Harkness Memorial State Park: A Gilded Age Escape
Step back in time at this opulent estate featuring a Renaissance Revival mansion, formal gardens, and stunning views of Long Island Sound.
Harkness Memorial State Park in Waterford, CT, is a 230-acre coastal estate offering a glimpse into the opulent summer life of the Harkness family. With its Renaissance Revival mansion, Eolia, formal gardens designed by Beatrix Farrand and Marian Coffin, and sweeping views of Long Island Sound, the park provides a unique blend of history, horticulture, and natural beauty.
A brief summary to Harkness Memorial State Park
- 275 Great Neck Rd, Waterford, Connecticut, 06385, US
- +1860-437-1523
- Visit website
Local tips
- Pack a picnic to enjoy on the expansive lawns overlooking Long Island Sound.
- Visit during the spring or summer to see the formal gardens in full bloom.
- Take a guided tour of Eolia mansion to learn about the history of the Harkness family and the estate (weekends and holidays from Memorial Day to Labor Day).
- Check the Friends of Harkness website for information on special events and programs.
Getting There
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Driving
Harkness Memorial State Park is located at 275 Great Neck Road in Waterford, CT. From I-95 North, take Exit 75 and bear right onto Route 1. Proceed 3 miles to the light at Avery Lane (Route 213), then turn right. Avery Lane becomes Great Neck Road, and the park will be on your right. From I-95 South, take exit 81, turn left at the end of the ramp, then left again onto Cross Road. Continue to Route 1, turn left, and proceed to the light at Avery Lane (Route 213), turning right to reach the park. Parking fees apply for out-of-state vehicles from April 1 through October 31. As of July 2025, the fee is $10 on weekdays and $15 on weekends and holidays. Connecticut residents with registered vehicles park for free. Parking passes should be purchased on the day of your visit, as advance purchases do not guarantee entry if the park is full.
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Public Transport
While there is no direct public transportation to Harkness Memorial State Park , you can take Amtrak to New London. From New London, you would need to take a taxi or ride-sharing service to the park, which is approximately a 15-20 minute drive. Taxi/ride-share cost from New London to Harkness Memorial State Park is estimated at $25 - $40.
Discover more about Harkness Memorial State Park
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Eolia Mansion at Harkness State
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Seaside Sanatorium
1.2 km
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Seaside State Park
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Monte Cristo Cottage (Boyhood home of playwright Eugene O'Neill)
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Montauk Avenue Historic District
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Fort Trumbull Block House
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Coit Street Historic District
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Speedwell Middle Passage UNESCO Plaque
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Amistad Pier
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New London Landmarks Inc
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Festivity Downtown New London Historic District
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Richard Douglass House
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The Garde Arts Center, Inc.
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New London Soldiers & Sailors Monument
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Prospect Street Historic District
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Unmissable attractions to see
Ocean Beach Park
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New London Ledge Lighthouse
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Fort Trumbull
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Fort Trumbull State Park and Museum
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New London County Historical Society
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Hempsted House
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New London Waterfront Park
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Custom House Maritime Museum - New London Maritime Society
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Nathan Hale Schoolhouse
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Cross Sound Lighthouse Cruises
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Thames River Landing Park
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Fort Griswold Battlefield State Park
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Old Town Mill
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Niantic Children's Museum
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Essential places to dine
Kitchen Little
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Captain Daniel Packer Inne
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The Port of Call
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Oyster Club
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Milestone - Mystic
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Friar Tuck's Tavern
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Red 36
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Pizzetta
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Mix Restaurant & Rooftop Bar
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Mystic Pizza
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The Mariner
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Via Emilia
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S&P Oyster Restaurant and Bar
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The Shipwright's Daughter
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Past To Present
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Naturali Home
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The Book Barn
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Downtown Mystic Shops
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The Bee's Knees Downtown
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Queenie's Gift Emporium
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Hang the Moon
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Adore
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trove
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Northswell
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Dive bar
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Margaritas Mexican Restaurant
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A.T.Y. Confections Bar & Bonbons Presented by Grey Goose ®️
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Abbott's Outpost
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The Harp and Hound
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Kokomo’s Restaurant & Beach Bar
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Taquerio
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Angie's Pizza & Pier 27 Lounge
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Greenman's Landing
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Gino’s Pizza & Sports Bar of Mystic
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The Side Door Jazz Club
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Mohegan Sun
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Foxwoods Bar Park
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Bobby's Burger Palace
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