🏆 Official Guide: Sherwood Island State Park — Connecticut’s first state park (land acquired starting 1914) — 235 acres on Long Island Sound in Westport, Connecticut — featuring over a mile of sandy coastline (East + West Beach), lifeguarded swimming (Memorial Day–Labor Day), a Nature Center, excellent birding (ospreys, herons, salt marsh habitat), shoreline fishing, disc golf, picnic pavilions, and Connecticut’s official 9/11 Living Memorial.
Sherwood Island State Park holds a special place in Connecticut history as the state’s very first state park — a distinction earned after a legendary “23-Year War” to acquire the land from private owners. Originally known as Machamux (“The Beautiful Land”), this 235-acre coastal gem offers over a mile of sandy Long Island Sound beach, a nature center, and exceptional birding in the surrounding salt marshes.
Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Westport, CT — Long Island Sound |
| Size | 235 acres — coastal park |
| Distinction | Connecticut’s first state park (1914) |
| Beach | 1+ mi sandy — East Beach + West Beach |
| Lifeguards | Memorial Day – Labor Day (summer) |
| Nature Center | Opened 2009 — exhibits, programs, nature walks |
Activities
| Activity | Details |
|---|---|
| Swimming | Long Island Sound — lifeguarded summer beaches |
| Bird Watching | Salt marshes, meadows, forest — ospreys, herons, migrants |
| Fishing | Shoreline + jetties — CT license required (restrictions during swim hours) |
| Trails | Hiking trails through varied habitats |
| Disc Golf | Course on park grounds |
| Picnicking | Designated areas + reservable shelters |
| Nature Center | Local flora/fauna exhibits + educational programs |
| 9/11 Memorial | Connecticut’s official 9/11 Living Memorial |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sherwood Island actually an island?
No — despite the name, Sherwood Island is connected to the mainland. It’s separated only by small tidal creeks. The name dates to the area’s historical designation.
What is the 9/11 memorial?
The park houses Connecticut’s official 9/11 Living Memorial. The location was chosen because the New York City skyline — and the smoke from the Twin Towers on September 11, 2001 — could be seen from this shore.
Keep exploring: The closest neighbors are Trout Brook Valley State Park Reserve (a short drive away) and Centennial Watershed State Forest (a short drive away).
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Sherwood Island State Park
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Pets on a leash are permitted in most Connecticut state parks and forests, but not in buildings, swimming areas or state park campgrounds.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Pets must be leashed and under control at all times; in state forest camping areas the leash may be no longer than 7 feet.
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- Pets are prohibited in swimming areas; Sherwood Island and Squantz Pond State Parks ban pets entirely April 15 - September 30.
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Pets are banned from all state park campgrounds; they are allowed only in the American Legion, Pachaug and Salt Rock state forest campgrounds, but not on rustic cabin sites.
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Pets prohibited year-round at Dinosaur State Park and in the formal gardens and beach at Harkness Memorial State Park.
Are dogs allowed at Sherwood Island State Park?
Pets on a leash are permitted in most Connecticut state parks and forests, but not in buildings, swimming areas or state park campgrounds. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via portal.ct.gov. More: Connecticut state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Location
Plan your gear for Sherwood Island State Park
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
