Stoddard Hill State Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Stoddard Hill State Park |
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 Stoddard Hill State Park
Location in Connecticut
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| Location | Ledyard, Connecticut, United States |
| Area | 55 acres (22 ha) |
| Elevation | 148 ft (45 m) |
| Designation | Connecticut state park |
| Established | 1954 |
| Administrator | Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection |
| Website | Stoddard Hill State Park |
Stoddard Hill State Park is a cool outdoor spot located right on the eastern side of the Thames River. It's about 5 miles south of Norwich, in the town of Ledyard, Connecticut. This state park covers about 55 acres, which is like 55 football fields! It's a great place for fun activities like boating, fishing, and hiking. The park is looked after by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.
Contents
Park History: How Stoddard Hill Began
When Was Stoddard Hill State Park Created?
Stoddard Hill State Park became a public park in 1954. This means it has been a place for people to enjoy nature for over 70 years!
Who Helped Create the Park?
The land for the park was given to the state by a generous person named George Dudley Seymour. He left money in his will specifically to buy land for public parks. Thanks to him, many beautiful places in Connecticut, including Stoddard Hill, are now open for everyone to visit and enjoy.
Activities and Fun at Stoddard Hill State Park
What Can You Do at Stoddard Hill State Park?
Stoddard Hill State Park offers several exciting ways to explore the outdoors. Whether you love being on the water or hiking through the woods, there's something for you.
- Boating: The park has a special ramp for small boats, like kayaks or canoes. You can launch your boat into a five-acre tidal estuary. A tidal estuary is a special area where fresh water from rivers mixes with salty water from the ocean. It's a unique environment to explore by boat!
- Fishing: If you enjoy fishing, the Thames River and the estuary are great spots to cast a line. You might catch different kinds of fish that live in this mix of fresh and salt water.
- Hiking: There's a trail that leads to the top of a hill, which is about 183 feet high. This hill was once used by Native Americans as a lookout point. Imagine standing where they once stood, looking out over the river and the land! It's a cool way to connect with history and enjoy amazing views.
