Wells State Park

Description

Indian Well State Park is a Connecticut state park in Shelton, Connecticut, USA, which offers facilities for swimming in Lake Housatonic, picnicking, hiking, boating, and fishing.

A small swim area is provided at the beach. Lifeguards are typically on duty from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day between the hours of 10:00 AM and 6:00 PM. Although the body of water is designated a lake, it is still a part of the Housatonic River, and there is a slight current. Swimmers should use caution and be familiar with the park's beach regulations and swimming safety information. The swim area may not be available from after Labor Day to Memorial Day weekend. If the swim area buoys are not in the water, swimming is prohibited.

Swimming and climbing on the rocks at the waterfall are prohibited.

Much of the main recreation area along the shore of Lake Housatonic is a picnic area. There are a large number of tables and grills throughout the park. If you plan to visit the park on a summer weekend, you may want to pack your own table and grill because the park can get very busy and they go quick.

There is also a picnic shelter (pavilion) available for rent at the park. Check the DEP's website for rental information. Reservations are handled by Reserve America.

Indian Well State Park provides access to the Paugussett Trail, a blue-blazed hiking trail. The trail starts at Indian Well and travels north along the Housatonic River to the Stevenson Dam, then continues through Webb Mountain Park in Monroe and northwest up Boys Halfway River valley to East Village. The trail can be accessed at two locations in the park. The first is near the waterfall trail by the Maples Picnic Area. The trail starts on the left immediately after crossing the stone wall bridge on Indian Well Road. The second way to the Paugussett Trail is via the white trail which starts in the off-season parking area just past the gate to the park on the left-hand side of the road.

The park provides the only public boat launch to Lake Housatonic. The boat launch is only available during normal park hours (8:00 AM to sunset). (See DEP Boat Launch Information - Lake Housatonic, Indian Well). There is a 45 mph (72 km/h) speed limit during the daytime and 25 mph (40 km/h) limit from 1/2 hour after sunset to 1/2 hour before sunrise. Boats are limited to minimum steerage speed within 25 ft (7.6 m) of the shore or docks and must keep 100 ft (30 m) away from the swim area.

The entire stretch of Indian Well's shoreline is open to fishing except for the swim area. Busy weekends are not always the best time for fishing due to heavy boat traffic. Be familiar with state fishing regulations and special regulations for Lake Housatonic. Lake Housatonic is a Bass Management Lake and Walleye Lake. Species of fish in Lake Housatonic include Smallmouth bass, Largemouth bass, White catfish, White perch, Yellow perch, American Eel, Sunfish, Carp, and Walleye.

Each year the New Haven Rowing Club hosts rowing regattas. The Derby Sweeps and Sculls Regatta is held in the late spring, and the Head of the Housatonic Regatta is held in the fall. Spectator viewing of the course that runs past the park and some shell launching takes place from Indian Well.

Connecticut state parks are open from 8:00 AM to sunset. Vessels launched from the Indian Well boat launch should be pulled out of the water early to ensure you have ample time to exit the park by sunset.

Indian Well State Park is located along Route 110 in Shelton, Connecticut, approximately 2 miles (3.2 km) north of downtown on the right.

Indian Well State Park c/o Osbornedale State Park 555 Roosevelt Dr. Derby, CT 06418 (203) 735-4311

From Route 8 north: take Exit 14. At the end of the exit ramp take a left, and then take the next left onto Howe Avenue. Go north for approximately 2½ miles. Indian Well State Park will be on the right.

From Route 8 south: take Exit 14. Take a right and drive approximately 2½ miles. Indian Well State Park will be on the right.

Parking fees are charged from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. The day-use parking fee is only good for one parking space. If you leave the park, your space is forfeited and you will be charged for another one.

Bus = 30+ passenger capacity Minibus = 13 - 29 passenger capacity (includes 15 passenger vans) Full size buses require a permit. To obtain a bus permit, call Reserve America at 1-877-668-2267 (Monday - Friday, 9:00 AM until 4:30 PM)

Special Notice Regarding Alcohol: In effect for 2010 - The possession or use of alcohol is banned from June 11, 2010 through September 7, 2010 inclusive. Please do not bring alcoholic beverages and plan your visit accordingly.

Weir Farm National Historic Site

Silvio O. Conte • Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge

Appalachian Trail

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Coordinates: 41°20′10″N 73°07′23″W / 41.336°N 73.123°W / 41.336; -73.123 (Indian Well State Park)