I really enjoy walking around this area. They have the beach, the house, the garden. There's so many areas to walk around and take pictures. There's always an event going on. read more

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Stunning gardens in full bloom we enjoyed in late June this year with the beach being very inviting. There is beautiful expansive lawn with trees and tables to enjoy a picnic. Glad we stopped and look forward to visiting again. read more

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Beautiful park. If no one is at the booth when you arrive, scan the QR code near parking and pay online. Plenty of picnic tables are scattered around the park and a few charcoal grills. Lots of port-a-john near the beaches and a building closer to parking. No swimming was allowed at the beaches. Plenty of fishing though. Nice place to walk and look for shells. The mansion gardens are small and beautiful. Lots of colorful plants. Graceful collonade. Definitely a nice spot for photos. Lots of pollenators enjoying the gardens too. Pathways through the park are a mix of paved and gravel. Watch out for goose poop when crossing through the fields. Pets are welcome on a leash and be sure to pick up after them. State parks are "carry in, carry out" so there are no trash bins. Be sure to bring your own trash bag to dispose of your trash at home. read more

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A beautiful seaside park that was surprisingly busy on breezy November weekend. We walked around a few of the gardens which I imagine will be even more impressive in the spring and summer. read more

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My husband and I return to this beautiful ocean front state park every summer. The rolling lawns are dotted by ancient shade trees with picnic tables resting in their shade. We bring a picnic lunch and imagine life at the turn of the century. The mansion is grand, with porches and portico. This is where my husband proposed to me 48 years ago. This romantic location is the perfect venue for a wedding, or a simple picnic . The gardens are maintained by volunteers and are lovely in summer. Admission is free. read more

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One of the most beautiful and unique spots I've ever been to! Really loved the mansion. We actually had a work event here and I was so excited. Because we had massages done in the mansion & lunch- both overlooking the ocean & both were just amazing! I'm presently engaged and need a venue for my wedding. I was thinking of just doing something at my parent's house- because of their property- but after seeing this place & the Italian garden- I MAY have to inquire about having it here!! The grounds itself are manicured but with personality! I could not believe- how gorgeous the Italian gardens were. From the koi pond with lotus flowers and the water features as well as the wishing well and little winding paths- this place is nothing short of amazing! I love the ivy and how it perfectly covers the dome and other areas of the garden. Not sure about the history of this place- but if you live close by- it is 1000% worth checking out for the day. I'm not sure if there is a beach there as well- because I had to leave a little early to pick up my son. But this place is beautiful and I would definitely return! read more

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Edward and Mary wanted that mansion to be built that would make it a welcoming home. Later, different times called for Harkness to be designated a state park for visitors. That property looked so historical and majestic that it was designated a NRHP landmark. Now, it is a popular place for weddings and other private events, as well as tour guides. There's even a botanical garden behind the mansion and in front of the ocean. Added bonus are these two other beautiful properties near the mansion. That mansion is known as Eolia Mansion at Harkness Memorial State Park which is located in Waterford, a mere distance from the Long Island Sound. That property was built in 1907. read more

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This beautiful waterfront park is part of the CT State park system and is free to CT residents. There is a stunning view of the Long Island sound and the lawns were full of picnickers, family cookouts, and happy dogs. The Harkness estate house was closed for a wedding, but we were able to enjoy the outdoor gardens. There is a path that takes you out to the rocky coast line and it looked to adjoin with Ocean Beach park. Such a peaceful spot and it made me happy to see so many people getting to enjoy it. Highly recommended if you are in the New London area. read more

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We found this place totally by accident. While on the ferry from Long Island to spend a couple of days in Rhode Island, we ran into some people headed there to participate in a car show. We decided to check it out. The grounds were beautiful. We also took a guided tour of the museum which was very nice. We were so happy we came across it. read more

Favorite place to walk. Out of all the places in CT, I prefer to walk here due to the views, paved sidewalk and Saftey. I enjoy being able to sit at the beach after a nice walk. read more

