Located at 275 Great Neck Road in Waterford, Connecticut is Harkness Memorial State Park. With walking paths, a mansion, gardens, picnic area, ocean access, but no swimming and views of the Long Island Sound this state park is a must visit in Connecticut.
During the off season there is a fee for non state residents to pay through QR code. Memorial Day through Labor Day there is a gate attendant that collects the fees.
I was not sure what to expect with visiting this Connecticut State Park, but I was pleasantly surprised.
Harkness Memorial State Park is home of Eolia, the exquisite summer mansion that was owned by the Harkness family, who were beneficiaries of an oil fortune. The estate itself was not open, but we spent a lot of time walking the grounds of the state park. With it being April the daffodils with just starting to come into bloom.
We found the park map helpful in navigating the property. We explored the carriage house, orchards, and Daffodil Lane. None of the buildings were open so we just walked around the perimeter of the buildings. My favorite part of the property was the East and West Gardens in the front of Eolia. The West Garden had some beautiful Arbor’s.
The East Gardens were beautiful as well. I imagine when all the flowers are in bloom it is more spectacular.
After exploring the gardens we walked down to the beach. There is no swimming here. We enjoyed walking the beach and looking for seashells.
We spent almost two hours exploring this Connecticut State Park. My family and I enjoyed the park and agreed we would visit again if we were in the area or come back when the gardens were in full bloom.
