Hammonasset Beach State Park features a short accessible boardwalk and a paved footpath, along the long and narrow sand beach. Additionally, at the southeast end of the park, there are footpaths around islands in the salt marsh and out to a viewing platform. The park also includes picnic areas, a nature center, and several wildlife viewing stands.
"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 and following that the 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.
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.
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 three million people come annually to enjoy Hammonasset Beach State Park.
Current information on swimming water quality.
This park is managed by the following CT DEEP Park Headquarters:
Take I-91 south to Route 9 south to Exit 9. Turn right (south) onto Route 81. Continue on Route 81 and turn right onto I-95 South entrance ramp. Go approximately 1 mile to Exit 62 and turn left off the exit. Head south for 1 mile on the Hammonasset Connector. Go straight through the light crossing Route 1 (Boston Post Road) into the park.
Take I-95 North to 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.
Take I-95 South to Exit 62. Take a left off the exit and continue for approximately 1 mile. Go straight through the traffic light crossing Route 1 (Boston Post Road).
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