm; admission is charged. Call 203-790-9277 for more information.
125 Park Avenue, Danbury / Bethel, CT
Musicals at Richter
Outdoor theater with three full-scale mainstage musicals along with cabaret evenings and daytime children's series. Performances held June - August. Located at Richter Arts Center. Call 203-748-6873 for more information.
100 Aunt Hack Road, Danbury / Bethel, CT
Sunrise Herb Farm
This sprawling 200-acre nature reserve features a natural food cafe, juice bar, herbal remedies, aromatherapy, and herb plants. Call for hours. Admission is free. Call 203-794-0809 for more information.
35 Codfish Hill Road, Danbury / Bethel, CT
Tarrywile Park & Mansion
Recreation Park on 658 acres with 7 miles of hiking trails, horseback trails, special events, cross-country skiing. Today the mansion is used as a community center. Free admission; Park open year-round daily sunrise - sunset. Call 203-744-3130 for more information.
70 Southern Blvd., Danbury / Bethel, CT
Theatre at WestConn
Performances are held September - May. Call 203-837-8732 for more information.
Westside Nature Preserve
33 acres of woodland and wetland featuring a nature trail with a diverse collection of fauna and flora. Free admission; open daily year round. Located on campus of Western Connecticut State University at Mill Plain Road. Call 203-837-8794 for more information.
181 White Street, Danbury / Bethel, CT