First Day Hikes at 10 a.m., 11 a.m. and noon, with hot cider and maps from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Jan
1
10:00 AM10:00

First Day Hikes at 10 a.m., 11 a.m. and noon, with hot cider and maps from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Celebrate the start of a new year with fresh air and exercise at Gillette Castle State Park.  From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Jan 1, the Friends of Gillette Castle State Park are pleased to offer all visitors hot cider and trail maps that explain the many historic features that dot the grounds.

Visitors who pre-register can also participate in guided hikes of the route followed by William Gillette's narrow-gauge train system. Three guided hikes are scheduled to occur at 10 a.m., 11 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. The hikes are each approximately an hour long, and they cover gentle and flat trails that have some brief climbs. Guided hikes will be limited to 20 visitors each, and REQUIRE advance registration. Sturdy shoes and warm clothing is recommended. We hope to see you there!

Check our website or facebook on January 1st if there are weather concerns.

View Event →
Holidays in the Park! Weekends Friday Nov 28 - Sunday Dec 21
Dec
20
to Dec 21

Holidays in the Park! Weekends Friday Nov 28 - Sunday Dec 21

  • Gillette Castle State Park (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Winter holidays are always special at the Gillette Castle State Park! In addition to the beautiful vistas seen from the various trails, the park is host to a number of special events. We are very excited to be able to share the Castle in all its holiday splendor this year!

The Castle interior is bedecked with festive cheer, and open for tours from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The last entrance to the Castle is 3:30 p.m. Tickets are limited, get them in advance to avoid disappointment.

Holiday events include free musical entertainment in the Visitor Center, free hot cider, and more!

Guided train trail hikes are held Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays each weekend from Friday November 28 through Sunday December 21 at 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. Registration is required to this free event, as each hike is limited to 20 people.

The Cider station with FREE cider for all is open weekend days from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Friday Nov 28 through Sunday Dec 21. Gather around the bonfire during those hours, bring your sticks and marshmallows for a fun winter treat.

The Souvenir shop is open weekend days from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Friday Nov 28 through Sunday Dec 21.

Kids can enjoy a scavenger hunt and coloring pages at the Cider station! The scavenger hunt covers all the free areas of the park, no ticket to the Castle is required for this.

Trivia questions and carols for the young and old are held at the Cider station and Bonfire area.

View Event →
Train Trail Hike - Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays Nov 28 - Dec 21, 11 a.m. & 1 p.m., weather permitting
Dec
19
to Dec 21

Train Trail Hike - Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays Nov 28 - Dec 21, 11 a.m. & 1 p.m., weather permitting

  • Gillette Castle State Park (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Join us on a guided hike of the route followed by William Gillette's narrow-gauge train. Gillette's train system runs through very scenic areas of the 122 acre state park, with numerous historic features along the way. The hike is a about an hour and fifteen minutes, and is a gentle and flat trail with a couple of brief scrambles.

Sturdy shoes and proper clothing is recommended. To ensure the comfort of all hikers, please leave your pets at home, or take a walk without a trail guide (leashed dogs are allowed at the park). We will meet at Grand Central Station (the covered picnic area near the archway along the path to the Castle). We hope to see vou there!

Cancelled if the weather is bad.

Registration is required to these free hikes, as each hike is limited to 20 people.

View Event →
Holidays in the Park! Weekends Friday Nov 28 - Sunday Dec 21
Dec
13
to Dec 14

Holidays in the Park! Weekends Friday Nov 28 - Sunday Dec 21

  • Gillette Castle State Park (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Winter holidays are always special at the Gillette Castle State Park! In addition to the beautiful vistas seen from the various trails, the park is host to a number of special events. We are very excited to be able to share the Castle in all its holiday splendor this year!

The Castle interior is bedecked with festive cheer, and open for tours from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The last entrance to the Castle is 3:30 p.m. Tickets are limited, get them in advance to avoid disappointment.

Holiday events include free musical entertainment in the Visitor Center, free hot cider, and more!

Guided train trail hikes are held Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays each weekend from Friday November 28 through Sunday December 21 at 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. Registration is required to this free event, as each hike is limited to 20 people.

