Information
Landmark: Fort Trumbull State ParkCity: New London
Country: USA Connecticut
Continent: North America
Fort Trumbull State Park, New London, USA Connecticut, North America
Overview
Fort Trumbull State Park in New London, Connecticut, spans 17 acres of historic ground, where grassy lawns meet the edge of the Thames River.The park blends military history, sweeping ocean views, and plenty of ways to play, all while guarding more than 200 years of America’s coastal defense story.Fort Trumbull first rose in 1777, during the Revolutionary War, its stone walls guarding Connecticut’s leaders and the busy shoreline from enemy ships.Built between 1839 and 1852, the masonry fort shows off Egyptian Revival details-tall, sloping walls and heavy stone doorways-a rare style for America’s coastal defenses.Over the years, the fort has worn many hats-it once sheltered the U. S. Coast Guard Academy and later rang with the hum of equipment at the Naval Underwater Sound Laboratory, where engineers built sonar systems for Cold War submarines.Visitor Experience: The park welcomes guests every day from 8 a.m. until the sun slips below the trees.Visitors can wander along the old stone walls, climb the ramparts, and take in sweeping views of the Thames shimmering in the light.From Memorial Day to Labor Day, the Visitor Center and museum welcome guests Wednesday through Sunday, with hands-on exhibits, vivid multimedia shows, and displays that trace military history from the crack of muskets in the Revolutionary War to the tense standoff of the Cold War.Step inside the fort and wander through restored 19th‑century living quarters, peek into a mock research lab with dusty glass beakers, and visit a 1950s‑style office arranged to look like a working development facility.From the fort’s ramparts and solid bastions, you can spot distant hills and snap striking photos.At Fort Trumbull State Park, you can stroll the wooden boardwalk or cast a line from the fishing pier, all while taking in the salt-tinged breeze and wide-open views.You can fish whenever you like, but if you’re out under the moonlight, you’ll need a Connecticut saltwater fishing license.You can walk or bike the park’s winding trails for sweeping views of the river, then spread a blanket on the sunlit grass to picnic and unwind.The park comes alive each year with events like maritime heritage festivals, where you can watch shipbuilding demonstrations, hear lively folk tunes, and enjoy activities for all ages.Seasonal fireworks light up the sky, and special exhibitions draw crowds, turning the park into a lively hub for neighbors and cultural festivities.You can visit Fort Trumbull State Park at 90 Walbach Street, New London, CT 06320, or call +1 860‑444‑7591.The park blends rich American history with scenic waterfront views, giving you a place to explore old stone walls one moment and breathe in the salt air the next.
