Gillette Castle State Park —
Your Complete Guide
William Gillette's stone castle above the Connecticut River, with free grounds, railroad-bed trails, a 75-foot tunnel and the Chester–Hadlyme ferry at its feet.
What is Gillette Castle State Park?
Gillette Castle State Park is a 184-acre Connecticut state park in East Haddam built around William Gillette's 24-room stone castle, which stands 200 feet above the Connecticut River. The grounds, trails and parking are free and open daily from 8 a.m. to sunset. The castle opens for self-guided tours on a seasonal schedule, at $6 for ages 13 and up, $2 for ages 6 to 12 and free for children 5 and under.
Gillette, the actor who played Sherlock Holmes on stage about 1,300 times (William Gillette), began building the 14,000-square-foot house in 1914 on the southernmost of the Seven Sisters hills. He designed nearly everything in it, from 47 carved oak doors to furniture that rolls on tracks (history). Connecticut bought the estate in 1943, and DEEP says around 300,000 people visit each year.
Outside, the trails follow the bed of Gillette's three-mile miniature railroad, over trestles and through a 75-foot tunnel (train trail), down to the river, where the burned hull of his houseboat lies on the shore (Aunt Polly). The Chester–Hadlyme ferry, in service since 1769, lands at the foot of the park from April to November.
Gillette Castle State Park at a Glance
What to Do at Gillette Castle State Park
DEEP lists castle tours, hiking, history, picnicking, river camping and a visitor center.
Castle Tours
Self-guided, about an hour, every 15 minutes from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Up to 18 visitors per slot; book on ReserveAmerica.
Tickets & Times →
Train Trail & Tunnel
Walk Gillette's old railroad bed (1.14 miles) over trestles and through a dark 75-foot tunnel.
The Railroad Bed →
Chester–Hadlyme Ferry
Cross the river below the castle, April 1 to November 30. $5 a car on weekdays, $6 on weekends.
Hours & Fares →
The Aunt Polly
The burned hull of Gillette's 144-foot houseboat, now one of Connecticut's two underwater archaeological preserves.
Houseboat Wreck →
Picnicking
Gillette's railroad station, Grand Central, is now a picnic shelter facing the river. There is no restaurant, so bring lunch.
Plan Your Visit →
Holiday Tours
The castle reopens Friday to Sunday between Thanksgiving and Christmas, with the last tour at 3:30 p.m.
Holiday Season →Trails at Gillette Castle
Distances from DEEP's trail map and park page. Foot travel only.
DEEP's featured walk: trestles, footbridges and the 75-foot tunnel, then on to the Osaki house and the Aunt Polly.
The longest blazed trail, following Gillette's quarter-scale railroad.
Purple, Orange, Yellow, Red, White and Blue, from DEEP's 2020 trail map.
How to Get to Gillette Castle State Park
Cross the Connecticut River by the East Haddam Swing Bridge all year, or by the Chester–Hadlyme ferry from April to November.
Address
67 River Road, East Haddam, CT 06423. Free parking by the visitor center. Directions.
Castle Tickets
$6 ages 13+, $2 ages 6–12, under 5 free. Tours.
Park Office
DEEP main line (860) 526-2336. Contacts.
Around East Haddam
In East Haddam are the Goodspeed Opera House and the 1913 Swing Bridge, the year-round way across the river. DEEP's Machimoodus State Park in Moodus adds 4.5 miles of trails, and the island of Selden Neck is reachable by boat for paddlers (things to do in East Haddam, kayaking).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Gillette Castle State Park free?
Yes. The grounds, trails and parking are free. Only castle tours cost money: $6 for ages 13 and up, $2 for ages 6 to 12, free for 5 and under.
When is Gillette Castle open?
The grounds are open daily from 8 a.m. to sunset. Castle tours run every 15 minutes from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., daily from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day, on weekends and holidays through Columbus Day, and Friday to Sunday from Thanksgiving to Christmas.
Where is Gillette Castle State Park?
67 River Road, East Haddam, CT 06423, on the east bank of the Connecticut River in East Haddam, across from Chester.
Do I need to buy Gillette Castle tickets in advance?
DEEP strongly recommends it. Daily tickets are limited and each 15-minute slot holds 18 visitors. Buy on ReserveAmerica or at the castle.
Can you bring a dog to Gillette Castle State Park?
Yes, on a leash in the picnic areas and on the trails. Dogs are not allowed in the castle or other buildings, on decks, or at the river campsite.
Who built Gillette Castle?
William Hooker Gillette, the Hartford-born actor and playwright best known for playing Sherlock Holmes. Building ran from 1914 to 1919.
Can you take the ferry to Gillette Castle?
Yes, from April 1 to November 30. The Chester–Hadlyme ferry crosses on demand and lands below the castle. Cars pay $5 on weekdays and $6 on weekends; walk-ons pay $2.