The Cider station with FREE cider for all is open weekend days from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Friday Nov 28 through Sunday Dec 21. Gather around the bonfire during those hours, bring your sticks and marshmallows for a fun winter treat.

The Souvenir shop is open weekend days from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Friday Nov 28 through Sunday Dec 21.

Kids can enjoy a scavenger hunt and coloring pages at the Cider station! The scavenger hunt covers all the free areas of the park, no ticket to the Castle is required for this.

Trivia questions and carols for the young and old are held at the Cider station and Bonfire area.

View Event →
Train Trail Hike - Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays Nov 28 - Dec 21, 11 a.m. & 1 p.m., weather permitting
Dec
12
to Dec 14

Train Trail Hike - Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays Nov 28 - Dec 21, 11 a.m. & 1 p.m., weather permitting

  • Gillette Castle State Park (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Join us on a guided hike of the route followed by William Gillette's narrow-gauge train. Gillette's train system runs through very scenic areas of the 122 acre state park, with numerous historic features along the way. The hike is a about an hour and fifteen minutes, and is a gentle and flat trail with a couple of brief scrambles.

Sturdy shoes and proper clothing is recommended. To ensure the comfort of all hikers, please leave your pets at home, or take a walk without a trail guide (leashed dogs are allowed at the park). We will meet at Grand Central Station (the covered picnic area near the archway along the path to the Castle). We hope to see vou there!

Cancelled if the weather is bad.

Registration is required to these free hikes, as each hike is limited to 20 people.

View Event →
Holidays in the Park! Weekends Friday Nov 28 - Sunday Dec 21
Dec
6
to Dec 7

Holidays in the Park! Weekends Friday Nov 28 - Sunday Dec 21

  • Gillette Castle State Park (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Winter holidays are always special at the Gillette Castle State Park! In addition to the beautiful vistas seen from the various trails, the park is host to a number of special events. We are very excited to be able to share the Castle in all its holiday splendor this year!

The Castle interior is bedecked with festive cheer, and open for tours from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The last entrance to the Castle is 3:30 p.m. Tickets are limited, get them in advance to avoid disappointment.

Holiday events include free musical entertainment in the Visitor Center, free hot cider, and more!

Guided train trail hikes are held Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays each weekend from Friday November 28 through Sunday December 21 at 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. Registration is required to this free event, as each hike is limited to 20 people.

The Cider station with FREE cider for all is open weekend days from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Friday Nov 28 through Sunday Dec 21. Gather around the bonfire during those hours, bring your sticks and marshmallows for a fun winter treat.

The Souvenir shop is open weekend days from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Friday Nov 28 through Sunday Dec 21.

Kids can enjoy a scavenger hunt and coloring pages at the Cider station! The scavenger hunt covers all the free areas of the park, no ticket to the Castle is required for this.

Trivia questions and carols for the young and old are held at the Cider station and Bonfire area.

View Event →
Train Trail Hike - Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays Nov 28 - Dec 21, 11 a.m. & 1 p.m., weather permitting
Dec
5
to Dec 7

Train Trail Hike - Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays Nov 28 - Dec 21, 11 a.m. & 1 p.m., weather permitting

  • Gillette Castle State Park (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Join us on a guided hike of the route followed by William Gillette's narrow-gauge train. Gillette's train system runs through very scenic areas of the 122 acre state park, with numerous historic features along the way. The hike is a about an hour and fifteen minutes, and is a gentle and flat trail with a couple of brief scrambles.

Sturdy shoes and proper clothing is recommended. To ensure the comfort of all hikers, please leave your pets at home, or take a walk without a trail guide (leashed dogs are allowed at the park). We will meet at Grand Central Station (the covered picnic area near the archway along the path to the Castle). We hope to see vou there!

Cancelled if the weather is bad.

Registration is required to these free hikes, as each hike is limited to 20 people.

View Event →
Train Trail Hike - Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays Nov 28 - Dec 21, 11 a.m. & 1 p.m., weather permitting
Nov
28
to Nov 29

Train Trail Hike - Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays Nov 28 - Dec 21, 11 a.m. & 1 p.m., weather permitting

  • Gillette Castle State Park (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Join us on a guided hike of the route followed by William Gillette's narrow-gauge train. Gillette's train system runs through very scenic areas of the 122 acre state park, with numerous historic features along the way. The hike is a about an hour and fifteen minutes, and is a gentle and flat trail with a couple of brief scrambles.

