Hopemead State Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Hopemead State Park |
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 Hopemead State Park
Location in Connecticut
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| Location | Bozrah & Montville, Connecticut, United States |
| Area | 60 acres (24 ha) |
| Elevation | 423 ft (129 m) |
| Designation | Connecticut state park |
| Established | 1954 |
| Administrator | Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection |
| Website | Hopemead State Park |
Hopemead State Park is a cool natural spot in Connecticut, right on the eastern side of Gardner Lake. It's about 8 miles west of Norwich. This state park covers 60 acres of land in the towns of Bozrah and Montville. The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection takes care of this park, making sure it stays a great place for everyone to enjoy nature.
The Park's Story
How Hopemead Became a Park
Hopemead State Park became a public park in 1954. The land was bought using money left by a person named George Dudley Seymour. His helpers bought the land from the children of James E. Fuller. Before that, it was a farm next to the lake, owned by Salomon Gardner.
The state announced that they had received this land as a gift in 1955. When the land was given, there were several buildings on it. These included a main house, a summer lodge, a carriage house, and a barn. All these buildings were later taken down. This allowed the area to return to its natural, wild state.
What Can You Do There?
Hopemead State Park is a natural and undeveloped area. This means it's a great place to enjoy the outdoors without many man-made structures.
Fun Activities
- Hiking: You can explore the park by walking on its trails. There's a main trail that goes through the forest for a little over a mile. It runs from Cottage Road all the way to Gardner Lake.
- Fishing: Since the park is right on Gardner Lake, it's a good spot for fishing. You can try to catch some fish from the lake's shore.
The park offers a quiet escape where you can connect with nature.
