Information
Landmark: Thames River Heritage ParkCity: Groton
Country: USA Connecticut
Continent: North America
Thames River Heritage Park, Groton, USA Connecticut, North America
Overview
Thames River Heritage Park stretches along the water between New London and Groton, Connecticut, a one-of-a-kind waterfront space with no fences to hold you back.Rather than one property, it ties together a string of historic and cultural sites on both sides of the river, with a seasonal water taxi gliding between them.The park celebrates the region’s maritime, military, and industrial roots, inviting visitors to wander its historic shoreline on sleek boardwalks that catch the scent of salt in the air.Concept and History Origins: In the late 20th century, the plan took shape to bring New London and Groton’s historic waterfronts together, turning cobblestone streets and old piers into one vibrant cultural destination.The park opened in the 2010s, aiming to make it easier for visitors to reach key sites by boat, with small ferries skimming across the water.Since colonial days, the Thames River has shaped Connecticut’s story-it carried merchant ships upriver, rang with the hammering of shipwrights, and guarded the coast as a naval stronghold.Park Layout – Two Waterfronts: On the New London side, you’ll find the Custom House Maritime Museum with its salt-weathered brick, the Garde Arts Center, the historic Shaw Mansion, and the Soldiers & Sailors Monument.On the Groton side, you’ll find Fort Griswold Battlefield State Park, the historic Ebenezer Avery House, the Submarine Force Museum with the USS Nautilus, the Avery Point Lighthouse with its white tower against the sky, and more to explore.Seasonal water taxis run between Groton and New London, giving visitors an easy way to cross while watching sunlight ripple across the river.The Thames winds right through the park, carrying centuries of history and culture along its banks.Step inside history at Fort Trumbull in New London and Fort Griswold in Groton, where stone walls and cannon-lined ramps bring to life Revolutionary War battles, military strategy, and coastal defense.Step inside maritime museums and weathered captain’s homes to glimpse New London’s whaling days, Groton’s proud shipyards, and the region’s long reach into ports around the world.The Submarine Force Museum and the USS *Nautilus* showcase Groton’s proud claim as the “Submarine Capital of the World,” while local galleries, small theaters, and carefully restored homes reveal the town’s civic spirit and rich cultural history.Water Taxi Views: The ride’s a treat, offering glimpses of weathered lighthouses, steel bridges, bustling naval ships, and the busy, salt-scented waterfront.Guided Tours: Many places have docents who walk you through the history, and at Heritage Park, you can join a themed program-sometimes with costumes or music from the era.Seasonal festivals, hands-on workshops, and boat rides along the river all add to the park’s appeal.Explore at your own pace-map out your day and wander from one lakeside spot to another, pausing where the breeze feels just right.You can stroll the waterfront, spread a blanket for a picnic, or take in the sights, all adding to the rich mix of cultural experiences.There’s no main entrance to the park-you reach each site on its own, often by winding through the streets of downtown New London or Groton.The water taxi runs seasonally, usually from late spring to early fall, with low fares and several spots to hop on-like the sunlit dock near the marina.You can enter the park for free, but some spots-like the old lighthouse-may charge their own fee.Facilities vary by location, but in downtown New London and Groton you’ll find cafés serving fresh coffee, local shops, and plenty of visitor services.Thames River Heritage Park is Connecticut’s first of its kind-a string of historic sites tied together by the water, turning the river into the heart of the journey, where boats glide past old brick warehouses and hidden coves.It safeguards the military, maritime, and cultural heritage of the Thames Valley, bringing it to life for visitors, while offering a scenic journey between two historic cities linked by the river’s steady, silver flow.
