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

Gillette Castle State Park, East Haddam

4.7

Must see · State Park · Historic Site

Create an itinerary including Gillette Castle State 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. It couldn't be easier to arrange your visit to Gillette Castle State Park and many more East Haddam attractions: make an itinerary online using Inspirock's East Haddam holiday builder.

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Gillette Castle State Park reviews

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TripAdvisor traveler rating

769 reviews

Google

4.7

By JCLA2014

The Gillette castle was unique and super interesting. I would highly recommend a stop here if you are in the area

The Gillette castle was unique and super interesting. I would highly recommend a stop here if you are in the area more »
By christina b

Start with the short video at the visitor's center. Grab a map of the trail. You may want to consider buying tickets online as there was about an hour wait for an available tour. Castle tours are..... more

Start with the short video at the visitor's center. Grab a map of the trail. You may want to consider buying tickets online as there was about an hour wait for an available tour. Castle tours are..... more »
By Yi N

The visitor center closes at 4PM, but they don’t bother saying it on the website when they make so much effort in stating that the last tour of the castle is at 4PM both on the website and at the...

The visitor center closes at 4PM, but they don’t bother saying it on the website when they make so much effort in stating that the last tour of the castle is at 4PM both on the website and at the... more »

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By James Fox

A great state park you must visit, sitting high above the Connecticut River this truly amazing stone castle is beautiful. when we recently stopped in for the first time (lifelong CT. resident), I couldn't believe what I missed all those years. great spot for pictures with the river and blue sky a background. on our visit characters were outside strolling on the porch engaging all those who came to visit their home. Very easy to walk around, some inclines but no too bad when you take it slow. Working restroom and food on site. just show up and enjoy some time walking around this beautiful CT park. *wear some comfortable shoes, makes the inclines a little less inclined.........

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By Veronica Lanni

What a beautiful state park and castle. Tickets to enter the castle are super cheap, only $8 a person. You can’t go in without a tour guide but once you are inside you can do your own exploring. You can also take your time and they do not rush you. The grounds are absolutely stunning. It’s definitely definitely worth the 2 hour drive from NYC.

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By Peter Ying

Beautiful castle, amazing construction! Love the experience of walking back in time! Must take historic ferry to the castle… only $5 per car… a short 5 min hop over the river… no more tours until May 2023… but worth the walk through!

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By Acct 4 Dedo

The castle was a must see, very unique. The price was very fair at $6.00 per person. There was a very nice museum and little theater for viewing a mini bio movie on the owner. If you don't want to see the castle the park is free and very beautiful. We ate our lunch on one of the many picnic tables.

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By Susan McKay

Was excited to go here and was pleased how amazing this place was. The trails were nice and the inside of the castle was just amazing! If you have a chance to do the tour, make sure that you do it. Gillette had amazing ideas for his time and you won't be disappointed!

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