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Harkness Memorial State Park is one of CT's most beautiful parks! Just like most all state parks, entry and parking are free to all CT residents. Once inside the park, the grounds are great to take a walk, have a picnic, or just sit and enjoy the view of Long Island Sound. There's an information booth/small gift store, as well as bathrooms (actual bathrooms, not porta-potties), and many picnic tables and charcoal grills spread around the property. The mansion (named "Eolia") is open to the public, and free guided tours are available (you can only see inside the mansion as part of a tour). The tours are lead by volunteers on weekends only from Memorial Day through Labor Day, every 30 minutes from 10AM-2PM, with the last tour ending at 1:30PM. The tours are walk-in, and you don't need a reservation or ticket in advance (though the website says you can arrange for a scheduled tour if you'd like). I took the tour recently and found the guide to be extremely knowledgeable about the Harkness family and the property itself, it was very informative! If you go on a warm spring/summer day, the park will be crowded, but the grounds are so large that you can still find your own little spot to sit and relax. There's plenty of parking available, with parking attendants to help guide you. I find the best time to go is in June/July when the flowers are in full bloom. A great spot for a prom/wedding photoshoot, family picnic, or just to relax and enjoy the view! read more

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It's literally the best park in the area. Theres plenty to do and it's very scenic. Even when it's packed it's so vast it never feels crowded. read more

Beautiful grounds, and very intriguing historic buildings. Free parking for CT residents. Bring a kite!

A shoreline Oasis ...beautiful grounds, magnificent gardens, Tea on the Lani overlooking Long Island Sound read more

Harkness Memorial State Park - Secret Garden - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Waterford, Connecticut

I had my maternity photos taken here, and it was a beautiful backdrop for them Beautiful scenery and grounds, my only complaints are the port-o-johns we're disgusting and clearly aren't kept up with and the "beach" is barely a beach (its mostly rock with a little bit of sand), where they ask you not to swim. read more

Harkness Memorial State Park - Harkness "beach" - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Waterford, Connecticut

We visited during Social Distancing on a beautiful sunny March Monday. We arrived just after 9 and was surprised to see so many cars in the parking lot ( more than 25). We decided to give it a try and other than along the rocky area overlooking the sound where there are many benches for viewing, we easily kept our 6 ft distance. I'm not sure why but the beach was closed. I'd brought beach chairs in the hopes of enjoying my coffee watching the waves but it wasn't to be. Since 5 miles down the coast Rocky Neck was open and more crowded, its confusing to me why this was fenced off. The views, even in gray March where trees are just starting to bud, are spectacular. The grounds are beautiful and the gardens filled with daffodils and hyacinths are inviting . It's a lovely property that I look forward to visiting in the late spring when trees have leaves! read more

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I finally made the trip to Harkness after hearing several recommendations from friends. It was off-season, so there was plenty of parking and not many visitors. Even in the dead of winter, the grounds were well-kept, making the mansion look welcoming. Although the interior was off-limits, the courtyards were open and I could walk right up to the windows and peer inside. Some of the windows even offered views of the ocean out back. Other than taking in the views, there's not much else the memorial has to offer. The grounds make a great venue for a picnic and there are some trails around the home for running/jogging/walking or for taking your pets. Most of the trails I found were pretty short - some also lead to a very rocky beach. Still, I found Harkness Memorial State Park to be a great place to gather my thoughts and to get some fresh air. read more

Harkness Memorial State Park is a lovely gem of a park. It consists of a 42-room mansion and outbuildings with extensive gardens and landscaping, and a tiny but pretty white sand beach. It was rather busy on the day we visited, and one drawback that we felt was there really is only one bathroom in the park, over by the beach. It would be nice if they could put a bathroom in one of the other buildings, like the carriage house or the farm. This park is a popular area for picnicking, and there were a lot of people enjoying that when we visited. There's a lot to see and enjoy, from watching for the ferries and other boats on the sound, checking out the formal and less formal gardens, and just going for a stroll. Dogs are allowed everywhere except for the beach and inside the buildings, so it's nice for a loose wander. read more

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We discovered HMSP back in May 2020 & was pleasantly surprised. It is a true hidden gem of our beautiful home state. The mansion and grounds sits on the magical coast of the town, Waterford. You can't go inside the mansion but the grounds are open to the public. Great for wedding photos, picnics, flying kites, or just taking a nice stroll. The energy here is relax and family oriented but it can get crowded during the Summer months. The best part is the hidden beautiful white sand beaches at the west end of the park. Follow the wooden boardwalk towards the water and you won't regret it! Enjoy my friends. Please remember to keep the park beautiful and take out everything you bring in so everyone can enjoy this little piece of heaven for generations to come. read more

