A portion of the 554-acre (224 ha) state park occupies the site of the lost village of Hopeville.

[3] Before European colonization, the Mohegan people constructed stone weirs to harvest fish from the Pachaug River.

[4] In 1711, Stephen Gates was granted 14 acres of land lying within the modern state park's boundaries.

The alterations in the house changed the traditional five-room first floor plan by eliminating the keeping rooms and the removal of the kitchen fireplace.

[4] The park's recreational activities include biking, hiking, camping, fishing, boating, and swimming.

Fish found in 137-acre (55 ha) Hopeville Pond include channel catfish, northern pike, largemouth bass, chain pickerel, and yellow perch.

[3] Hopeville Pond was included in an 11-mile bike trail in Connecticut: Rides for the Casual Cyclist.