girl swimming in lake with boat in background (Instagram@saratedidee)

Gardner Lake State Park

Salem, CT

Like to fish? Love to boat? Want to swim? You can do it all at this small, peaceful state park in southeast Connecticut near the bucolic towns of Bozrah, Montville, and Salem. Best known as home to the 528-acre Gardner Lake, the lake park is a popular day spot among fishing, boating, and swimming enthusiasts. It also provides boat-only access to Minnie Island State Park, Connecticut’s smallest state park, which is an easy paddle from shore for those seeking a bit of exploration and adventure.

Fun fact: In the winter of 1895, the town’s grocer attempted to move his house across frozen Gardner Lake. But it slipped into a snowbank, cracked through the ice, and eventually sank into the lake when the ice thawed. For years the upper levels remained above water looking much like a lighthouse. Children fished from it in the summer and skated through it in the winter, and some locals claimed that on quiet nights they could hear mermaids playing the piano that sunk with the house.

Views from the Park
Location

208 Old Colchester Rd.
Salem, CT 06420

Details

Open Daily
(8:00 a.m. – Sunset)

Contact

Main (860) 526-2336

A night sky reflecting in water at Gardner Lake (Instagram@kylescheiper)
Activities

Boating

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Have a boat, kayak, canoe, or jet ski? Enjoy a day on the lake fishing, paddling, water skiing, or just soaking in all the natural beauty this state park offers. And while you’re out on the water, don’t forget to make a stop at Minnie Island, a popular spot to picnic, relax, and explore.

To reach the boat launch: Head east on Route 354 in Salem, Connecticut, just north of Route 82. The boat launch is located at 126 Old Colchester Rd, Salem, CT 06420.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

Boat speeds on the lake are limited to 6 mph from sunset to 8:00 a.m. Canoes and kayaks allowed.

Fishing

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Scout a spot along the bank or from your boat to cast your line. You’ll find a number of different types of fish, including: bass, crappie, sunfish, walleye, brown bullhead, yellow perch, and catfish. (Just to name a few.)

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

Before heading out, be sure to check the latest conditions and fishing regulations. 

Picnicking

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Pack lunch and plan to spread out on the beach or set up at the picnic tables which are located near the parking lot. Grills are available down near the beach.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

Swimming

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Gardner Lake State Park offers an ideal spot to take a dip to cool off or watch the kids splash around on a hot summer day.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO 

Fees

Free

Accessibility

Parking

Restrooms (Seasonal)

Pets

Yes, on leash