MITCHELL BEACH ACCESS

Public / Visitor Spaces & Amenities >> Mitchell Beach Access

About Mitchell College Beach

Mitchell Beach is a hidden gem along the Thames River offering clean sand and unheralded views of passing ferries, sailboats, and even a submarine from time to time. The beach is part of many traditions at the college, including bonfires, student events, events for prospective students and their families, and special events for invited guests. The beach is situated on private property owned by the college and is open only to Beach Pass holders and invited guests. It is not open to the public.

Beach Season Dates 2025

• May 24:  Beach opens to Pass holders
• Jul. 12:  Beach closes at noon for private college event (Seafood, Sparks, and Scholarships)
• Sept. 21:  Last day of Beach Pass holder season

Beach Hours

• Beach Hours: 9:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m. daily

Current Mitchell and Thames Students

Students do not need to register for a pass. They can show a current Mitchell College picture ID for beach access.

Beach Passes

The Mitchell College Beach Pass is for the explicit purpose of accessing Mitchell Beach during beach hours and seasonal dates. Beach visiitors must bring their pass as they may be asked to show it during their visit to the beach.

The Beach Pass is available to the following groups:

1. 1. Mitchell College Alumni
   2. Current Mitchell College and Thames Faculty and Staff
   3. The Friends of Mitchell College Members

Individual Beach Pass = Pass Holder + 1 guest
Family Beach Pass = Pass Holder + 3 guests

Mitchell College Alumni

Mitchell College alumni must join the Alumni Association in order to request a Beach Pass. As Association members, alumni may get a free Individual Beach Pass or free Family Beach Pass.

Join the Alumni Association Here

For these purposes, an alumnus/a of Mitchell College is determined to be:

Any graduate of the College or person who has been duly enrolled as a student in good standing at Mitchell College for at least four semesters and is not currently a full-time student of the College shall be considered eligible to request membership. (Mitchell College Alumni Association Constitution and By-Laws, 2023).

Current Mitchell and Thames Faculty and Staff

Mitchell College faculty or staff are eligible for a free Individual Beach Pass or Family Beach Pass.

The Friends of Mitchell College

The Friends of Mitchell College is a special recognition society of donors who contribute $150 or more annually to the Annual Fund. Members can join at the following levels:

• • • • Benefactor Level:  $150 (Individual Beach Pass + One Guest)
      • Patron Level:  $180 (Family Beach Pass, 4 People  Total)
      • Corporate/Business Level:  $250 (Family Beach Pass; 4 People  Total)

In addition to enjoying access to Mitchell College Beach, members of The Friends of Mitchell College receive exclusive invitations to campus events.

Beach Rules/Restrictions

Beach Location: Beach passes can only be used at Mitchell Beach next to the Henry Hall parking lot, not at the Mitchell College Sailing Dock beach area. 

Proof of Pass: Campus Safety or a member of its team has the right to ask for proof of membership while on the beach or prior to entering the beach.

Alcohol: Consumption of alcohol on the beach or in the parking lot is prohibited.

Capacity: The Beach has a capacity of 96 individuals at one time. Mitchell College reserves the right to refuse entry to Beach Pass holders if capacity has been reached. Beach and parking capacity may fluctuate.

Closures:

• To ensure the safety of guests, the beach will be closed when it reaches capacity.
• To comply with all local safety recommendations and mandates, the beach will close if swimming is not deemed safe by local health departments.
• Mitchell College reserves the right to close Mitchell Beach for campus events.
• The Henry Hall Parking lot may be closed for public parking during special campus events. Communications will be sent out to Beach Pass Holders in advance for planning purposes.

Parking: Parking is not guaranteed. The vehicle owner assumes all risk when parking on Mitchell College property and no vehicle may be parked overnight. There is no camping or campers allowed on college property.

Dunes: The sand dunes are protected and fragile. Vegetation protects the dunes. Please refrain from walking on dunes. Anyone found walking on the dunes will be asked to leave.

Soliciting: No soliciting is allowed on the beach or in the adjacent parking lot.

Pets: No dogs or pets allowed at any time (enforced year round) except Service Animals.

Beach Gear: Tents, umbrellas, etc., must be safely secured by owner.

Trash: No littering. Please use trash receptacles.

Smoking: There is no smoking allowed on the beach at any time.

Music: In order to ensure all patrons can enjoy the space, please be courteous and respectful at all times. Amplified or loud music is prohibited. Music should be enjoyed using headphones or kept at a low level.

Prohibited Items: The following items are not allowed on Mitchell Beach at any time: alcoholic beverages, drugs, weapons, glass bottles, grills, open flames, fireworks, drones, vehicles.

Restrooms: Portable facilities are available in the parking area.

Water Vessels: Motorboats, kayaks, canoes, jet skis, etc. are not allowed on or to be launched from the beach.

Wildlife: Feeding wildlife is prohibited on Mitchell Beach; this includes, but is not limited to, swans, geese, and seals. [On rare occasions seals have come ashore on our beach. If you are aware of a seal on the beach, contact Campus Safety immediately. Please do not approach it or disturb it in any way.]