Gillette Castle State Park Tours

Snap some shots outside, your the beautiful gardens and water views, and then take a tour of the rustic/cabin style interior.
Snap some shots outside, your the beautiful gardens and water views, and then take a tour of the rustic/cabin style interior.
#stunningstructures this little gem on the Connecticut river was a surprise find!
One New Years Eve, my sister and I made the decision to drive up to Maine, as far east as we could get to be among the first to see the sun rise New Year's Day in America. On our way back from this pretty epic adventure (it was a long drive considering both of us had worked until about 10 pm New Years Eve!), we passed by a sign for Gilette Castle in Connecticut. On a whim we decided to stop by- because adventure was what this trip was all about! Well, we found it which was no easy feat. We took all back roads which were not lit and it was pretty dark by the time we made it there. The castle tours were closed for the season but we did get the opportunity to walk around the absolutely beautiful park that the castle sat on. We were blown away- this place was incredible! We vowed to make the trip again during the summer when it was warm and hopefully still daylight! And that is what this picture is from. It took several years but we did make it back! It was June, so all of the trees are in full bloom and it made a stroll through the park just perfect. We got to check out the outside of the castle in depth (unfortunately we were too late in the day for an inside tour, but peeking through the windows let me see how fancy-pants it was in there). Here is what I learned: This castle was built in 1919 (well, that's when it was finished anyway) for the famous produced/actor William Gilette, who was best known as the original Sherlock Holmes! He designed what he wanted and this was the home he retired to! I couldn't picture a more fitting place. If you happen to be in the area, check out this tucked away spot in Connecticut. The drive alone is exquisitely beautiful and worth it!
Gillette Castle State Park Home to famous Actor William Gillette. A door inside the interior of the Castle ! And interesting find I. Connecticut
Get away from it all and enjoy the peaceful natural surroundings of Gillette Castle State Park. Make use of any hiking trails and picnic areas dotted around this protected habitat.

This protected natural landscape is situated in Coastal Connecticut, a destination that has so much on offer! Essex Steam Train, Goodspeed Opera House, and Machimoodus State Park are other interesting sightseeing options close by when you've finished up at Gillette Castle State Park.

Plan a trip to see Gillette Castle State Park

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Hotel Alameda Highline

Hotel Alameda Highline

4.5 out of 5
Manhattan
Price was $2,001, price is now $403 per person
$403
per person
Mar 22 - Mar 25
found 1 day ago
Roundtrip flight included
Atlanta (ATL) to New York (JFK)
7.6/10 Good! (793 reviews)
No frills but good location and meets all the needs.

Reviewed on Jan 4, 2026

Topping Rose House

Topping Rose House

4.5 out of 5
Price was $1,167, price is now $551 per person
$551
per person
Feb 13 - Feb 15
found 1 day ago
Roundtrip flight included
Atlanta (ATL) to New York (JFK)
9.2/10 Wonderful! (136 reviews)
Great rooms, staff and food

Reviewed on Sep 28, 2025

INNSiDE by Meliá New York Nomad

INNSiDE by Meliá New York Nomad

4.5 out of 5
Manhattan
Price was $1,091, price is now $548 per person
$548
per person
Apr 9 - Apr 13
found 1 day ago
Roundtrip flight included
Atlanta (ATL) to New York (JFK)
9.2/10 Wonderful! (2,008 reviews)
Check in was quick, amenities were wonderful, staff was very friendly and helpful!

Reviewed on Jan 12, 2026

Popular places to visit

Located across the street from the overflow parking lot for the Steam Train. Follow the tracks. This is best as a morning shot... 8-9:30 a.m. Great textures and details on this piece. I spent an hour shooting it. The "AMERICAN" logo is classic. #TroverDetour #Abandoned

Connecticut Valley Railroad State Park Trail

You can take time to visit Connecticut Valley Railroad State Park Trail during your travels to Deep River Center.

Connecticut Valley Railroad State Park Trail
Awesome fun for kids ! #KidsFun

Essex Steam Train

You can spend time browsing the exhibits at Essex Steam Train during your travels in Essex Village. While you're in the area, stroll along the beautiful beaches.

Essex Steam Train

Chester Creek Marina

Explore the waterfront in Chester with a trip to Chester Creek Marina. While you're in the area, stroll along the beautiful beaches.

Chester Creek Marina

East Haddam Historical Society and Museum

You can spend time exploring the galleries in East Haddam Historical Society and Museum during your travels in East Haddam. Wander the beaches and marina in the area.

East Haddam Historical Society and Museum

Norma Terris Theater

You can enjoy a show at Norma Terris Theater on your trip to Chester. While you're in the area, stroll along the beautiful beaches.

Norma Terris Theater

Selden Neck State Park

You can take time to visit Selden Neck State Park during your travels to Lyme.

Selden Neck State Park

Best Lodging Options Near Gillette Castle State Park

Spacious Lakefront Home|Bikes|Hot Tub| Kayak|Group

Spacious Lakefront Home|Bikes|Hot Tub| Kayak|Group

East Haddam CT
Spacious Lakefront Home|Bikes|Hot Tub| Kayak|Group
The little Chestnut. A charming historic apartment in Downtown Chester

The little Chestnut. A charming historic apartment in Downtown Chester

2 out of 5
Chester CT
The little Chestnut. A charming historic apartment in Downtown Chester
The Millhouse Downtown Chester

The Millhouse Downtown Chester

Chester CT
The Millhouse Downtown Chester
Stunning Artisan Waterfall Escape [Walk to Downtown]

Stunning Artisan Waterfall Escape [Walk to Downtown]

Chester CT
Stunning Artisan Waterfall Escape [Walk to Downtown]
Spacious 5-bedroom, 6 bath vacation home just 30 min drive to beaches and casino

Spacious 5-bedroom, 6 bath vacation home just 30 min drive to beaches and casino

East Haddam CT
Spacious 5-bedroom, 6 bath vacation home just 30 min drive to beaches and casino
The little cottage on the ct river

The little cottage on the ct river

Haddam CT
The little cottage on the ct river
Autumn and Winter at the Haddam House

Autumn and Winter at the Haddam House

Haddam CT
Autumn and Winter at the Haddam House
Pet-Friendly Getaway in Historic East Haddam Home

Pet-Friendly Getaway in Historic East Haddam Home

2 out of 5
East Haddam CT
Pet-Friendly Getaway in Historic East Haddam Home
Walk To Goodspeed Opera House!

Walk To Goodspeed Opera House!

East Haddam CT
Walk To Goodspeed Opera House!
See all 461 properties in Gillette Castle State Park
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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