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

Gardner Lake State Park

Salem, CT

Best known as home to the 528-acre Gardner Lake, this peaceful 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, and 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 sank with the house.

Views from the Park

A sunset on the water at Gardner Lake (Instagram@kylescheiper)

A couple at the beach at Gardner Lake (Instagram@dziadulmom)

A child playing in the sand on the beach at Gardner Lake (Instagram@darren.bright.7)

Woman kayaking on lake (Instagram@_findinghannah)

a kayak on the water with sky and clouds (Instagram@ddtnewengland)

A family at the beach at Gardner Lake (Instagram@marii.vasc_)

A woman posing in the tall grass (Instagram@thenameisleida)

Family tubing on Gardner lake (Instagram@zio_jessica)

Location

126 Old Colchester Road
Salem, CT 06420

Get Directions

Details

Open Daily
(8:00 a.m. – Sunset)

Park Maps

Contact

Main (860) 526-2336

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

Activities

Overview

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

An alcohol ban is in place at Gardner Lake State Park
Busses seating over 30 passengers are not allowed at this park
Boat Launch Map

Boating

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

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, catfish, and more.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

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

Picnicking

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.