Stop #2 on my 2023 Connecticut State Park Tour took me and the kids 35 minutes east up the coast to Goshen Point to visit Harkness Memorial State Park in Waterford. Harkness Memorial State Park isn't your typical state park. You won't find hiking trails or geocaching, you won't see mountain bikers or trail runners. Instead, it's more of an upscale oceanfront property owned by the state, open to the public like your other state parks. Here, you can expect to find picnickers, bird watchers, leisurely strollers, garden enthusiasts, dog walkers, and kids testing out their new bikes on the quiet paved access roads in the park. In my early 20s, I catered weddings here with a local catering company. 15 years later, I brought my kids back and forgot just how gorgeous this park is. Only two parks in and I am quickly reminded how many beautiful open spaces we have that are open to Connecticut residents for free. I hope this series inspires you to take advantage of some of these amazing parks.
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| Harkness Eiola West Garden |
History
The beautiful summer mansion was purchased in 1907 by Edward and Mary Harkness. They named the named Eiola after the island home of the Greek god of winds. From 1918 to 1929, extensive work was done to the grounds by landscape designer Beatrix Jones Farrand, one of the founders of the American Society of Landscape Architects. The mansion is set on 230 seaside acres which was once a working farm but is now large grassy lawns, tree lined roads, and beautiful gardens.The estate was left to the State of Connecticut in 1950 and joined the State Park system in 1952. More history here.
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| Harkness Eiola Mansion |
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| Harkness Eiola West Garden |
Tours
There are guided tours on weekends and holidays (between Memorial Day and Labor Day only) between 10AM to 2PM (last tour begins at 1:30). The tours are led by the Friends of Harkness volunteer docents. Donations for tours are welcome and most appreciated. Mansion & Garden Tours are also available by appointment. Email: docent@friendsofharkness.org for additional information and availability.
Mansion rental
Eolia is available for weddings, private parties, seminars, conferences, luncheons and teas from March 1 to December 23.
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| Harkness Eiola West Garden |
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| Harkness Eiola West Garden |
What to do
Picnicking, fishing, dog walking, birding, tours. We walked around with the stroller, stopped to enjoy snacks in the grass, and took photos in the garden. This is popular spot for formal photographers, and the mansion is booked out for weddings on the weekends. We walked through the gardens and just enjoyed the change of scenery on a warm summer day in September. You can also find kids on their bikes on the paved section of the parks. There are bathrooms and port-o-potties and a ton of picnic areas with tables. The park is open 365 days a year.  |
| Harnkess Paved Walking Area |
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Harnkess Cutting Garden
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Harnkess Boardwalk to the beach
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Why visit
A true hidden gem with sweeping views of the ocean on the Connecticut coast. A great place to walk around, pack a picnic, and check out the gardens, especially in the summer. This is the perfect spot to bring your kids for an easy dinner out of the house. I saw family's with a pizza in the trunk, kids playing out on the lawn with bubbles, dogs walking happily with their owners. Come to unwind with a view.
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