Harkness Memorial State Park

Waterford, Connecticut, United States

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Harkness Memorial State Park in Waterford, Connecticut, is a beautifully preserved 230-acre estate centered around Eolia, a 42-room Roman Renaissance Revival mansion built in 1906 and purchased by Edward and Mary Harkness in 1907.

The property was originally a working farm with gardens, a nine-hole golf course, and greenhouses, designed with significant input from noted landscape architects including Beatrix Farrand, who created formal gardens such as the West Garden, East Garden, Boxwood Parterre, and Alpine Rock Garden.

The Harkness family, heirs to a substantial fortune from Standard Oil, used the estate as a summer residence and donated it to the State of Connecticut in 1950 with the condition it promote public health. After becoming a state park in 1952, it served as both a recreational area and a retreat for children with disabilities.

A major restoration beginning in 1996 revitalized the mansion and gardens to reflect their 1930s glory. Today, the park offers scenic views of Long Island Sound, historic architecture, manicured gardens, and hosts various events, remaining a cherished site that blends natural beauty with cultural heritage. The estate is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, highlighting its architectural and historical significance.