James L. Goodwin State Forest & Conservation Education Center

The Goodwin Forest Conservation Education Center and the Goodwin State Forest were gifts to the people of Connecticut from James L. Goodwin, one of America’s first professional foresters. He purchased the property in 1914 and practiced pioneering forest and wildlife management on the site for 50 years before gifting it to the state in 1964.  

Together the Center and Forest include 2,000 acres of forests and habitats, 14 miles of hiking and multi-purpose trails, 3 large ponds and a nature museum. The Center is housed in a 100 year old home that showcases a pictoral display on 100 years of forestry history. There is a large picnic pavilion overlooking Pine Acres Pond, and a camping area available to scout and other youth groups. More details are available at James L. Goodwin State Forest and www.ctwoodlands.org. The Center is managed jointly by the Department of Environmental Protection.

Tour time: 1-3 hours

Other amenities: Dining Nearby, Parking, Parking, Self-guided tours