Gillette Castle State Park

High above the winding Connecticut River, where thick woodlands stretch to the horizon and the hills roll gently beneath the sun, a storybook fortress rises from the earth. Gillette Castle, an architectural curiosity tucked into the quiet town of East Haddam, draws hundreds of thousands of visitors each year with its commanding presence and offbeat charm. It stands atop the seventh and southernmost hill in a chain called the Seven Sisters, gazing over 184 acres of forest and riverbank. A day here feels like stepping into a realm built by imagination and carved from stone.

At the heart of Gillette Castle State Park is a 14,000-square-foot stone mansion with curved walls, irregular towers, and hand-crafted details that reflect the quirky brilliance of its creator. Completed in 1914, the castle was designed by William Hooker Gillette, the stage actor best known for defining the modern image of Sherlock Holmes. From the medieval-inspired architecture to the network of trails that weave through the surrounding landscape, the entire property pulses with the energy of a man who shaped every inch of it with theatrical flair.

The Legacy of William Gillette

More than an actor, William Gillette was an eccentric craftsman, inventor, and nature lover with a flair for drama both onstage and off. Determined that his unique home would remain intact after his death, he left behind instructions in his will warning against selling the estate to “some blithering saphead who has no conception of where he is or with what surrounded.” His words struck a chord. The State of Connecticut purchased the property following his death and transformed it into a public park that has enchanted visitors ever since.

The castle’s architecture is a study in oddities. Irregular stonework wraps around the curved exterior. Inside, the rooms are filled with quirky features designed by Gillette himself, including intricate woodwork, custom-designed locks, secret doors, and built-in couches. Every element seems to have been touched by Gillette’s imagination and theatricality.

Tour the Castle

The castle’s interior is open for self-guided tours during specific times of the year. From Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, tours are available daily. During the fall, visitors can explore the inside on weekends and holidays through Columbus Day. A special holiday program runs on weekends from Thanksgiving to Christmas, adding a festive glow to the castle’s stone halls.

Tour tickets are limited each day, and advance booking is strongly encouraged. The tour takes about an hour and lets guests roam through rooms that feel frozen in time, with carefully preserved period furnishings and decor.

Ticket prices:

• Children under 5: Free
• Ages 6 to 12: $2
• Ages 13 and older: $6

The first floor is accessible, making it easier for all visitors to take in the grandeur and curiosity of Gillette’s design.

Roam the Grounds

The park grounds are open daily from 8:00 a.m. until sunset, offering a tranquil escape into Connecticut’s natural beauty. Trails meander through dense woodlands and along the path of a miniature train once operated by Gillette himself. The trail network reveals quiet clearings, scenic overlooks, and paths lined with native flora. Along the edge of the park, the Connecticut River unfolds in full view, calm and steady, a constant companion to those who wander the paths.

Admission to the park grounds and trails is free. Visitors are encouraged to bring lunch and enjoy one of the picnic areas nestled among the trees. Restrooms are available on site. Leashed pets are welcome along the trails and in the picnic areas but are not allowed inside the castle or on the decks.

For groups arriving by mid-size or full-size bus (30+ passengers), a bus permit is required, so plan accordingly for larger outings.

Special Experiences

Perched 200 feet above the Connecticut River, the castle’s outdoor terrace is a favorite for couples looking to exchange vows in a dramatic natural setting. Available for small wedding ceremonies, this open-air space delivers a scenic backdrop that shifts with the seasons—from the lush greens of summer to the fiery reds and golds of autumn.

To reserve the terrace or inquire about permits, guests can call the park directly at (860) 526-2336.

How to Get There

Gillette Castle State Park is located at 67 River Road, East Haddam, Connecticut. It is a manageable drive from most of the state’s major cities and offers a quiet escape from the bustle of urban life. Signage is clear, and parking is available on-site.

A Place Rooted in Story

Gillette Castle is a place where artistry, nature, and history intersect. Every stairwell and footpath reflects the personality of a man who made his life on the stage and brought that sense of performance into his private world. The house is dramatic without being overbearing, mysterious without being forbidding.

Whether you’re drawn by the allure of the castle itself or the trails that trace its forested perimeter, Gillette Castle State Park offers a day full of unexpected delights. Time slows here, and the air carries a sense of quiet wonder that lingers long after you’ve left the hill behind.