Now that spring has sprung for most of us, many are looking for something new to see or do.
A twenty-four room mansion is the centerpiece to the Gillette Castle State Park which is located in East Haddam along the Connecticut River.
The mansion is reminiscent of a medieval castle.
The design of the castle was influenced by William Gillette who was a noted actor, director, and playwright, most known for his portrayal of Sherlock Holmes.
It took twenty men five years to build the castle which was complete in 1919.
While the castle has 47 doors, Gillette ensured that none were exactly the same.
Each door has a handsome external latch carved of wood and the castle includes built-in couches, a movable table on tracks, and light switches carved with wood.
All of the woodwork in the castle is hand-hewn southern white oak.
Tours are available of the castle which includes the first level where Gillette’s living room, dining room, garden room, study, and bar were located.
A window looks into his study which was hidden in the basement.
The second level includes several bedrooms along with surveillance mirrors he setup so he could see guests in the living room from the privacy of his own bedroom.
The third level used to be his library and now features several paintings of the Connecticut River area.
The Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection has staff members who give tours of the castle for $5 ages 18 and over, $3 ages 6-17, and free to ages 5 and under.
The castle is open from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Memorial Day weekend through Columbus Day and staff can answer any questions about the Castle interior and its history.
The DEP hopes to have more rooms open to the public in the near future giving even more history of the castle.
It is well worth the money to get a tour of the facility and those who do should enjoy the terrace behind the castle looking onto the Connecticut River.
Tickets can be purchased in the visitor center which features a small museum including the small train cars which encircled Gillette’s property, signs giving information about Gillette and the design of the mansion and its grounds, and mementos including letters he wrote with his signature.
The center also includes restrooms, a small gift shop, and a large wooden patio with picturesque scenes of the park.
The gift shop is run by The Friends of Gillette State Park, a non-profit organization, with all funds going back to the park.
Items at the gift shop include postcards, magnets, books, and other small items with the Gillette castle image.
Next to the visitor center is a food concessions building which sells hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken tenders, potato chips, soda, and ice cream.
There is seating both inside the building and picnic tables on a patio outside the building.
The visitor center and food concessions building are new to the park and were part of a major overhaul done to the park several years ago.
Both are located closest to a large parking lot and are on the way to the castle.
Next to the castle is a large picnic shelter called “Grand Central” and is located close to where Gillette had a railroad stop on his mini railroad.
The picnic shelter is also close to many of the park’s trails which also have recently been redone.
Some of the trails have picturesque views of the Connecticut River and one goes near an area where an aging wooden structure which could have been a railroad stop allowing a connection to the river.
Most of the railroad tracks that Gillette had around the property have since been removed except for some left on top of a stone wall near the “Grand Central” picnic shelter.
However, a map from the Connecticut DEP shows that the old railroad track area has been converted into a walking trail allowing visitors to walk the exact same path where Gillette had his railroad.
Several large wooden bridges were built a few years ago so that hikers and walkers can better cross the various creeks and rivers on the property.
Trails are mostly level and can be enjoyed by those of all ages.
Other bridges are aging and used to carry Gillette’s railroad tracks.
Perhaps one of the most unique aspects of the park is the existence of a small railroad tunnel located on a trail on the eastern end of the park.
The tunnel is very narrow and was built on an angle allowing Gillette to scare his visitors whom he enjoyed taking on his train.
After walking about 10 feet in the tunnel, you can see the other end of the tunnel.
Unfortunately weathering and vandals have taken their toll on the inside cement walls of the tunnel but hopefully through rehabilitation and painting, the tunnel can be made to be just as beautiful as the rest of the park.
Even on a sunny day, much of the tunnel does not see the light of day.
While the park’s main parking lot is near the concessions building, two other lots exist, one near a picnic area closer to the park’s main entrance while another is located near the Chester-Hadlyme Ferry.
River campsites near the ferry are available from May 1 to September 30 but are restricted to canoers only.
The campsites are primitive with fireplaces and pit toilets and have a capacity of 20 campers at a time.
Those interested in camping there should contact the supervisor at the Gillette Castle State Park.
Campers have the opportunity to enjoy an exhibit of the Connecticut Impressionist Art Trail near the ferry and see the picturesque Connecticut River.
Visitors can walk from the castle down a series of old cement steps through the campsite to access the art trail and ferry.
The Chester-Hadlyme Ferry allows vehicles, bicyclists, and walkers to go across the Connecticut River.
Within walking distance of the ferry on the west side of the river is an Essex Steam Train stop which is used in the summer as a train-ferry connection allowing
visitors to go to Gillette’s Castle without having to drive up to it.
Those interested in that connection should visit the Essex Steam Train website at www.essexsteamtrain.com.
The ferry is open Monday through Thursday 7 a.m. to 6:45 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., and is closed on Thanksgiving Day.
There is a $3 fee for vehicles which applies to cars, SUV’s, trucks, motorcycles, and similar types of vehicles while a $1 walk on rate applies for walkers and bicyclists.
The vessel can accommodate eight to nine vehicles and 49 passengers.
Bicyclists have the ability to bike through Chester to visit its downtown which features art galleries, restaurants, unique shops, and is close to the Norma Terris Theatre owned by Goodspeed Musicals.
Gillette Castle State Park is open from 8 a.m. to sunset and those with pets are reminded that they must be on a leash in picnic areas and hiking trails.
Pets are not allowed in buildings, on decks, terraces, or walkways leading to the castle.
Those going to the castle using Interstate 91 southbound should take exit 22 to Route 9 southbound exit 7 for a bridge crossing of the Connecticut River and follow Route 82 eastbound and the park signs.
Those using Interstate 95 should use exit 69 to access Route 9 northbound and take exit 7.
Those wanting to use the ferry should take exit 6 and watch for signs for Route 148.