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Great park! Well maintained and lovely all year round! Beautiful sunsets in the fall! Great place for kids, pets, family events or a romantic picnic or stroll on the beach! Do not forget your camera the breathtaking views and sky will make memories to good not to frame! Check it out in autumn when the leaves change and bring some BBQ supplies they have grills and picnic tables! I can't wait to go back next month! read more

Harkness Memorial State Park - Sunset - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Waterford, Connecticut

Beautiful!! We came here for a picnic and to get out of the house for the day. It was so clean, beautiful, and had plenty of parking. The grounds were exciting because everything was unique; it was like things were normal and you were traveling to a different state/country just by walking a little. read more

Harkness Memorial State Park - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Waterford, Connecticut

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Do you own a dog? How about children? Do you like waterfront picnicking? Then trust me... you have found your spot. Grab the dog...leashes required...pack a picnic and enjoy one of the most picturesque spots on the Connecticut coast line. No entry fee. Lots of parking. read more

THIS. PARK. IS. GORGEOUS. Today was my first visit and i just couldn't get out of the ocean. The water was so clear (and a little cold) and clean. I will definitely be visiting again and maybe take in the sites a little more. The park is a very open space with a decent sized parking lot. I did not fight for parking today and when i left there were spots. People are coming and going so it never felt too busy or congested. Everyone respected personal space, even in the water. We were never too close. I really wish I went to explore before going to the beach though. read more

Harkness Memorial State Park - Mom on the rocks - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Waterford, Connecticut

Hello. My name is Su K. and I'm a free range carnivore, and if you're like me and don't want to be confined to a cage outside of your 9 to 5 cubicle, parks are an excellent place to relax and/or roam. And at Harkness Memorial State Park, roam you will - there's really not much else to do other than take in the views of Long Island Sound (http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/IlDvY3WdEZQdr1RyyK8h3g?select=RR-hNSxTUs4CSkGQZLEWyw). There's a mansion (http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/IlDvY3WdEZQdr1RyyK8h3g?select=1Rw-SKMcvEJEkJ5f8v7I_A) but tours are only available from Memorial Day Weekend to Labor Day. The view was great (http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/IlDvY3WdEZQdr1RyyK8h3g?select=kPB8k4GgxBtTR-MiicVtMQ) and there's a little boardwalk to the beach where some people were fishing, though they had no success while we were there. And while the sea is expansive, so are the pristine grassy knolls and if ever you wanted to frolic in a meadow, this is the place to do it. The wide open space made me wish I brought a football or frisbee to toss around. Several people were flying kites and we saw several in the trees that bit the dust but when you have that much real estate to fly a kite, why on earth would you get so perilously close to a tree? Several notes: - for those with strollers, the park isn't well paved, so unless you've got a jogger or some kind of off-road model, your stroller is going to take a beating. - we went on a Thursday afternoon in October and there wasn't a fee for parking. read more

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Such fond memories of this local treasure growing up. Live summer season concerts on the sprawling estate's lawn w panoramic views of Long Island Sound. Gorgeous formal flower & sculpture, rock gardens. Stunning century old trees. Beautiful views, scents. 230 seaside acres! Perfect for walking, reading, picinics/ picnic tables, just chilling out. Dog friendly too! The Roman Renaissance Classical Revival-style Eolia mansion is not always open so check their site for availability. Can be rented for weddings etc. Public restrooms. Definately an afternoon trip if you haven't been! read more

Beautifully maintained grounds. Two mansions, lovely gardens and a tower right out of Tolkien...on the ocean front. Get off your dupa and take a walk there. You won't be disappointed. And...try to find the pet cemetery..if you dare!! read more

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Harkness is one of my most favorite state parks. I love the mansion, the gardens and the grounds. The entire property is beautiful! It makes a great back drop for photos and events. Downside to holding an event there is that you have to choose from a small list of approved vendors. So if your Vendor isn't on the list your out of luck. There is a beach but there's no swimming. If your looking to swim this is not the place for you. There is a small fee for parking. We paid $6 on a weekday, weekend prices may be different. read more

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Harkness is one of the most beautiful places in Waterford. The grounds are huge, and the walking paths are great. If you go during an event you can get an even better look into the history. The mansion is beautiful and the history of the gym/stable house technology is amazing. It featured a squash court, billiards room, bowling alley, and stables. The most awesome feature is the turntable for the carriage. Once pulled in the whole floor turned to make the carriage face out. I would certainly recommend hanging out during a Friends of Harkness event or even spending the day for a picnic. Remember, carry in carry out! read more

Harkness Memorial State Park - Eolia Mansion - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Waterford, Connecticut

Awesome many places to go huge area. I have a dog that was rescued follow their rules. You can't beat it.

