McLean Game Refuge

#11490 among destinations in the United States

National park

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Facts and practical information

Nestled in the picturesque town of Granby, Connecticut, the McLean Game Refuge is a sprawling natural oasis that offers visitors a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Spanning over 4,400 acres, this pristine wilderness is home to a diverse array of flora and fauna, making it a paradise for nature enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers alike.

As you wander through the refuge, you'll be greeted by towering trees, tranquil streams, and lush meadows that are teeming with life. The well-maintained trails provide the perfect opportunity for hiking, birdwatching, and wildlife spotting, allowing you to immerse yourself in the beauty of the Connecticut countryside. Whether you're an experienced hiker or simply looking for a leisurely stroll, the refuge offers something for everyone, with trails that cater to all levels of fitness and abilities.

One of the most unique features of the McLean Game Refuge is its collection of majestic stone structures, including bridges, archways, and towers, which were meticulously crafted by the refuge's founder, George P. McLean. These architectural marvels add a touch of enchantment to the natural landscape, providing a sense of wonder and intrigue as you explore the grounds.

In addition to its natural beauty and captivating architecture, the McLean Game Refuge also serves as a vital conservation area, playing a crucial role in the protection of local wildlife and ecosystems. As you wander through the refuge, you'll have the opportunity to witness the harmony between man and nature, gaining a deeper appreciation for the importance of preserving our natural heritage.

Established: 1932 (92 years ago)Elevation: 292 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 41°55'5"N, 72°50'57"W

Location

ConnecticutUnited States

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Day trips

McLean Game Refuge – popular in the area (distance from the attraction)

Nearby attractions include: Old Newgate Prison, Phelps Tavern Museum, Salmon Brook Historical Society, Drake Hill Road Bridge.

6.2 miNE
Historical place, Museum
Old Newgate Prison, East Granby
157 min walk • Old Newgate Prison is a former prison and mine site on Newgate Road in East Granby, Connecticut. It is now operated by the state of Connecticut as the Old New-Gate Prison & Copper Mine Archaeological Preserve. Previously closed for restoration since 2009, it was re-opened on July 14, 2018.
3.8 miSE
Historical place, History museum, Museum
Phelps Tavern Museum, Simsbury
98 min walk • The Captain Elisha Phelps House is a historic house museum at 800 Hopmeadow Street in Simsbury, Connecticut. The colonial-era house was built by David Phelps in 1711. His son Elisha Phelps received the land from his father and expanded the house in 1771.
3.7 miNE
Museum, History museum
Salmon Brook Historical Society, Granby
96 min walk • The Salmon Brook Historical Society is the local historical society of Granby, Connecticut. The society's museum property is located and 208 Salmon Brook Street, and includes four historic buildings, which include museum displays of historic items, and a small research library.
4.3 miSE
Bridge
Drake Hill Road Bridge, Simsbury
109 min walk • Drake Hill Road Bridge, also known as the Old Drake Hill Flower Bridge, is a bridge in Simsbury, Connecticut, originally carrying Drake Hill Road over the Farmington River. Built in 1892, it is one of three surviving Parker truss bridges in the state. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1984.
5.3 miSE
Tree
Pinchot Sycamore, Simsbury
136 min walk • The Pinchot Sycamore is a large American sycamore in Simsbury, Connecticut. It is the largest tree in Connecticut. When measured by the Connecticut Botanical Society in 2016, the Pinchot Sycamore's trunk was over 28 feet around and 100 feet tall, with an average canopy diameter of 121 feet.
3.6 miSE
City hall, Gothic Revival architecture
St. Mary's Simsbury, Simsbury
92 min walk • The Horace Belden School and Central Grammar School are a pair of architecturally distinguished Late Gothic Revival occupying a single campus at 933 Hopmeadow Street and 29 Massaco Street in Simsbury, Connecticut.
5.2 miE
Park
Cowles Park, East Granby
133 min walk • The Whitfield Cowles House is a historic house at 118 Spoonville Road in East Granby, Connecticut. Built about 1785, it was home to one of the early innovators in the development of silver plating, and was still owned by Cowles descendants.
3.9 miSE
Library, Greek Revival architecture
Simsbury Free Library, Simsbury
99 min walk • The Simsbury Townhouse is a historic municipal building at 695 Hopmeadow Street in Simsbury, Connecticut. Built in 1839, it was Simsbury's town hall until 1931, and is a good local example of Greek Revival architecture.
3.2 miSE
Neighbourhood
Simsbury Center, Simsbury
83 min walk • Simsbury Center is a census-designated place that consists of the central settlement, and the neighborhoods immediately surrounding it, in the town of Simsbury, Connecticut, in the United States. As of the 2010 census, the CDP had a population of 5,836.
5.4 miSE
National park
Penwood State Park
138 min walk • Hikers and outdoor enthusiasts will delight in the park's network of well-maintained trails, which wind through the forest and provide stunning views of the surrounding landscape. From leisurely strolls to challenging treks, there is a trail for every skill level.
3.9 miNE
Neighbourhood
Salmon Brook, Granby
101 min walk • Salmon Brook is the name of a census-designated place corresponding to the village of Granby, the primary settlement of the town of Granby, Connecticut, in Hartford County. The population of the CDP was 2,324 as of the 2010 census.