EXPLORING THAMES RIVER HERITAGE PARK

 The Thames River Heritage Park is a unique and fascinating destination that connects historical and cultural sites along the Thames River in New London and Groton, Connecticut. Unlike traditional parks, it has no fixed boundaries and instead ties together landmarks through a water taxi system, allowing visitors to explore the region's rich history from the water. Key highlights include Fort Trumbull State Park is a historic fort with stunning views and a visitor center showcasing over 225 years of military history and Fort Griswold Battlefield State Park, a Revolutionary War site commemorating the Battle of Groton Heights. The Submarine Force Library & Museum is home to the USS Nautilus, the world's first nuclear-powered submarine. The Nathan Hale Schoolhouse is a historic site honoring the American patriot and spy. The park also offers seasonal hop-on, hop-off water taxi services, making it easy to visit these sites while enjoying scenic river views. 

New London’s Historic Waterfront District buzzes with delicious dining experiences, shops, music and art venues. Over 30 eateries populate this 26-block National Register Historic District. Nathan Hale, Benedict Arnold, and Eugene O’Neill walked these streets. America’s greatest architects left their mark on the buildings. From the collection of Tiffany windows at St. James Church to the restored movie palace, the Garde Arts Center, to the shops, galleries, and plentiful entertainment, there is much to see and do. Whether you're interested in history, dining, or waterfront views, this area has something for everyone. This is a guide to exploring the Thames River Heritage Waterfront, focusing on Groton and New London.

             

New London Historic Sites

New London's Historic Waterfront District-This downtown area buzzes with delicious dining experiences, shops, music and art venues. Over 30 eateries populate this 26-block National Register Historic District.

Nathan Hale Schoolhouse-American patriot Nathan Hale taught at the Nathan Hale Schoolhouse, where visitors can read some of the moving letters he wrote to friends and family during his short life.

Hempsted Houses-In colonial times Joshua Hempsted wrote in a diary almost every day of his adult life, a record that is used by scholars worldwide.

Garde Theatre- built in 1926 during the golden era of the motion pictures and vaudeville. Today, the beautifully restored Moroccan interior provides an impressive atmosphere for audiences to enjoy a wide variety of cinematic and theatrical performances.

Monte Cristo Cottage-America’s only Nobel Prize-winning playwright, Eugene O’Neill, lived an itinerant life but spent considerable time in his youth here. It is the setting for one of the best-known plays, Long Day’s Journey into Night.

The Pequot Chapel-charming Victorian-era chapel built in 1870 in the Carpenter Gothic Revival style. Pequot Chapel is blessed with two stained glass windows by Louis Comfort Tiffany.

Cedal Grove Cemetery- a 76-acre non-sectarian, non-profit burial ground in the city of New London, Connecticut. Cedar Grove was designed as a peaceful haven with park-like natural features.

Old Town Mill-originally built in 1650 by John Winthrop Jr., the founder of New London and later the Governor of Connecticut.

Ye Antientist Burial Ground-one of the earliest graveyards in New England and the oldest colonial cemetery in New London County.

New London Black Heritage Trail- celebrates three centuries of Black strength, resilience, and accomplishment, with fifteen sites exploring prominent and little-known figures.

Shaw Mansion- Built by Captain Nathaniel Shaw beginning in 1756, the Shaw Mansion is home to the New London County Historical Society.

Custom House Maritime Museum-The New London Custom House now stands as a museum covering the city’s maritime history. It is famous for its connection to the slave ship La Amistad.

St James Episcopal Church stands on the corner of Huntington and Federal Streets in New London, CT. It was built in 1850 of red New Jersey freestone and the Gothic Revival edifice was designed by architect Richard Upjohn. 

Fort Trumbull State Park- Fort Trumbull was built in 1852. Its ramparts offer spectacular views of the harbor and overviews of the park. It features a world-class visitor center depicting over 225 years of military history.

                                                                                        

                            

Groton Historic Sites

Historic Groton Bank historic village on the east bank of the Thames River, is home to a few hundred houses, three churches, a library, two museums, and a Revolutionary War battlefield all dating primarily from Colonial times to a century ago.

Fort Griswold Battlefield State Park occupies a vantage point 125 feet above the river. The fort is the site of a 1781 massacre led by Benedict Arnold. Eighty-five of the 165 local defenders lost their lives on that day.

Ebenezer Avery House sheltered the wounded after the Battle of Groton Heights. It remains a testament to the family that heroically took a stand here.

Avery-Copp House- A Victorianized colonial home furnished with what the original inhabitants used daily. Enjoy guided tours and events.

US SUBVETS WWII National Memorial East on the riverbank, is dedicated to the 3,617 submariners who lost their lives during WWII. It displays the sail of USS Flasher heading out to sea.

Bill Memorial Library- Founded in 1888 by Federic Bill, Bill Memorial Library is a public library located in Historic Groton Bank.

Ledge Lighthouse elegant three-story lighthouse was built at the mouth of the Thames River in 1909.

Submarine Force Museum/USS Nautilus- Visitors to the Submarine Force Museum & Library are invited to step aboard the USS NAUTILUS, the world’s first nuclear submarine know for its explorations under the polar ice.

Groton and New London Day Trip

A day trip to Groton and New London offers a perfect blend of history, maritime heritage, and scenic coastal views.

                               

Submarine Force Library & Museum: Start your day exploring the USS Nautilus and learning about submarine history.

Fort Griswold Battlefield State Park: Then Visit this Revolutionary War site and climb the Groton Monument for panoramic views.

Bluff Point State Park: If you like hiking, and taking in scenic views, take a short hike along the coastal trails for stunning views of Long Island Sound.

Fort Trumbull State Park: Next Explore the historic fort and enjoy the waterfront boardwalk.

Ocean Beach Park: Go for an Relaxing walk on the sandy beach or take a stroll along the boardwalk.

Thames River Heritage Park: Take a scenic water taxi ride connecting historic sites.

Downtown New London: Grab dinner at a local seafood spot and explore the historic waterfront district.

If you have time, visit this beautiful Rocky Neck State Park for a sunset view.

This itinerary balances history, nature, and relaxation. 

                             

Why Visit Thames River Heritage Park

Thames River Heritage Park is a unique historical and cultural destination in New London and Groton, Connecticut. Explore sites like Fort Trumbull State Park, Fort Griswold Battlefield State Park, and the Submarine Force Museum, each offering insights into Revolutionary War battles, naval history, and submarine warfare. The park’s hop-on, hop-off water taxi lets you travel between historic sites while enjoying stunning views of the Thames River. Visit the Nathan Hale Schoolhouse, Monte Cristo Cottage, and the Custom House Maritime Museum to dive into the region’s literary and maritime heritage. Unlike a traditional park with fixed boundaries, it connects over 20 heritage sites along the Thames River through a water taxi system, allowing visitors to experience the region’s rich maritime and military history firsthand.