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4.5
575 votes

Gillette Castle State Park

67 River Rd, Connecticut 06423 USA

Free
Free to Visit
Closed Now
Opens Thu 10a
  • Independent
  • Pet Friendly
  • Wheelchair
    Accessible
  • Public
    Restrooms
  • Outdoor
    Seating
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“A castle fit for a mystery”

Step into the mind of eccentric actor and playwright William Gillette with a visit to his stunning castle overlooking the Connecticut River. Built in 1919, the castle features unique architectural elements and fascinating details that showcase Gillette's personality and interests. Explore the grounds, take a guided tour, or try to solve the mystery of the hidden rooms and secret passages that Gillette built into his home.

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  • 1 Review
  • 4 Helpful
June 13, 2017
Rated 4.0

Very beautiful park! This apps information is wrong though. The Castle is only open Thurs-Sun and it is $6 admission. You can walk around the outside though.

4 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by
Reed

  • 35 Reviews
  • 7 Helpful
January 24, 2017
Rated 5.0

Great place to spend a awhile. Lots to see. Spend at least a Few hours and then enjoy the landscape and Inside interior of the castle. Well worth the Stop.

2 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by
cphilljr10

  • 3 Reviews
  • 1 Helpful
May 24, 2020
Rated 5.0

Went during the COVID-19 closure. It was still worth the drive.

1 person found this review helpful

Reviewed by
deedaniels

  • 1 Review
  • 1 Helpful
April 01, 2018
Rated

Gillette Castle State Park is NOT in Old Lyme, CT near I-95. It is located further up the Connecticut River in East Haddam, CT.

1 person found this review helpful

Reviewed by
arc360

  • 12 Reviews
  • 3 Helpful
September 04, 2017
Rated 5.0

Correct Address: 67 River Road, East Haddam, CT

1 person found this review helpful

Reviewed by
jim.kurtz.79

  • 4 Reviews
  • 1 Helpful
September 18, 2014
Rated 4.0

Very interesting architecturally and historically.

1 person found this review helpful

Reviewed by
Jgartsu12

  • 10 Reviews
  • 4 Helpful
July 11, 2014
Rated

Not much of a hiking trail!

1 person found this review helpful

Reviewed by
Lesli Peterson

  • Blogger
  • 1,213 Reviews
  • 60 Helpful
May 16, 2023
Rated 5.0

Designed by Connecticut’s William Hooker Gillette, Gillette Castle in East Haddam, CT, beckons architecture and history buffs alike. Covering nearly 200 hilltop acres overlooking the Connecticut River, the castle was the actor and playwright’s passion project, doubling as a residence and medieval mansion.

Built in the early 20th century, the castle is now Gillette Castle State Park and is open seasonally to the public. Intricate woodwork and interior curiosities ignite the imagination while walls made of local stone remind you of the castle’s roots.

When done with your tour, venture outside and stroll the walking paths, take a breather by Gillette’s goldfish pond, and admire the property’s three mile narrow gauge railroad.

We think a visit here is one of the best things to do in Connecticut.

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  • 1 Review
  • 0 Helpful
November 09, 2020
Rated 5.0

beautiful park!!

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  • 395 Reviews
  • 33 Helpful
June 29, 2019
Rated 4.0

The castle opened for inside tours Memorial Weekend while we were there (on Sunday). It was very busy, and we didn't have time to walk around/tour the castle much as we were headed to Maine. My husband did get some pics of inside stuff after he took a restroom break. It was still fun to ride the Chester Hadlyme Ferry over and see some of the outside of the castle. Driving around the castle is very green and beautiful. I'd like to stop back when I had more time to stay awhile.

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Gillette Castle State Park

67 River Rd
Connecticut
06423 USA
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Hours

Closed Now
  • Sun - Sat: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm

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Good for hiking.

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    Parking
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    Pets Allowed
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    Restrooms
  • Unknown
    Wifi
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    Wheelchair Accessible
  • Unknown
    Credit Cards Accepted
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    Outdoor Seating
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Parking, Dining

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