Gillette Castle State Park

67 River Road

East Haddam

860-526-2336

Park Hours:

8:00 a.m. – Sunset

Entrance Fees:

Ages 13 and over $5; Ages 6-12 $2;
Ages 5 and under FREE

Camping Fees:

$4 / person / night

Directions:

From I-91S: take Exit 22. Route 9S, Exit 7, for a bridge crossing of the Connecticut River. Follow route 82E and park signs.

From I-95N or S: take Exit 69. Route 9N to Exit 6 or 7. For the Chester-Hadlyme Ferry, use Exit 6. Follow Route 148 and park signs. The ferry operates spring through fall.

More Information

Gillette Castle State Park

Gillette Castle State Park

One of Connecticut's most widely recognized and beloved landmarks, Gillette Castle is a unique and intricate structure that receives a decorative Christmas makeover in Victorian style each year during the holiday season. Visitors can tour the castle weekends from November 23 through December 23 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and sip hot cider, take in majestic bonfires and enjoy various musical performances during this festive celebration. The castle's normal operating season is from Memorial Day through Columbus Day, and people flock to Gillette Castle State Park to experience the distinctive 184-acre estate along the Connecticut River. The Norman fortress inspired fieldstone castle, built between 1914 and 1919, is situated 200 feet above the river on a hill known as "The Seventh Sister." It was the home of noted actor William H. Gillette, who was famous for his portrayal as Sherlock Homes in the early 20th century. Gillette painstakingly designed the castle, which boasts hand-hewn southern white oak woodwork, built-in beds and couches, furniture on movable tracks, Tiffany lamps and an extensive art gallery. The grounds are just as impressive, as the trails often follow the former three-mile long and narrow gauge railroad, which was Gillette's passion, and walking paths constructed with near-vertical steps, stone-arch bridges, and wooded trestles spanning up to forty feet. Other outdoor attractions include a vegetable cellar, the railroad station (Grand Central), and Gillette's goldfish pond, making the park an excellent place to explore, hike, bike and set-up a picnic.

Activities

• River Camping
• Hiking
• Historic Building
• Picnicking