Great River Park

Rate this place

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Great River Park is a beautiful park located in the state of Connecticut along the Connecticut River.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

It is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, offering a variety of activities and points of interest.

Some of the reasons to visit Great River Park include its scenic beauty, which includes stunning views of the river and surrounding landscape. Visitors can take a leisurely stroll along the riverfront walkway or enjoy a picnic in one of the park's many designated areas.

One of the most popular points of interest at Great River Park is the boathouse, which is a historic building that houses a variety of watercraft, including rowboats, kayaks, and canoes. Visitors can rent these boats and explore the Connecticut River up close.

Other points of interest at Great River Park include the playground and splash pad, which are popular with families, as well as the amphitheater, which hosts a variety of concerts and events throughout the year.

Interesting facts about Great River Park include its history as a Native American fishing spot, as well as its importance as a transportation hub during the Industrial Revolution. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including bald eagles, ospreys, and river otters.

The best time of year to visit Great River Park is during the summer months, when the weather is warm and the park is bustling with activity. However, the park is open year-round, and visitors can enjoy its natural beauty during all seasons.

       

Weather Forecast

Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
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.
Related References
View more

Featured Parks