1288 Boston Post Rd
Madison, CT 06443
Hammonasset Beach State Park is a public recreation area occupying two miles of beach front on Long Island Sound in the town of Madison, Connecticut. It is the state's largest shoreline park and one of the most popular attractions in the state, with nearly 2 million visitors annually. The state park offers beach activities, large campground, and nature center. It is managed by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.HistoryThe park began with the purchase of 499 acres in 1919. The park drew over 75,000 visitors in 1920, its first year of operation, a figure that grew to nearly 450,000 by its fifth year of operation, 1924. Its popularity has remained undiminished with officials reporting that, in 2013, Hammonasset accounted for over one-quarter of statewide park attendance and over one-third of the revenue generated statewide by the state park system.The park closed during World War II when the site became a U.S. Army reservation and active aircraft firing range. In 1955, a stone breakwater was built at the Meigs Point end of the park.In 2016, a new Meigs Point Nature Center was opened to replace the center's original farmhouse site that had been in use for more than 40 years.Activities and amenitiesThe Meigs Point Nature Center offers 4000sqft of exhibit space with observation deck and hands-on learning experiences. Exhibits feature a touch tank and live turtles, snakes, amphibians, crabs and fish.
While visiting the 2.5 miles Hammonasset Beach State Park, don't forget to stop by the Meigs Point Nature Center. There are tons of native animals including crabs, turtles, snakes and over seven native species of frogs. It's one of the most extensive native reptile collections in Connecticut. We also have a live resident Blue Jay named "Cutie" that likes mimic noises produced in the nature center. Summer brings programs everyday so like us today for those daily updates.
Hammonasset Beach State Park is a public recreation area occupying two miles of beach front on Long Island Sound in the town of Madison, Connecticut. It is the state's largest shoreline park and one of the most popular attractions in the state, with nearly 2 million visitors annually. The state park offers beach activities, large campground, and nature center. It is managed by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.HistoryThe park began with the purchase of 499 acres in 1919. The park drew over 75,000 visitors in 1920, its first year of operation, a figure that grew to nearly 450,000 by its fifth year of operation, 1924. Its popularity has remained undiminished with officials reporting that, in 2013, Hammonasset accounted for over one-quarter of statewide park attendance and over one-third of the revenue generated statewide by the state park system.The park closed during World War II when the site became a U.S. Army reservation and active aircraft firing range. In 1955, a stone breakwater was built at the Meigs Point end of the park.In 2016, a new Meigs Point Nature Center was opened to replace the center's original farmhouse site that had been in use for more than 40 years.Activities and amenitiesThe Meigs Point Nature Center offers 4000sqft of exhibit space with observation deck and hands-on learning experiences. Exhibits feature a touch tank and live turtles, snakes, amphibians, crabs and fish.