Gillette Castle State Park, Connecticut

Gillette Castle State Park is including the towns of East Haddam and Lyme, Connecticut, in the United States. William Gillette, one of the most popular American actors of the early twentieth century, who pioneered the role of Sherlock Holmes on the stage.

Something of man of mystery himself, Gillette built a magnificent castle-like mansion. Located at 67 River Road in East Haddam, the park consists of the castle and its grounds and receives 300,000 annual visitors. It includes a museum, hiking trails, and a picnic area, and holds many theatrical celebrations.

Gillette Castle State Park, was built in 1914 on a 184-acre (74 ha) tract on top of the southernmost of a chain of hills known as the Seven Sisters. After Gillette died, with no wife or children, his will precluded the possession of his castle not by any "blithering sap-head who has no conception of where he is or with what surrounded". Connecticut's government took over the property in 1943, renaming the home as Gillette's Castle and the estate as Gillette Castle State Park. The estate was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1986.

There are a number of oddities in the castle personally designed by Gillette, such as unusual doorknobs and locks, and a system of hidden mirrors for surveillance of the public rooms from the master bedroom. The grounds used to have a railroad track with a working steam engine and electric engine that visitors could ride on, also designed by Gillette. Some of the track was purchased by Lake Compounce in Bristol, Connecticut and is in use to transport guests around the lake. The remaining track was pulled up and converted into walking trails. From the castle's garden one can see the Connecticut River. The engines were donated back to the park in 1992, where they are on display.

Tips for Gillette Castle State Park: You are outside and in a wooded area, so make sure to bring hats, sun glasses, sun tan lotion and bug spray. Strollers can easily be used on the general property grounds.  A baby carrier would be suggested for non-walking children if you are planning to tour the castle or hike some of the trails. Some walking is involved.  Wear comfortable shoes. Restrooms with a changing station are available in the Visitor’s Center (and open even during the off-season). If you need to cross the Connecticut River during your travels, the options are either a bridge or a ferry. Bring food and drinks.  There are vending machines available and there are concessions available during the season, but make sure you have supplies just in case. Bring your camera.  You will want to take a lot of pictures. Dogs on a leash are allowed on the grounds.

The park grounds are open 8:00 a.m. to sunset year-round. The castle, visitor’s center, and concessions are open Memorial Day to Columbus Day and self-guided tours are available from 10:00 am – 5:00 pm at Gillette Castle State Park, Connecticut.