Harkness Memorial State Park, State park and botanical garden in Waterford, Connecticut, United States.
The 230-acre coastal estate features a 42-room Renaissance Revival mansion named Eolia, surrounded by formal gardens and natural landscapes along Long Island Sound.
Edward Harkness, who acquired substantial wealth through Standard Oil Corporation, purchased this summer mansion in 1907 and enhanced it with gardens designed by Beatrix Farrand.
The estate represents the architectural excellence of the early 20th century, with fifteen structures listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Visitors can explore walking trails, participate in guided mansion tours during summer months, and enjoy activities such as picnicking, bird watching, and photography.
The property maintains multiple themed garden sections, including an English Garden, Italian Garden, and Alpine Rock Garden, each displaying different horticultural designs.
Location: Connecticut
Inception: 1950
Architects: Austin W. Lord
Elevation above the sea: 9 m
Website: https://portal.ct.gov/DEEP/State-Parks/Parks/Harkness-Memorial-State-Park
GPS coordinates: 41.30472,-72.11306
Latest update: May 19, 2025 15:47
Connecticut combines different landscapes from the coast to the mountains with a range of historic sites. The region includes state parks with waterfalls like Kent Falls and Wadsworth Falls, extensive forested areas, and conservation lands. Visitors can hike through White Memorial Conservation Centre, climb the tower at Haystack Mountain, or explore the Thimble Islands off the coast of Branford. Historic sites include Gillette Castle in East Haddam, which sits above the Connecticut River, and the Glass House in New Canaan, a significant example of modern architecture. Weir Farm in Wilton documents the life of American artists, while Fort Trumbull in New London preserves the region's military history. Saville Dam in Barkhamsted shows early engineering achievements in water management. Coastal areas provide access to beaches like Walnut Beach in Milford and Greenwich Point Park. Inland lie several state parks with trails and lakes, including Burr Pond, Candlewood Lake, and Black Rock State Park. Dinosaur State Park in Rocky Hill preserves tracks from prehistoric times, while Bartlett Arboretum in Stamford presents plant collections.
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