Sturdy shoes and proper clothing is recommended. To ensure the comfort of all hikers, please leave your pets at home, or take a walk without a trail guide (leashed dogs are allowed at the park). We will meet at Grand Central Station (the covered picnic area near the archway along the path to the Castle). We hope to see vou there!

Cancelled if the weather is bad.

Registration is required to these free hikes, as each hike is limited to 20 people.

View Event →
Holidays in the Park! Weekends Friday Nov 28 - Sunday Dec 21
Nov
28
to Nov 29

Holidays in the Park! Weekends Friday Nov 28 - Sunday Dec 21

  • Gillette Castle State Park (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Winter holidays are always special at the Gillette Castle State Park! In addition to the beautiful vistas seen from the various trails, the park is host to a number of special events. We are very excited to be able to share the Castle in all its holiday splendor this year!

The Castle interior is bedecked with festive cheer, and open for tours from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The last entrance to the Castle is 3:30 p.m. Tickets are limited, get them in advance to avoid disappointment.

Holiday events include free musical entertainment in the Visitor Center, free hot cider, and more!

Guided train trail hikes are held Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays each weekend from Friday November 28 through Sunday December 21 at 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. Registration is required to this free event, as each hike is limited to 20 people.

The Cider station with FREE cider for all is open weekend days from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Friday Nov 28 through Sunday Dec 21. Gather around the bonfire during those hours, bring your sticks and marshmallows for a fun winter treat.

The Souvenir shop is open weekend days from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Friday Nov 28 through Sunday Dec 21.

Kids can enjoy a scavenger hunt and coloring pages at the Cider station! The scavenger hunt covers all the free areas of the park, no ticket to the Castle is required for this.

Trivia questions and carols for the young and old are held at the Cider station and Bonfire area.

View Event →
Train Trail Hike - Monday October 13, 11 a.m., weather permitting
Oct
13
11:00 AM11:00

Train Trail Hike - Monday October 13, 11 a.m., weather permitting

William Gillette at Grand Central

Join us on a guided hike of the route followed by William Gillette's narrow-gauge train. Gillette's train system runs through very scenic areas of the 122 acre state park, with numerous historic features along the way. The hike is a about an hour and fifteen minutes, and is a gentle and flat trail with a couple of brief scrambles.

Sturdy shoes and proper clothing is recommended. To ensure the comfort of all hikers, please leave your pets at home, or take a walk without a trail guide (leashed dogs are allowed at the park). We will meet at Grand Central Station (the covered picnic area near the archway along the path to the Castle). We hope to see vou there!

Cancelled if the weather is bad.

Let us know you’re coming!

View Event →
Train Trail Hike - every Sunday in October, 11 a.m., weather permitting
Oct
12
11:00 AM11:00

Train Trail Hike - every Sunday in October, 11 a.m., weather permitting

William Gillette at Grand Central

Join us on a guided hike of the route followed by William Gillette's narrow-gauge train. Gillette's train system runs through very scenic areas of the 122 acre state park, with numerous historic features along the way. The hike is a about an hour and fifteen minutes, and is a gentle and flat trail with a couple of brief scrambles.

Sturdy shoes and proper clothing is recommended. To ensure the comfort of all hikers, please leave your pets at home, or take a walk without a trail guide (leashed dogs are allowed at the park). We will meet at Grand Central Station (the covered picnic area near the archway along the path to the Castle). We hope to see vou there!

Cancelled if the weather is bad.

Let us know you’re coming!

View Event →
Train Trail Hike - every Sunday in October, 11 a.m., weather permitting
Oct
5
11:00 AM11:00

Train Trail Hike - every Sunday in October, 11 a.m., weather permitting

William Gillette at Grand Central

Join us on a guided hike of the route followed by William Gillette's narrow-gauge train. Gillette's train system runs through very scenic areas of the 122 acre state park, with numerous historic features along the way. The hike is a about an hour and fifteen minutes, and is a gentle and flat trail with a couple of brief scrambles.

