Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection

Emergency Burn Ban In Effect 10/26/24 - An emergency burn ban is now in effect for all Connecticut State Parks, Forests, and Wildlife Management areas, prohibiting the use of all outdoor grills, firepits, and campfires, and the kindling and use of flame outdoors. DEEP and local agencies are working to contain several active fires across the state. Please avoid all affected State Parks and Forests, as well as the blue-blazed Mattabesett Trail. The Enduro Trail in Voluntown and portions of North Stonington within the Pachaug State Forest are closed at this time. Please note that today's forest fire danger report remains at an 'extreme' level. More information about the current fire danger, burn ban and recommended safety measures can be found here

Press Releases

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05/27/2021

Gillette Castle to Reopen for Tours Starting May 29

Castle was Closed Since Conclusion of the 2019 Holiday Program due to COVID-19 Pandemic

 

The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) is pleased to announce that, for the first time in 524 days, the interior of Gillette Castle will open to the public for tours.

The castle, which had been closed to the public since the conclusion of the 2019 Holiday Program because of the Covid-19 pandemic, will open for the season on Saturday, May 29th. Tours will operate 7 days a week through Labor Day and then on weekends only through Columbus Day.

A maximum of 12 people will be allowed in at a time and entry into the castle will occur every 15 minutes. Tours will be self-paced, with guides stationed throughout to provide information.  Tours will run from 10 a.m.-5 p.m., with the last tour starting at 4 p.m. Price of admission is $6 for anyone age 13 and up, $2 for children age 6-12, and free for children age 5 and under. Charter Oak, CT Disabled Veterans and Library passes are accepted for free admission. For up-to-date ticketing information, please visit https://portal.ct.gov/DEEP/State-Parks/Parks/Gillette-Castle-State-Park 

Per current Connecticut State Parks operations guidelines, all visitors must wear a mask indoors, regardless of vaccination status.

Aside from the castle tours, visitors can explore miles of hiking trails, including the bed of William Gillette’s Railroad. The 200-acre park offers several picnic areas to enjoy a nice meal with scenic views. The Visitor Center will be open, allowing visitors to view the Exhibit Room. The Seventh Sister Souvenir Shop as well as Sherlock’s Grill, the park’s concessionaire, will open on May 29th. Both the Souvenir Shop and the Grill will operate when the castle is open and may adjust their operating hours accordingly during the season.

Gillette Castle State Park is the former estate of the late actor, William Gillette (1853-1937), best known for his popular portrayal of Sherlock Holmes on stage. The castle and surrounding property were sold to the State of Connecticut in 1943. It officially opened as a state park in 1944.  The grounds of the park are open every day from 8 a.m.-Sunset. Parking is free of charge. Gillette Castle State Park is located at 67 River Road, East Haddam, CT.

For more information, contact Paul Schiller, Seasonal Park Supervisor of Public Education, Gillette Castle State Park, at (860) 526-2336, or at Paul.Schiller@ct.gov.

 

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