Visiting Lisbon
The Town of Lisbon, incorporated in 1786, offers visitors the opportunity to experience the uniqueness of the region’s history. The first railroad tunnel in America (circa 1837) is located in the town (Click HERE for more on the tunnel's history). The Bishop House, a museum of local and regional history, sits along Scenic Highway Route 169. Listed on the National Register of Historical Places, the Anshei Israel Synagogue is not far from the Bishop House, on Route 138. The Newent Meeting House, which was established in 1723, was given to the Town in 2023. It was previously known as Newent Congregational Church in recent times. This, as well as parks and recreational areas, are all within easy driving from area hotels or locally owned and operated B & B’s. For those who enjoy the outdoors, Lisbon also boasts two locally owned campgrounds, on either side of town.
Located between the Quinebaug and Shetucket Rivers, Lisbon is included in The Last Green Valley National Heritage Corridor (designated by Congress in 1994). In 1991, by Public Act No. 87-250, the Commissioner of Transportation designated the 32.10 miles of road from the intersection of Rocky Hollow Road and Route 169 to the Massachusetts border as a “scenic road” which is well known for its spectacular year round views.
The public has access to the Shetucket River, via a boat launch, for boating and fishing activities. Lisbon Meadows Park is comprised of 59 acres of land just off South Burnham Highway (Route 169), which includes baseball and soccer fields, a tennis court, walking trails and accommodations for picnics and small gatherings. The Lisbon Farmers’ Market, a seasonal market of local and regional farmers and crafters, is held at the Newent Meeting House Green, 12 South Burnham Highway, and new walking trails have been established on the Town owned, historic Burnham Tavern property.
Lisbon has two large scale retail developments, Lisbon Landing and Crossing at Lisbon, located on River Road (Route 12). They include home improvement stores, restaurants, a theater, two large retail stores as well as smaller stores located in the town’s commercial corridor. A number of locally owned businesses and restaurants are scattered along River Road and throughout the community. Other establishments sell antiques, dairy and meat products, and berries and vegetables. Some provide services such as medical, physical therapy, travel, auto repair, hair dressing, upholstering, dog training and horse stables.
While the town is only sixteen square miles, its recreation and historic sites, bucolic setting, shopping and dining offer visitors a variety of opportunities to explore, shop, or just relax and enjoy.