Sturdy shoes and proper clothing is recommended. To ensure the comfort of all hikers, please leave your pets at home, or take a walk without a trail guide (leashed dogs are allowed at the park). We will meet at Grand Central Station (the covered picnic area near the archway along the path to the Castle). We hope to see vou there!

Cancelled if the weather is bad.

Let us know you’re coming!

View Event →
Train Trail Hike - every Sunday in September, 11 a.m., weather permitting
Sep
28
11:00 AM11:00

Train Trail Hike - every Sunday in September, 11 a.m., weather permitting

  • Gillette Castle State Park (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

William Gillette at Grand Central

Join us on a guided hike of the route followed by William Gillette's narrow-gauge train. Gillette's train system runs through very scenic areas of the 122 acre state park, with numerous historic features along the way. The hike is a about an hour and fifteen minutes, and is a gentle and flat trail with a couple of brief scrambles.

Sturdy shoes and proper clothing is recommended. To ensure the comfort of all hikers, please leave your pets at home, or take a walk without a trail guide (leashed dogs are allowed at the park). We will meet at Grand Central Station (the covered picnic area near the archway along the path to the Castle). We hope to see vou there!

Cancelled if the weather is bad.

Let us know you’re coming!

View Event →
Train Trail Hike - every Sunday in September, 11 a.m., weather permitting
Sep
21
11:00 AM11:00

Train Trail Hike - every Sunday in September, 11 a.m., weather permitting

  • Gillette Castle State Park (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

William Gillette at Grand Central

Join us on a guided hike of the route followed by William Gillette's narrow-gauge train. Gillette's train system runs through very scenic areas of the 122 acre state park, with numerous historic features along the way. The hike is a about an hour and fifteen minutes, and is a gentle and flat trail with a couple of brief scrambles.

Sturdy shoes and proper clothing is recommended. To ensure the comfort of all hikers, please leave your pets at home, or take a walk without a trail guide (leashed dogs are allowed at the park). We will meet at Grand Central Station (the covered picnic area near the archway along the path to the Castle). We hope to see vou there!

Cancelled if the weather is bad.

Let us know you’re coming!

View Event →
Train Trail Hike - every Sunday in September, 11 a.m., weather permitting
Sep
14
11:00 AM11:00

Train Trail Hike - every Sunday in September, 11 a.m., weather permitting

  • Gillette Castle State Park (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

William Gillette at Grand Central

Join us on a guided hike of the route followed by William Gillette's narrow-gauge train. Gillette's train system runs through very scenic areas of the 122 acre state park, with numerous historic features along the way. The hike is a about an hour and fifteen minutes, and is a gentle and flat trail with a couple of brief scrambles.

Sturdy shoes and proper clothing is recommended. To ensure the comfort of all hikers, please leave your pets at home, or take a walk without a trail guide (leashed dogs are allowed at the park). We will meet at Grand Central Station (the covered picnic area near the archway along the path to the Castle). We hope to see vou there!

Cancelled if the weather is bad.

Let us know you’re coming!

View Event →
Train Trail Hike - every Sunday in September, 11 a.m., weather permitting
Sep
7
11:00 AM11:00

Train Trail Hike - every Sunday in September, 11 a.m., weather permitting

William Gillette at Grand Central

Join us on a guided hike of the route followed by William Gillette's narrow-gauge train. Gillette's train system runs through very scenic areas of the 122 acre state park, with numerous historic features along the way. The hike is a about an hour and fifteen minutes, and is a gentle and flat trail with a couple of brief scrambles.

Sturdy shoes and proper clothing is recommended. To ensure the comfort of all hikers, please leave your pets at home, or take a walk without a trail guide (leashed dogs are allowed at the park). We will meet at Grand Central Station (the covered picnic area near the archway along the path to the Castle). We hope to see vou there!

Cancelled if the weather is bad.

Let us know you’re coming!

View Event →
Train Trail Hike - every Sunday in August, 11 a.m., weather permitting
Aug
31
11:00 AM11:00

Train Trail Hike - every Sunday in August, 11 a.m., weather permitting

William Gillette at Grand Central

Join us on a guided hike of the route followed by William Gillette's narrow-gauge train. Gillette's train system runs through very scenic areas of the 122 acre state park, with numerous historic features along the way. The hike is a about an hour and fifteen minutes, and is a gentle and flat trail with a couple of brief scrambles.

