Fort Trumbull State Park

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Fort Trumbull State Park is located in the city of New London, Connecticut.


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Summary

The park is named after Fort Trumbull, which was a military fortification that played a role in the American Revolution and the War of 1812. Today, the park offers a variety of recreational opportunities and historical attractions.

One reason to visit Fort Trumbull State Park is to explore the historic fortifications. Visitors can tour the fort and learn about its history, including its use as a training center for the Coast Guard during World War II. The park also features a museum with exhibits on the fort's history and the history of the surrounding area.

Another point of interest at Fort Trumbull State Park is the adjacent Coast Guard Academy. Visitors can take a guided tour of the academy and learn about its history and role in training the next generation of Coast Guard officers.

In addition to its historical attractions, Fort Trumbull State Park offers a variety of recreational opportunities. The park has a fishing pier, picnic areas, and a beach for swimming and sunbathing. There are also hiking trails with scenic views of the Thames River and Long Island Sound.

The best time of year to visit Fort Trumbull State Park is during the summer months, when the weather is warm and the beach and swimming areas are open. However, the park is open year-round and offers activities such as fishing and hiking throughout the year.

Overall, Fort Trumbull State Park is a great destination for history buffs, nature enthusiasts, and anyone looking to enjoy some outdoor recreation on the Connecticut coast.

       

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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.
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