Peace Sanctuary

The Peace Sanctuary is a 30-acre preserve located across the Mystic River from the Coogan Farm on River Road. The Sanctuary is home to a variety of DPNC programs and the trails are open free to the public from dawn to dusk. Leashed dogs are permitted on this trail.

The Sanctuary features sweeping views over the Mystic River and across to Coogan Farm from atop high ledges. A mile-long trail winds through the wooded property, past large oaks, American beech and tulip trees. Wild azaleas and pink lady slippers bloom in late May.

The site has historic significance as the gathering place for social justice “Peace Meetings” during the mid-late 1800s, and later as a summer camp for girls during the early 1900s. Visitors may encounter remnants of the former Camp Mystic, such as old stone foundations, retaining walls and stone-lined cisterns. The Peace Sanctuary is owned by the Mary Jobe Akeley Trust and stewarded by the DPNC for conservation and education.