Sturdy shoes and proper clothing is recommended. To ensure the comfort of all hikers, please leave your pets at home, or take a walk without a trail guide (leashed dogs are allowed at the park). We will meet at Grand Central Station (the covered picnic area near the archway along the path to the Castle). We hope to see vou there!

Cancelled if the weather is bad.

Let us know you’re coming!

View Event →
Train Trail Hike - every Sunday in August, 11 a.m., weather permitting
Aug
24
11:00 AM11:00

Train Trail Hike - every Sunday in August, 11 a.m., weather permitting

William Gillette at Grand Central

Join us on a guided hike of the route followed by William Gillette's narrow-gauge train. Gillette's train system runs through very scenic areas of the 122 acre state park, with numerous historic features along the way. The hike is a about an hour and fifteen minutes, and is a gentle and flat trail with a couple of brief scrambles.

Sturdy shoes and proper clothing is recommended. To ensure the comfort of all hikers, please leave your pets at home, or take a walk without a trail guide (leashed dogs are allowed at the park). We will meet at Grand Central Station (the covered picnic area near the archway along the path to the Castle). We hope to see vou there!

Cancelled if the weather is bad.

Let us know you’re coming!

View Event →
Train Trail Hike - every Sunday in August, 11 a.m., weather permitting
Aug
17
11:00 AM11:00

Train Trail Hike - every Sunday in August, 11 a.m., weather permitting

William Gillette at Grand Central

Join us on a guided hike of the route followed by William Gillette's narrow-gauge train. Gillette's train system runs through very scenic areas of the 122 acre state park, with numerous historic features along the way. The hike is a about an hour and fifteen minutes, and is a gentle and flat trail with a couple of brief scrambles.

Sturdy shoes and proper clothing is recommended. To ensure the comfort of all hikers, please leave your pets at home, or take a walk without a trail guide (leashed dogs are allowed at the park). We will meet at Grand Central Station (the covered picnic area near the archway along the path to the Castle). We hope to see vou there!

Cancelled if the weather is bad.

Let us know you’re coming!

View Event →
Train Trail Hike - every Sunday in August, 11 a.m., weather permitting
Aug
10
11:00 AM11:00

Train Trail Hike - every Sunday in August, 11 a.m., weather permitting

William Gillette at Grand Central

Join us on a guided hike of the route followed by William Gillette's narrow-gauge train. Gillette's train system runs through very scenic areas of the 122 acre state park, with numerous historic features along the way. The hike is a about an hour and fifteen minutes, and is a gentle and flat trail with a couple of brief scrambles.

Sturdy shoes and proper clothing is recommended. To ensure the comfort of all hikers, please leave your pets at home, or take a walk without a trail guide (leashed dogs are allowed at the park). We will meet at Grand Central Station (the covered picnic area near the archway along the path to the Castle). We hope to see vou there!

Cancelled if the weather is bad.

Let us know you’re coming!

View Event →
Train Trail Hike - every Sunday in August, 11 a.m., weather permitting
Aug
3
11:00 AM11:00

Train Trail Hike - every Sunday in August, 11 a.m., weather permitting

William Gillette at Grand Central

Join us on a guided hike of the route followed by William Gillette's narrow-gauge train. Gillette's train system runs through very scenic areas of the 122 acre state park, with numerous historic features along the way. The hike is a about an hour and fifteen minutes, and is a gentle and flat trail with a couple of brief scrambles.

Sturdy shoes and proper clothing is recommended. To ensure the comfort of all hikers, please leave your pets at home, or take a walk without a trail guide (leashed dogs are allowed at the park). We will meet at Grand Central Station (the covered picnic area near the archway along the path to the Castle). We hope to see vou there!

Cancelled if the weather is bad.

Let us know you’re coming!

View Event →
Train Trail Hike - every Sunday in July, 12:30 p.m., weather permitting
Jul
27
12:30 PM12:30

Train Trail Hike - every Sunday in July, 12:30 p.m., weather permitting

William Gillette at Grand Central

Join us on a guided hike of the route followed by William Gillette's narrow-gauge train. Gillette's train system runs through very scenic areas of the 122 acre state park, with numerous historic features along the way. The hike is a about an hour and fifteen minutes, and is a gentle and flat trail with a couple of brief scrambles.