Spent the day at Harkness holding hands around the old mansion. It is a nice day to be walking among blooming flowers. Slight breeze moving my hair as we sit in the garden taken in the scenery. Squirrel in love chasing each other; I'm so jealous they get to live here around here. read more

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This is my happy place. I came here the day before I had surgery and I've never felt more at peace in my life. I was so relaxed just sitting in the grass and being a few feet away from the water. I absolutely adore Harkess. read more

A lovely but rather small (230) acre state park right on Long Island Sound. The center of the park is the big old mansion built in the early part of the 20th century and is opened to the public. It was closed for many years during renovations but is once again open. The grounds around the mansion was once a working farm and a beautiful garden with many exotic and different types of plants is cultivated in the summer. Once you are done exploring the mansion it's fun to walk along the beach for a awhile. On the east side of the grounds is a handicapped area where people of various handicaps can enjoy the ocean. There is a fee during the summer but after labor you can go and wander around for free, Or course the mansion is closed but the ocean is always there. The area is available for weddings and special occasions and I have watched some truly extravagant events take place at Harkness. read more

This is the nicest park in the area in my opinion. Beautiful place to walk or watch the sunset

Love this beautiful space to spend a day outside. Bring your bicycles, picnic stuff, bathing suits, dogs on leashes, kites, etc. Visit the beach area surrounded by bird sanctuaries. Barbecue on their self-serve hibachis in their designated picnic areas. Public restrooms are open during peak visiting times. Try to get in a toured visit at Eiola,the mansion belonging to the Harkness family for a great historic treat. The grounds and botanical gardens and custom architectural sights are spectacular to see. They also have greenhouses and a playground at the Camp Harkness Farm to checkout. One of my all-time favorite places to visit! read more

Harkness is one of my favorite summer time spots. Harkness is home to some of the most beautiful landscape along the Connecticut coast with a small, yet charming beach area suitable for relaxation and catching some rays. This is a prime location for family picnics, wedding pictures, kite flying, walking/running, and just being outside. The Harkness Mansion makes for a fun tour with interesting knowledge along the way. I highly recommend checking out Harkness if you haven't before, it may just become your new favorite beach spot! read more

I absolutely love this place. My family and I have gone for over 15 years and it's like being one step closer to heaven. The parking is convenient. The ol grounds are just beautiful to see. The space. The grills and tables if needed. The beach is my fav spot. I always head straight there. Such a peaceful and beautiful place. read more

Harkness Memorial State Park - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Waterford, Connecticut

Excellent park and a nice beach. Lots of people overlook this as a beach opportunity. It is much more peaceful than Ocean or Waterford beaches which are nearby. A tour of the mansion is very interesting and the gardens present nice photo ops. This is a great spot for a beach day, picnic or company outing. Check it out! read more

FREE parking and lots of it. A ton of green grass for picnics and grills to grill things, like food on. The bathrooms....................................................I rather use a porter potty. That bad. No lightening and not clean at allllll. Maybe there was a plumbing issue, but it reeked and felt like there was urine and feces all over the floor. Horrible. Desperation. I rather go in the woods, which is much cleaner, and safer too I am sure. The beach is beautiful, especially for a sunset. read more

Beautiful! Ocean, flowers, clean air! Great place to spend the day! Relaxing and peaceful.

This place is a fantastic treasure: 230 seaside acres surrounding Eolia, the classical revival style summer mansion of the Harkness family built in 1906. Walk the lush open grounds. Enjoy the beach and the ocean air. Fly a kite. Wander through the beautifully manicured gardens. Take photographs. Plan a picnic. The possibilities are endless. The mansion can be rented for weddings and other private functions. The building and grounds are not unlike their counterparts in Newport, RI, but Harkness' accessibility sets it apart. Vehicle admission/parking is $9 for Connecticut residents. read more