Connecticut’s Art Deco Treasure Through New England Woodlands

Winding 37 miles through Connecticut’s wooded heartland, the Merritt Parkway offers a driving experience unlike any other in America. This National Scenic Byway transforms an ordinary commute into a journey through architectural history and natural beauty, stretching from the New York state line to the Housatonic River near Milford.

What sets the Merritt apart are its 68 unique Art Deco bridges—no two alike—each a sculptural masterpiece designed in the 1930s. Watch for ornate concrete reliefs featuring everything from colonial figures to geometric patterns as you pass beneath these striking overpasses.

The roadway meanders through a green corridor of oak, maple, and dogwood trees, with the canopy creating a natural tunnel effect. Rolling hills and glimpses of Connecticut’s affluent Fairfield County estates peek through the foliage. Historic towns like Greenwich, New Canaan, and Trumbull lie just off the parkway, offering charming downtown districts and local dining.

Best time to visit: Autumn transforms the route into a spectacular display of crimson and gold, though spring dogwood blooms are equally stunning.

Allow: 1–2 hours for a leisurely drive with stops to photograph the iconic bridges and enjoy scenic pulloffs along the way.

Explore Nearby

• Zemko Pond Wildlife Management Area — State Park in Connecticut
• Wyantenock State Forest — State Park in Connecticut
• West Cornwall Covered Bridge — Covered Bridge in Connecticut
• Gold Mine Bridge — Covered Bridge in Connecticut
• Tongue Point Light — Lighthouse in Connecticut