Norwalk is a city in Fairfield County, Connecticut, United States. With a population of over 88,000, Norwalk is Connecticut’s sixth-largest city and part of the New York metropolitan area. Founded in the mid-17th century, Norwalk has a rich history and culture. The city is home to a vibrant arts scene, historic sites, and diverse neighborhoods. Norwalk also contains many hidden gems and secrets just waiting to be discovered. Riddles provide a fun and challenging way to learn more about a place. Here are 45 riddles that explore different aspects of Norwalk’s long history, geography, culture, and more. Test your wits and see how many you can get right!
History Riddles
Riddle 1
I’m the spot where a famous traitor slept, now marked with a plaque. Patriots spied on his schemes from a rocks-ridden knoll. What Norwalk site am I?
Answer: The Benedict Arnold (traitor) House site, spied on from the rocks on Manresa Island (Manressa Knoll).
Riddle 2
Built in 1836, I’m a Greek Revival-style house that was home to a Governor. Now next to a school I stand, a historic reminder of older times. What landmark am I?
Answer: The Governor Thomas Fitch Law Office, next to Ponus Ridge Middle School.
Riddle 3
I’m an historic burial ground named for a family, whose members were early settlers here. Many aged stones mark the dead, some dating back centuries. What cemetery am I?
Answer: The Lockwood Family Cemetery.
Geography Riddles
Riddle 4
Two islands side by side, we sit within Norwalk’s borders. One named for monks, one for a mansion no more. What are we?
Answer: Manresa Island and Sheffield Island.
Riddle 5
I’m a marshy wildlife refuge, where birds and critters roam free. Trails cross my waters and woods, a nature lover’s delight. What spot am I?
Answer: The Norwalk Islands Wildlife Refuge.
Riddle 6
Many a hungry mouth I’ve fed with my bountiful shellfish supply. My reefs stretch from Norwalk shore far out beneath the waves. Who am I?
Answer: The Norwalk Oyster Beds.
Culture Riddles
Riddle 7
I light up the night with musicals and plays galore. Come hear the melodies ring out in my auditoriums so grand. What arts venue am I?
Answer: The Norwalk Concert Hall.
Riddle 8
Stained glass windows and ornate stonework adorn my exterior. Inside find solace, with vaulted ceilings high overhead. What historic Norwalk church am I?
Answer: St. Mary’s Church.
Riddle 9
Come strike a pose or view masterpieces from near and far. My collection of art is a real sight to behold. What Norwalk museum am I?
Answer: The Norwalk Museum of Contemporary Art.
Neighborhood Riddles
Riddle 10
In the north I sit, Norwalk’s oldest hood. My name comes from an English town, retro and hipster vibes abound. Where am I?
Answer: The SoNo (South Norwalk) neighborhood.
Riddle 11
Parallel to the shore I lie, a seaside community close by. Homes line my wooded streets, from mansions to bungalows neat. What part of town am I?
Answer: Rowayton neighborhood.
Riddle 12
The Cranbury section lies within my bounds, restaurants and offices I surround. Norwalk’s bustling downtown core, of trends and business I’m at the fore. What neighborhood am I?
Answer: Central Norwalk neighborhood.
Educational Riddles
Riddle 13
Future leaders I aim to mold, with rigorous classes for students bold. Named for an academic trailblazer, excellence in education is my aim. What Norwalk school am I?
Answer: The Roton Middle School, named after Clifford Roton.
Riddle 14
Creative learners thrive within these walls, channeling inspiration in spacious halls. Drama, art, and music ring out, celebrating self-expression is what I’m about. Where am I?
Answer: The Center for Global Studies arts magnet high school.
Riddle 15
I’m a college named for a Revolutionary War patriot and physician. My 100-acre campus sits above the harbor, offering scenic views. What college am I?
Answer: Norwalk Community College, named after Dr. Benjamin Franklin.
Business Riddles
Riddle 16
I revolutionized how you set your time, founding a watch empire in this city of mine. My name adorns a grand mansion overlooking the sound. Who am I?
Answer: Pioneer watchmaker Aaron Lufkin Dennison.
Riddle 17
Come sip and savor our hoppy, flavorful brews. Our name nods to an early governor, while our ales are made right here in Norwalk for you. What brewery are we?
Answer: The Governor Fitch Brewing Company.
Riddle 18
The Model T and Mustang built our renown, now a complex named for us spans this city’s south. What famous auto company are we?
Answer: The Ford Motor Company.
Sports Riddles
Riddle 19
See a hockey game or concert, even wrestling affairs. Grab a hot dog and settle in, excitement fills my chairs! What local arena am I?
Answer: The Webster Bank Arena.
Riddle 20
I’m a pro baseball team, the Double A club of a nearby state. Norwalk fans cheer us on, from Opening Day to playoffs late. Who are we?
Answer: The Connecticut Tigers, a Double-A affiliate of the Detroit Tigers.
Riddle 21
Soccer or lacrosse, I’ve got fields for them all. I’m a sports complex right off Route 7, both youth and pros heed my call. What am I named for?
Answer: The Huebner Sports Complex, named after August A. Huebner.
Food Riddles
Riddle 22
A sweet shop that’s historic, I’ve served up ice cream treats galore. My old-time decor delights, with tin ceilings and a checkered floor. What sugary spot am I?
Answer: Knight’s Quality Confections candy and ice cream shop.
Riddle 23
Come dine waterside on seafood and grill fare, as boats glide by just outside. I’m found at a hotel on the harbor, delicious cuisine is my claim to fame. What restaurant am I?
Answer: Harbor Harvest restaurant at the Norwalk Harbor Inn.
