Beardsley State Park
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 5, 2025
Beardsley State Park is a popular destination in the state of Connecticut.
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Summary
It covers an area of 325 acres and is located in the city of Bridgeport. The park offers various recreational activities, including hiking, picnicking, fishing, and bird watching. Some good reasons to visit the park include its scenic beauty, peaceful atmosphere, and opportunities to enjoy outdoor activities.
One of the specific points of interest in Beardsley State Park is the Beardsley Zoo, which is located within the park's premises. The zoo is home to over 300 animals, including tigers, wolves, and zebras. Another attraction is the Pequonnock River, which flows through the park and provides a serene setting for picnics and fishing.
The park also features several hiking trails, including the Red Trail, Blue Trail, and Orange Trail. These trails offer visitors an opportunity to explore the park's natural beauty and observe its diverse wildlife. Additionally, there are several picnic areas and playgrounds available for families to enjoy.
Interesting facts about Beardsley State Park include that it was named after James Beardsley, who donated the land to the state for the establishment of the park. The park was established in 1932 and was one of the first state parks in Connecticut.
The best time of year to visit Beardsley State Park is during the spring and fall seasons when the weather is mild, and the colors of the trees are changing. However, the park is open year-round, and visitors can enjoy various activities based on the season.
Overall, Beardsley State Park is a great destination for anyone looking to enjoy outdoor activities, explore natural beauty, and learn about Connecticut's history and wildlife.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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