Trip Planner: USA / Connecticut / East Haddam / Historic Sites / Gillette Castle State Park

Gillette Castle State Park, East Haddam

4.7

#3 of 84 in Parks in Connecticut

Historic Site Nature / Park

Perched on the hills above the Connecticut River, Gillette Castle State Park features an early 20th-century mansion and a series of lakeside walking trails. Here you'll find the crumbling former glory of actor William Gillette's medieval-looking residence, built of stone and surrounded by thick forest. You can wander the grounds, which are ideal for easy walks, thanks to pathways made from former railroad tracks. Explore the "castle" itself to see a great number of carved oak woodworks and creative features, such as built-in couches and a sliding table. To visit Gillette Castle State Park on your trip to East Haddam, use our East Haddam family vacation planner.

Create an itinerary including Gillette Castle State Park

Plans in East Haddam by other users

View more plans

Plan your trip to East Haddam

Get a personalized plan

A complete day-by-day itinerary
based on your preferences
Customize it

Refine your plan. We'll find the
best routes and schedules
Book it

Choose from the best hotels
and activities. Up to 50% off
Manage it

Everything in one place.
Everyone on the same page.

Where to stay in East Haddam

Browse hundreds of hotels and read guest reviews on the world's leading online travel agency website.

CHECK IN - CHECK OUT

TripAdvisor
Millions of travel reviews
on TripAdvisor

Reviews

TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

560 reviews

Google

4.6

Urbanfarmgrl

We saw a recommendation on roadtripper.com. Wow gorgeous eccentric place with tons of trails. If you are into old movies, Sherlock Holmes, cat lover, history, trains and nature--- this place is a must... more »
DML611

Beautiful, clear, weekend day made this experience all the better! Had time available before catching the Riverquest CT river boat ride ($20) and I thought about seeing the castle which is in the same... more »
Jackalcall

Don't make the mistake we made, we went a few days before Memorial Day weekend and no dice, you cannot tour the interior of the castle before that weekend. Having said that still worth a visit even if... more »

View more on TripAdvisor »

Google

Mary B

I loved this place. It had some nice trails to the CT river. The castle itself was a nice little historic place to see. The prices weren't terrible. I think $6 for adults and $3 for kids. You enter the castle and are advised to take your time on each level because once you go up you sent allowed back down. It took maybe an hour for the entire self led tour just because we stopped and read everything.

more less
Joey Adcock

Park down at the river next to the Ferry Launch. A large wooden structure marks the head of the trail leading up a steeply-inclined trail. At the end of the hike awaits Connecticut's own stone castle. There are picnic tables and a wonderful field perfect for playing games with kids or watching the boats pass by on the riverway.

more less
J Christy Wareham

It's a longish drive from just about anywhere — and there's not really an awful lot to take in — but the grounds are lovely and the "castle" interesting. And if you're a Sherlock Holmes fan, as was my grandson, when I took his sister and him, it's pretty satisfying. Overlooks the Connecticut River from high above, an impressive sight in any season.

more less
Larry Obern

Very pretty outside. It was still closed for inside when we were on the way through Thursday and Friday. Memorual day weekend should be from Thursday through Monday.

more less
Jason Zhao

Very scenic and quirky place to visit. The castle area has a great overlook of the river, and the castle itself is a fun little excursion and piece of history.

more less