Harkness Memorial State Park

275 Great Neck Road

Waterford

(860) 443-5725

Park Hours

8:00 a.m. – Sunset

Park Admission:

Parking fee: Weekdays: in-state $5; out-of-state $7
Weekends/ Holidays: in-state $7; out-of-state $10
After 4:00 p.m.: $5

More Information

Harkness Memorial State Park

Directions:

From Hartford area: take Route 91 southbound onto Route 9 south. It will merge with Route 95, go northbound on Route 95, take Exit 75. Bear right at the end of the exit, you will be on Route 1. Proceed 3 miles to the light at Avery Lane (Route 213), turn right and follow to the park. Avery Lane will become Great Neck Road. The park will be on your right.

From Boston and Providence areas: take Route 95 southbound to Exit 81. At the end of the exit ramp, turn left onto access road and proceed to stop light. At the light take a left onto Cross Road and continue to the intersection with Route 1. Turn left onto Route 1 and continue to the traffic light at Avery Lane (Route 213). Turn right onto Avery Lane and follow to the park. Avery Lane will become Great Neck Road. The park will be on your right.

From New York and New Haven areas: take Route 95 northbound, Exit 75. Bear right at the end of the exit, you will be on Route 1. Proceed 3 miles to the light at Avery Lane (Route 213), turn right and follow to the park. Avery Lane will become Great Neck Road. The park will be on your right.

Harkness Memorial State Park

Known for its exquisite gardens, Harkness Memorial State Park is the most complete grand-scale seaside estate in Connecticut. The 230-acre park features a 42-room Italianate mansion called "Eolia," named for the mythological home of the Greek God of wind. It is the former summer home of Edward S. Harkness and his wife Mary Stillman Harkness. The Harkness family raised a substantial wealth through investments in John D. Rockefeller's Standard Oil Company, and Edward served as administrator to his family's assets. His lasting legacy is that he was a dedicated philanthropist, even recognized by his alma mater as "the father of modern Yale" for his significant contributions. His Goshen Point home is a testament to the Harknesses simplicity and quiet good taste. The estate was built in 1906 and its greatest feature is the lush gardens surrounding the home. They were designed by Beatrix Jones, a renowned landscape gardener. The property also features a greenhouse and support complex from its days as a working farm. Today, visitors can enjoy the park for a variety of activities such as saltwater fishing, picnicking, and touring the mansion. There are also a number of events and activities held at the park throughout the year, such as art shows, car shows and kite festivals.

Activities

• Fishing
• Formal Gardens
• Mansion tours
• Pickicking