Penwood Picnic Shelter

Closed — Closed for the season. The picnic shelter is available for rental Memorial Day through Columbus Day.

About

Penwood Picnic Shelter is a reservable group facility located within Penwood State Park in Bloomfield, Connecticut. The 24x40-foot open-air shelter can accommodate up to 60 people and comes equipped with 8 picnic tables and one large grill. Visitors should note that the shelter is located approximately a half-mile walk from the parking lot, adding to its secluded natural setting. Penwood State Park itself encompasses nearly 800 acres of woodland, donated to the state in 1944 by industrialist Curtis H. Veeder with the stipulation that it remain in a natural state. The park features multiple hiking trails, including portions of the blue-blazed Metacomet Trail along the ridge, offering scenic overlooks and access to Lake Louise, a kettle bog atop the ridge. The park sits between Simsbury and Bloomfield along Route 185. Reservations for the picnic shelter are handled through ReserveAmerica during the operational season. The shelter provides a peaceful retreat for group gatherings while maintaining the natural character that the donor intended, with restrictions on camping, horses, and campfires in accordance with the original land donation terms.

Directions

From I-84 east or west, take the Route 44 Exit. Follow Route 44 west to the junction of Routes 10 and 202 in Avon. Follow Route 10 north to Route 185 in Simsbury. Follow Route 185 toward Bloomfield. At the top of the hill, Penwood will be on your left.

Nearby Campgrounds