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All 5 East Haddam Attractions »

Gillette Castle State Park

67 River Rd., East Haddam, CT
860-526-2336
4.5 of 5 stars 57 Reviews
Type: Historic Sites, State Parks, Parks
Description: This 24-room mansion has undergone extensive renovations.
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57 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
    39
    14
    3
    1
    0
Date Rating
Providence, Rhode Island
Senior Contributor
34 reviews 34 reviews
Reviews in 13 cities Reviews in 13 cities
6 helpful votes 6 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 17, 2012

This is an autumn regular in our house. The grand-kids love the quirky inventions, the odd look of the place and the grounds. We ride the Essex train, and the steamboat...Lots of fun. More

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Deep River, Connecticut
Top Contributor
52 reviews 52 reviews
Reviews in 15 cities Reviews in 15 cities
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 15, 2012

Gillette's eccentric personality is reflected in the intricacies of the castle. The grounds and walking trails are well maintained. The old covered train station is a pleasant spot for large picnic gatherings of family and friends. More

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CT
Contributor
15 reviews 15 reviews
Reviews in 9 cities Reviews in 9 cities
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed May 8, 2012
1
person found this review helpful

This state park is very interesting, especially if you like history. It was designed by William Gillette, who famous for playing Sherlock Holmes on stage. The castle itself is unusual and worth exploring. There is a guided tour with headphones that allows for personal exploration of the castle. Be prepared to walk! The grounds of the castle are absolutely gorgeous....Wooded... More

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Senior Contributor
23 reviews 23 reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 1, 2012
1
person found this review helpful

My boyfriend and I visited Gillette Castle as one of our day-trips for our anniversary, and we loved it! You can walk around the grounds for free, but a tour of the castle costs money (not much), and I would highly recommend it. The castle is unique and beautiful, with interesting characteristics and tributes, and a lovely view of the... More

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Southeastern CT
Senior Contributor
27 reviews 27 reviews
Reviews in 23 cities Reviews in 23 cities
20 helpful votes 20 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed April 28, 2012

While the castle itself is open only from Memorial Day to Columbus Day and for a brief time during the Christmas holidays, the park is always worth a visit. There is a beautiful view of the Connecticut River; numerous trails wind throughout the grounds, and the house itself is an artistic and engineering marvel. In the winter months, bald eagles... More

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Connecticut
Contributor
14 reviews 14 reviews
Reviews in 9 cities Reviews in 9 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed April 25, 2012

Gillette Castle is a state park so parking is included in the state park pass- although admission is extra. We enjoy packing a lunch and eating on the picnic tables, walking the trails and exploring the castle. For those who enjoy letterboxing there are a few cute ones here. This is a great way to spend a day with kids. More

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Norwalk, Connecticut
Top Contributor
53 reviews 53 reviews
Reviews in 27 cities Reviews in 27 cities
57 helpful votes 57 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed April 22, 2012

Spent today at Gillette Castle. The Castle itself was not open--still off season...but the place STILL has a magnificent presence. Nice newer parking lot--with lots of space and very lean. The front door and rest rooms are open---but the inner portion was gated off. The grounds leading up to the main parking lot are full of trail heads , water... More

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London
Top Contributor
87 reviews 87 reviews
Reviews in 48 cities Reviews in 48 cities
44 helpful votes 44 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed April 20, 2012
1
person found this review helpful

The house itself is closed out of season, and the season starts late - 26th May! However, although we did not see the interior of the house the visit was well worth while. The grounds include many interesting hiking trails, the views over the river are superb, and the house itself is fascinating from the outside. Apparently based on European... More

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Hamden, Connecticut, United States
Senior Contributor
33 reviews 33 reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed April 18, 2012
1
person found this review helpful

Lovely drive there through small towns and cafes, their own grounds are extensive and gorgeous with lawns, picnic areas, gardens of flowers, and big views of the river. The tour at the Castle was short enough, small, and informative. We enjoyed our visit, but should have taken a picnic basket or stopped to pick up a lunch from a local... More

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Hartford, Connecticut
Senior Contributor
31 reviews 31 reviews
Reviews in 11 cities Reviews in 11 cities
12 helpful votes 12 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed April 7, 2012

Interesting, knowledgeable guides, beautiful setting, friendly staff, nearby hiking. More

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