Riddle 24
I’m a bakery and cafe housed within an old brick factory store. Pastries, pies, and artisanal breads – I’ve got fresh baked goods by the score! What is this delicious spot?
Answer: The Village Bakery and Cafe.
Nature Riddles
Riddle 25
An urban oasis with nature trails to roam, I’m a garden gem right off West Avenue. Flora and fauna surround a central crest, with blooms aplenty – I’m Norwalk’s backyard at its best! What spot am I?
Answer: The Elizabeth Park Conservancy and Rose Garden.
Riddle 26
Within Calf Pasture I lie, a beach where families flock in summertime. My sandy shores fill with swimmers and sunbathers galore, lounging and playing from shore to shore. What beach am I?
Answer: The Calf Pasture Beach.
Riddle 27
I’m a beloved hiking spot, where stone steps lead up to scenic views. Locals flock to my wooded trails, hoping to spot birds and other wildlife. What natural area am I?
Answer: The Cranbury Park nature preserve.
People Riddles
Riddle 28
I wrote stories fantastical, about time travel and other wonders aplenty. H.G. Wells was my famous pseudonym, envisioning the future was a talent of mine. Who was I really?
Answer: Herbert George Wells, known by his pen name H.G. Wells.
Riddle 29
My Hollywood career led to fame and renown, starring in hits like The Misfits. But right here in Norwalk is where I was born, though New Jersey claims me as their own. Who am I?
Answer: Actress and icon Marilyn Monroe, born Norma Jeane Mortenson in Los Angeles, but raised in foster homes in Norwalk as a child.
Riddle 30
My potent pen stirred abolitionist thought, with moving accounts of slavery’s cruel plight. Wrote the famous novel Uncle Tom’s Cabin, I’m a writer who fought for civil rights. Who am I?
Answer: Harriet Beecher Stowe, author of Uncle Tom’s Cabin, lived in Norwalk for over 20 years.
Transportation Riddles
Riddle 31
Zip up and over the harbor or river nearby, traveling by cable is my unique way. I offer views that delight, as riders soar o’er the sights. What transport am I?
Answer: The Maritime Aquarium gondola lift.
Riddle 32
I’m a harbor hot spot, boats and ferries travel my waters. Tied to the past yet still busy today, vessels come and go the livelong day. Where am I?
Answer: Norwalk Harbor.
Riddle 33
A historic vehicular bridge over the Norwalk River, since the 1800s I’ve connected the shores. Drivers pass over my span, reflected in waters below. What bridge am I?
Answer: The Walk Bridge, built in 1896.
Entertainment Riddles
Riddle 34
Bright flashing lights and games galore, I’ve been an amusement staple since the 1940s and before. For family fun come on in, excitement awaits here within! What park am I?
Answer: Norwalk’s Maritime Aquarium.
Riddle 35
Come one, come all to see amazing feats! Death-defying acrobats and talented beasts. Beneath my striped big top the show goes on, with wonders that dazzle folks young and old. What circus am I?
Answer: The Cottle Brothers Circus, hosted at Veteran’s Park annually.
Riddle 36
Rowayton is my stage, upon my boards actors earn applause. In my renovated pink hall, community theater thrives after all. What playhouse am I?
Answer: The Rowayton Playhouse.
Literature Riddles
Riddle 37
I’m a children’s author who dreamed up a mischievous monkey. My book about his curious capers is a classic tale indeed. Stories from my Norwalk house still inspire young readers to follow their dreams. Who am I?
Answer: Margret Rey, co-creator of Curious George, wrote her beloved books while living in Norwalk.
Riddle 38
Ghostly tales I penned, of the macabre and gothic to make spines tingle. Born in Connecticut, I crafted haunting worlds through my chilling ink. Master of the horror scene, who was I?
Answer: Gris Grimly, Norwalk-born illustrator of Gothic and horror stories for children.
Riddle 39
This poet born right in Norwalk gained renown far and wide. My verses were avant-garde and wild, influenced by jazz and blues. Abstract expressionism was also my style. Who am I?
Answer: Edith Sitwell, experimental poet and critic born in Norwalk in 1887.
Landmarks Riddles
Riddle 40
Built in 1884, gaze up in wonder at my towering steeple. Still ringing bells on Sunday, historic church services within these walls. What house of worship am I?
Answer: St. Paul’s on the Green Episcopal Church.
Riddle 41
I’m a distinctive local bridge, crossing the Norwalk River down below. My green-painted trusses rise up gracefully, for trains and cars alike to go. What span am I?
Answer: The Riverside Avenue Bridge, built in 1888.
Riddle 42
Step inside to see sea creatures from great white sharks to seahorses small. Get up close with seals and rays, and gaze at marine life one and all. What family attraction am I?
Answer: The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk.
Government Riddles
Riddle 43
I’m the seat of city government, where local leaders come to legislate. Home to mayors past and present, and where citizens participate. What building am I?
Answer: Norwalk City Hall.
Riddle 44
Come visit this stately manor, a onetime home turned museum space. I’m found in Cranbury Park, my rooms and exhibits tracing Norwalk’s past. What historic house am I?
Answer: The Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum.
Riddle 45
I’m a courthouse named for a US Chief Justice who made his start right here. Serving justice is still what I do, from my columned portico so grand. What landmark am I?
Answer: The Morrison Justice Court Building, named after Supreme Court Justice Sherman Minton.
Conclusion
How did you do with these riddles about Norwalk’s long history and many attractions? This charming coastal Connecticut city offers much to explore. From historic homes to pretty parks, acclaimed museums to local theater, Norwalk’s culture and character shine through. There are always new hidden gems to uncover in this community, which continues to grow while honoring its past. Next time you visit Norwalk, see what new riddles you can make up about its many unique sites and landmarks!
