George Dudley Seymour State Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids George Dudley Seymour State Park |
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 George Dudley Seymour State Park
Location in Connecticut
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| Location | Haddam, Connecticut, United States |
| Area | 222 acres (90 ha) |
| Elevation | 131 ft (40 m) |
| Designation | Connecticut state park |
| Established | 1960 |
| Administrator | Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection |
| Website | George Dudley Seymour State Park |
George Dudley Seymour State Park is a fun outdoor spot in Haddam, Connecticut. It covers about 222 acres (that's like 168 football fields!) right next to the Connecticut River. This park is a great place to explore nature and enjoy the outdoors. It's named after George Dudley Seymour, a kind person who helped the state buy land for this park and others. The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection takes care of the park today.
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Park History: From Estate to State Park
This park has an interesting past! It used to be a large private estate called Clarkhurst. A wealthy family named Clark owned it. They made tools for farming, like harrows, in a nearby town called Higganum, Connecticut. They even used their land at Clarkhurst to test out their new farm equipment.
How the Park Was Created
In 1921, Henry Clark's daughter took over the estate. She wanted to turn it into a place for people to have fun and relax. However, times became tough during the Great Depression. This was a period in the 1930s when many people lost their jobs and money. Because of this, the estate started to decline.
Later, in 1942, a woman named Marion Gutherie owned the land. Finally, in 1960, the state of Connecticut bought the property for $60,000. This money came from the George Dudley Seymour Foundation, which helps protect land for public use. That's how Clarkhurst became George Dudley Seymour State Park!
Fun Activities at the Park
George Dudley Seymour State Park offers several ways to enjoy nature. It's a great place for a day trip!
What Can You Do Here?
- Hiking: There are trails where you can walk and explore. You'll find signs that tell you about the plants and animals.
- Hunting: In certain seasons, hunting is allowed.
- Fishing: You can try your luck fishing in the park's waters.
- Cross-Country Skiing: When it snows, the park is a perfect spot for cross-country skiing.
The park has a small parking area, making it easy to visit.
