| alert |
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| contractID |
CT |
| description |
"Hammonasset" means "where we dig holes in the ground" and refers to the place where a settlement of eastern woodland Indians farmed along the Hammonasset River. They subsisted on corn, beans, and squash, and by fishing and hunting. The first colonists arrived in 1639. Property changed hands frequently between Native Americans and the first colonists. In 1898, the Winchester Repeating Arms Company bought Hammonasset and used it as a testing site for their new rifle. Their Lee Straight Pull rifle was mounted on a horse drawn stone boat, from which it was fired into targets on the beach. Hammonasset Beach State Park, with over 2 miles of sandy beach, has much to offer. |
| drivingDirection |
From the north/Hartford area: Take I-91 south to Route 9 south. Off Route 9, take Exit 9. Turn right (south) onto Route 81; continue down Route 81 until you run into I-95. Turn right ont theo I-95 entrance ramp, and go approximately 1 mile to Exit 62, then turn left off the exit. Head south 1 mile down Hammonasset connector, and go straight through the light crossing Route 1 (Boston Post Road), into the park. From the south: Take I-95 north, Exit 62. Take a right off the exit ramp onto Hammonasset I-95 connector. Park entrance will be 1 mile ahead. From the east/Rhode Island: Take I-395 south onto I-95 south, Exit 62. Take a left off the exit and go approximately 1 mile. Go straight through the traffic light, crossing Route 1 (Boston Post Road). From the west/New York: Take I-95 north, Exit 62. Take a right off the exit and go approximately 1 mile. Go straight through the traffic light, crossing Route 1 (Boston Post Road), into the park. |
| facilitiesDescription |
As Connecticuts largest public beach park, Hammonasset offers over 550 grassy campsites, perfect for the nature enthusiast. Hammonasset's campground has 552 sites with many amenities, including restrooms, showers, a camp store, dump stations, and water. The Meigs Point Nature Center offers programs and activities for park visitors during the summer season. |
| facility |
HAMMONASSET PICNIC SHELTER |
| facilityID |
100116 |
| fullReservationUrl |
http://www.reserveamerica.com/campsiteSearch.do?contractCode=CT&parkId=100116&cmp=39-32--joewils |
| importantInformation |
You can now make a reservation for the day before your arrival and up until 11 months in advance All Parking fees are additional and will be collected on arrival at the gate. |
| nearbyAttrctionDescription |
Nearby state parks include Chatfield Hollow State Park, in Killingworth, Rocky Neck State Park, in East Lyme, and Sherwood Island State Park, in Westport. |
| note |
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| orientationDescription |
On July 18, 1920, Hammonasset Beach State Park was opened to the public. The first season attracted over 75,000 visitors. The park's reputation drew tourists from across the continent as well as the state. During World War II, the park was closed to the public and loaned to the federal government as an army reservation. Meigs Point functioned as an aircraft range. Planes flew over Clinton Harbor, fired at the range, and then flew out over Long Island Sound. The stone breakwater at the Meigs Point end of the park was built in 1955. The stones were brought in by truck from quarries in northern New England. Today, over one million people enjoy Hammonasset Beach State Park each year. |
| recreationDescription |
Swim in the salt water, collect shells, build a sandcastle, sunbathe, relax, and walk along the 3/4 mile boardwalk, gazing upon Long Island Sound. Launch a carry-in boat, take a canoe trip, or fish from the stone breakwater. Summer activities include nature talks, bingo, movies, horseshoes, bocce and volleyball. The children's play area offers a pirate ship, swings, and slides. Visit Meigs Point Nature Center and experience the hands-on saltwater touch tank or search for the hundreds of bird species present at the park. See displays of area flora, fauna and geology. |