Marsh Botanical Garden is situated within the precincts of Yale University. Its name pays tribute to Othniel Charles Marsh, who bestowed this property upon the university. Beatrix Farrand planned the landscape of the garden that houses a wide variety of plant species. Faculty, students, nature lovers, researchers and many other visitors head to this botanical gardens that has four greenhouses, perennial beds, seasonal plants and much more.
An easy drive from downtown New Haven, this park is a beautiful respite from the hustle and bustle of life. As you meander along the curved, tree-lined roads up to the summit, you will be greeted by a spectacular view of the city, Long Island Sound and the New Haven Harbor. There is a prized bird sanctuary, picnic and playground facilities, and if you are in the mood for a brisk walk, there are 10 miles of hiking trails. Enjoy the great outdoors right in the city.
Long Island Sound is a unique estuary where salt water from the sea mixes with the fresh river water, creating a biodiversity of different species of flora and fauna. The Lighthouse Point Park attracts public to this ecosystem, where fishing and boating are among prime activities. Birdwatching, picnics, swimming, carousel and a kiddie playground, are other reasons to visit here. The lighthouse has quite a history and the renovated tower is definitely worth spending some time on. Moreover, Fantasy of Lights, Hawkfest and Paddle Day are events the whole family can enjoy.
The New Haven Town Green is one of New England's oldest, completed in 1638. Portions of the Green were used as a cemetery until the 1820s when the headstones were moved to the new Grove Street Cemetery. The 16-acre public park is a popular site for concerts and picnics, and an overall excellent gathering place for locals and tourists alike. The Green is also the location of an Amistad memorial. Along the Green there are three churches built in the 1810s: Center Church, United Church and Trinity Church.
A piece of Connecticut's remarkable history, Fort Nathan Hale chronicles myriad tales of the iconic Revolutionary and Civil wars. Fort Nathan Hale is a recreation of a military fort called Black Rock Fort from the Revolutionary War that was built in 1776 in order to protect the area from the British, although the fort ended up being captured anyway in 1779. Having faced the many ravages of time, the fort was rebuilt as Fort Nathan Hale, again, as a defense against the British in the War of 1812. Today, the fort is housed in a rolling, eponymous park, named after Connecticut's official state hero. Perched on the shores of New Haven Harbor, this antiquated site features a tapestry of monuments like the statue of Nathan Hale, a powder magazine and a memorial court where replicas of colonial-era flags flutter in all their glory. Enlisted on the National Register of Historic Places, this historic site has established itself as an unforgettable landmark of Connecticut.
This greenway and trail started out as a canal when it was first built in the 1820s. Since then, it has gone from canal, to railway line, to finally this park and greenway trail that leads from New Haven to Northampton. Much of the trail is paved for all kinds of recreation including hiking, running and biking.
Encompassing an area of 242 acres (98 hectares), Whittemore Glen State Park Scenic Reserve was established in the year 1945. Nestled in Naugatuck in the state of Connecticut, this state park is operated by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. Hikers can explore the historic 10.3-miles (16.6 kilometers) long Larkin State Park Trail. Overlooking Hop Brook Lake, this wooded park also features several horse-friendly trails. This state park is a must-visit for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Discover the serene beauty of Lake Wintergreen at West Rock Ridge State Park. Lake Wintergreen stands as a serene oasis within the park, its tranquil waters reflecting the surrounding landscapes and offering a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. The trails that wind around the lake guide you through the forested terrain, providing a delightful journey as you explore the shoreline. Whether you're walking, hiking, or simply gazing out over the water, the quiet ambiance of Lake Wintergreen encourages relaxation and reflection.
Unfurling along the picturesque shores of the Connecticut River in East Hampton, Hurd State Park offers a chance to immerse yourself in the greenery which abounds here. Trails winding through wooded areas facilitate exhilarating hiking excursions, while granite ledges serve as vantage points for soaking in the surrounding sights. Discover the wildlife and birdlife which thrive within the wilderness, or settle down for a picnic amid verdant surroundings with your loved ones. Other activities to enjoy here include camping and mountain biking.
Situated in Connecticut, Chatfield Hollow State Park is bounded by greenery, offering nature lovers a chance to escape into a world engulfed in serenity. Here, cliffs and ledges intersperse stands of towering pines and murmuring brooks, and avid explorers can venture deeper into the wilderness to uncover all that lies within. Traverse a boardwalk that meanders across a swamp, hike along trails winding through the woods, scale the ledges on climbing excursions, wade into the waters of Schreeder Pond, or go fishing.
The Meigs Point Nature Center is located within Hammonasset Beach State Park. It serves as an educational and interpretive center, offering visitors a chance to learn about the natural environment and wildlife found in the area. The nature center features interactive exhibits, displays, and aquariums that showcase the diverse habitats and ecosystems of Long Island Sound and its surrounding areas. Visitors can explore exhibits that focus on local plants, animals, geology, and environmental conservation. The aquariums provide an up-close look at various marine species, including fish, turtles, and other fascinating aquatic creatures.