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Harkness Memorial State Park: A Gilded Age Gem on the Sound

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Explore a Gilded Age estate with stunning gardens and coastal views at Harkness Memorial State Park in Waterford, Connecticut.

Harkness Memorial State Park in Waterford, CT, is a stunning 304-acre coastal park featuring the elegant Eolia Mansion, formal gardens designed by Beatrix Farrand and Marian Coffin, and sweeping lawns overlooking Long Island Sound. Once the summer estate of Edward and Mary Harkness, it offers a glimpse into early 20th-century wealth and philanthropy.

A brief summary to Harkness Memorial State Park

Local tips

  • Tour the Eolia Mansion to experience the grandeur of the Harkness family's summer home; tours are available weekends and holidays from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
  • Pack a picnic to enjoy on the expansive lawns overlooking Long Island Sound.
  • Visit during the early morning or evening to avoid crowds, especially during the summer months.
  • Out-of-state visitors should be prepared to pay a parking fee, particularly on weekends and holidays.
  • Explore the Dr. William A. Niering Preserve for birdwatching and wildlife viewing opportunities.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    Harkness Memorial State Park is easily accessible by car. From I-95, take either Exit 75 (from the north) or Exit 81 (from the south). Follow the signs to Route 1 (Boston Post Road) and then to Great Neck Road (Route 213), which leads directly to the park. Parking is available within the park, but it can fill up quickly on nice days. Non-residents may be charged a parking fee on weekends and holidays. Parking fees for non-residents are $15 on weekends/holidays and $10 on weekdays.

  • Public Transport

    While direct public transportation to Harkness Memorial State Park is limited, you can take Amtrak to New London Union Station and then transfer to a local bus or taxi. From New London, SEAT (Southeast Area Transit District) offers bus service in the area. Check SEAT schedules for routes and stops near the park. A taxi or rideshare from New London Union Station to Harkness Memorial State Park will cost approximately $20-$30.

  • Walking

    For those staying in the Great Neck Road area, Harkness Memorial State Park is accessible by foot. From the intersection of Route 1 and Great Neck Road, walk south on Great Neck Road for approximately 2 miles. The park entrance will be on your right. Be aware that there are limited sidewalks along Great Neck Road, so exercise caution.

Discover more about Harkness Memorial State Park

Harkness Memorial State Park, located in Waterford, Connecticut, is a captivating blend of history, horticulture, and coastal beauty. The park's centerpiece is Eolia, a 42-room Renaissance Revival mansion constructed in 1906-1907 for Edward and Mary Harkness, heirs to a Standard Oil fortune. The Harknesses transformed the 304-acre estate into a gentleman's farm, adding formal gardens and greenhouses. The meticulously designed gardens are a highlight, showcasing the work of renowned landscape designers Beatrix Farrand and Marian Coffin. Visitors can explore the East and West Gardens, each with distinct character and plantings. The grounds also feature sweeping lawns, a small beach, and a tidal marsh, offering diverse landscapes and recreational opportunities. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, Harkness Memorial State Park holds historical significance as a testament to the Harknesses' philanthropy. The couple donated an estimated $200 million (equivalent to $2 billion today) to various charitable, educational, and health organizations. Upon Mary Harkness's death in 1950, the estate was bequeathed to the State of Connecticut, becoming a state park in 1952. Today, Harkness Memorial State Park is a popular destination for picnicking, kite flying, birdwatching, fishing, and photography. Visitors can tour the Eolia Mansion on weekends and holidays between Memorial Day and Labor Day, and explore the grounds year-round. The park also hosts weddings and other private events.

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