Harkness Memorial Park holds the former mansion of Edward Harkness, a former multi-millionaire philanthropist, overlooking 230-acres of waterfront property. The mansion was purchased by Harkness in 1907, and with the help of landscape designed Beatrix Jones Farrand and over two hundred million dollars of his own money, Harkness restored the grounds into one of the most elegant sites in Connecticut.
There is admission costs from Memorial Day to Labor Day, with tours of the mansion available during that same time. The mansion hosts weddings as well, and admission is free from September to May.
Pinckney State Recreation Area is an over 11,000 acre facility offering lots of great amenities and activities. The park offers hiking trails, mountain biking trails, camping, fishing, swimming, boat rentals, hunting and lots of great opportunities to explore and enjoy the outdoors
Sometimes called a sapphire on the plains, John Martin is a peaceful paradise in which people play, birds flock and wildlife roams. The park is close to historic landmarks, yet remote enough to attract year-round nature and recreation lovers to stay and explore.
Popular with rock climbers, Chatfield Hollow State Park offers a wide range of outdoor activities, including hiking, moutain biking, swimming and fishing. The park is well known for its Indian caves and scenic boardwalk built over a swamp. Chatfield Hollow is a trout park and the fish are stocked at the start of every season in the spring. Pets are allowed in picnic areas and hiking trails. Leashes are required.
