Machimoodus State Park

#6652 among destinations in the United States

National park

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Nestled in the picturesque town of East Haddam, Connecticut, Machimoodus State Park offers a charming blend of natural beauty and historical significance. The park is home to the renowned Machimoodus State Forest, which boasts over 300 acres of lush woodlands and scenic trails. Visitors can immerse themselves in the tranquil atmosphere as they explore the diverse flora and fauna that call the forest home.

One of the park's most notable features is the scenic Salmon River, which meanders through the landscape, creating a stunning backdrop for outdoor enthusiasts. The river offers opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and canoeing, making it a popular destination for water sports enthusiasts. Visitors can also enjoy picnicking along the riverbank, taking in the serene surroundings while enjoying a leisurely meal.

In addition to its natural offerings, Machimoodus State Park is steeped in rich history, with evidence of Native American settlements dating back thousands of years. The park is home to several archaeological sites, including the famed Machimoodus State Forest Archaeological District, where visitors can learn about the area's indigenous heritage through interpretive displays and guided tours.

For those seeking a more active experience, the park offers a variety of recreational activities, including hiking, mountain biking, and birdwatching. The well-maintained trails provide an opportunity to explore the park's diverse ecosystems, from dense woodlands to open meadows, while enjoying panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.

Established: 1998 (26 years ago)Elevation: 26 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 41°29'27"N, 72°28'42"W

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ConnecticutUnited States

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Day trips

Machimoodus State Park – popular in the area (distance from the attraction)

Nearby attractions include: Gillette Castle State Park, Goodspeed Musicals, Eagle Landing State Park, Nathan Hale Schoolhouse.

5.2 miSE
Medieval castlelike midcentury mansion
Gillette Castle State Park, Sunrise State Park
132 min walk • Gillette Castle State Park straddles the towns of East Haddam and Lyme, Connecticut in the United States, sitting high above the Connecticut River.
2.8 miS
Historical place, Concerts and shows, Opera
Goodspeed Musicals, East Haddam
72 min walk • Goodspeed Musicals is a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation and advancement of musical theater and the creation of new works, located in East Haddam, Connecticut.
3 miS
Park
Eagle Landing State Park, East Haddam
76 min walk • Eagle Landing State Park is a public recreation area occupying 16 acres on the west bank of the Connecticut River in the town of Haddam, Connecticut. The state park has facilities for picnicking, fishing, bird watching and car-top boating. A private concessionnaire offers river excursions from a dock in the park.
2.6 miS
History museum, Museum
Nathan Hale Schoolhouse, East Haddam
67 min walk • The Nathan Hale Schoolhouse is a historic site in East Haddam, Connecticut. In the winter of 1773, Nathan Hale briefly taught in this one-room schoolhouse before leaving East Haddam for another teaching position in New London, Connecticut.
2.8 miS
Bridge
East Haddam Bridge, East Haddam
72 min walk • The East Haddam Swing Bridge is a steel, movable truss bridge. The bridge is composed of three spans crossing the Connecticut River between Haddam, Connecticut and East Haddam, Connecticut. The bridge carries Route 82, with an average daily traffic of 11,600.
1.8 miSW
Nature, Natural attraction, Protected area
Haddam Meadows State Park
46 min walk • Haddam Meadows State Park is a public recreation area occupying 175 acres on the west bank of the Connecticut River in the town of Haddam, Connecticut. The state park offers picnicking, fishing, and a boat launch.
2.1 miW
41°28'49"N • 72°31'1"W
Haddam Historical Society-Thankful Arnold House Museum, Haddam
55 min walk • History museum, Museum
2.6 miS
41°27'20"N • 72°27'43"W
Friends Of Rathbun Memorial Library, East Haddam
66 min walk • Library
2.6 miS
41°27'18"N • 72°27'45"W
St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, East Haddam
67 min walk • Sacred and religious sites, Church
5.3 miNE
National park
Day Pond State Park
136 min walk • Day Pond State Park is a public recreation area covering 180 acres in the town of Colchester, Connecticut. The state park abuts Salmon River State Forest and is managed by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.
2.6 miS
Church
Camp Bethel, East Haddam
67 min walk • Camp Bethel is a historic Christian camp meeting facility at 124 Camp Bethel Road, overlooking the Connecticut River in Haddam, Connecticut. Founded in 1877, Camp Bethel is one of the few surviving camp meeting sites left in New England.