Stoddard Hill State Park, 1917 Route 12, Gales Ferry, CT 06335, US

In the early days of American settlement, these broad river meadows were important grazing lands, where cattle were loaded onto waiting schooners and shipped to the West Indies, to be exchanged for molasses and rum. The 154-acre Haddam Meadows State Park is still an important gathering place, the site of many town festivals. The boat ramp at the far end is one of the busiest on the river, and in all seasons townspeople can be seen walking by the water often in the company of their dogs. The Meadows were deeded to the state in 1944 by the Hazen family, who owned the landmark red barn along Route 154 across from the park. The property is hosts Little League games, draws bicyclists and is a haven for bird watchers. Starting in 1876, the railroad passed through and stops including Walkley and Haddam stations were located in the park, where people boarded to travel to Saybrook and Hartford.