Gillette Castle Reopens For Tours

Press release from the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection:

June 3, 2021

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 is 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, opened for the season May 29. 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.

This press release was produced by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. The views expressed here are the author's own.