Harkness Memorial State Park: A Gilded Age Gem on the Sound
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
- 275 Great Neck Rd, Waterford, Connecticut, 06385, US
- +1860-437-1523
- Visit website
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.
Getting There
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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.
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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.
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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
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 Harbor 'Pequot' Lighthouse
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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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Chapter One Food and Drink Mystic CT
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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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Danforth Pewter Mystic
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Peppergrass & Tulip
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Island Pursuit
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Adore
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trove
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The Rose in Mystic CT
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Northswell
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
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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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