Lake Garda was the vision of Italian immigrant Harry Battistoni, who arrived in New Britain following World War I and dammed the nearby Rose Brook to create a lake modeled after his childhood neighborhood lake. The lake was completed in 1925, and in 1943, the Lake Garda Improvement Association was formed to oversee the region’s development into a private summer community. Lakefront real estate and vacation rentals are available in the area surrounding the 43-acre lake, allowing access to outdoor activities such as boating, canoeing, kayaking, and fishing. Private beaches surrounding the lake include Battistoni Beach, named for the lake’s creator. Popular winter activities include hockey, skating, and ice fishing.

Lake Garda , 111 N Main St, Bristol, CT 06010

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