Visiting Salem

The Town of Salem offers many opportunities for outdoor fun and recreation.  Hiking, boating, fishing, and camping are just some of the attractions available to visitors.

Hiking and Nature Trails

Gardner Lake offers recreational boaters and fishermen a newly renovated boat launch with plenty of vehicle and trailer parking.  The adjacent beach and fields provide picnic areas overlooking one of the largest lakes in southeastern Connecticut. The smaller Horse Pond along Route 85 also provides a boat launch for fishing.

Walden Preserve and the Zemko Wildlife Management Area feature miles of trails through open fields and natural forest for nature lovers who enjoy bird watching and observing other wildlife habitats.

Camping

Salem is home to four large campgrounds, including the Witch Meadow Lake Campground, Salem Farms Campground, Sna-z-Spot Campground, and Indian Field Campground.

Historical Attractions

The Salem Historical Society is located in the Salem Town House; a historic building built in 1749 and moved to Salem in 1831.  The museum is located in Salem’s Historic District along Route 85.  It is free and open to the public Memorial Day though October, from 1:00 to 4:00 on the 2nd and 4th Saturday each month.

Special Events

Special events are posted on our special events calendar, including the annual Apple Festival, Friends of the Library Used Book Sale, The Salem Memorial Day Parade and Salem Road Race 5K.

Nearby Attractions