Sturdy shoes and proper clothing is recommended. To ensure the comfort of all hikers, please leave your pets at home, or take a walk without a trail guide (leashed dogs are allowed at the park). We will meet at Grand Central Station (the covered picnic area near the archway along the path to the Castle). We hope to see vou there!

Cancelled if the weather is bad.

View Event →
Train Trail Hike - every Sunday in July, 12:30 p.m., weather permitting
Jul
20
12:30 PM12:30

Train Trail Hike - every Sunday in July, 12:30 p.m., weather permitting

William Gillette at Grand Central

Join us on a guided hike of the route followed by William Gillette's narrow-gauge train. Gillette's train system runs through very scenic areas of the 122 acre state park, with numerous historic features along the way. The hike is a about an hour and fifteen minutes, and is a gentle and flat trail with a couple of brief scrambles.

Sturdy shoes and proper clothing is recommended. To ensure the comfort of all hikers, please leave your pets at home, or take a walk without a trail guide (leashed dogs are allowed at the park). We will meet at Grand Central Station (the covered picnic area near the archway along the path to the Castle). We hope to see vou there!

Cancelled if the weather is bad.

View Event →
Train Trail Hike - every Sunday in July, 12:30 p.m., weather permitting
Jul
13
12:30 PM12:30

Train Trail Hike - every Sunday in July, 12:30 p.m., weather permitting

William Gillette at Grand Central

Join us on a guided hike of the route followed by William Gillette's narrow-gauge train. Gillette's train system runs through very scenic areas of the 122 acre state park, with numerous historic features along the way. The hike is a about an hour and fifteen minutes, and is a gentle and flat trail with a couple of brief scrambles.

Sturdy shoes and proper clothing is recommended. To ensure the comfort of all hikers, please leave your pets at home, or take a walk without a trail guide (leashed dogs are allowed at the park). We will meet at Grand Central Station (the covered picnic area near the archway along the path to the Castle). We hope to see vou there!

Cancelled if the weather is bad.

View Event →
Train Trail Hike - every Sunday in July, 12:30 p.m., weather permitting
Jul
6
12:30 PM12:30

Train Trail Hike - every Sunday in July, 12:30 p.m., weather permitting

William Gillette at Grand Central

Join us on a guided hike of the route followed by William Gillette's narrow-gauge train. Gillette's train system runs through very scenic areas of the 122 acre state park, with numerous historic features along the way. The hike is a about an hour and fifteen minutes, and is a gentle and flat trail with a couple of brief scrambles.

Sturdy shoes and proper clothing is recommended. To ensure the comfort of all hikers, please leave your pets at home, or take a walk without a trail guide (leashed dogs are allowed at the park). We will meet at Grand Central Station (the covered picnic area near the archway along the path to the Castle). We hope to see vou there!

Cancelled if the weather is bad.

View Event →
Gillette's restored steam train returns!
Jun
14
10:00 AM10:00

Gillette's restored steam train returns!

We are so excited to share that the restored steam train will return to Gillette Castle! Join us on June 14!

The restoration of William Gillette's steam engine kicked off on May 23, 2024, when the Eastern District Construction crew from the Department of Energy and Environmental Conservation (DEEP) moved the engine out of storage. On June 14, after 891 hours of labor, the restored engine, coal tender and one passenger car will be installed on the front porch of the Visitor Center.

Many thanks to our volunteers!

This work has been a labor of love for our 9-man "train crew": Hugh MacLean, Brady Thomas, John Dugas, Warren Elliott, Rob Szczepanski, Bernie Gillis, Bob Guyon, Graham MacDonald and Phil Schuster. Fueled with pastries and coffee, the team worked half-days nearly every Wednesday for a year to achieve the goal.

Join us on June 14th at 10 a.m. outside the Visitor Center to celebrate the achievement.

We hope to see you there!

Check out the photo essay for a sneak peek at the engine.

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Connecticut Trails Day Guided Hikes: Saturday and Sunday, June 7 and 8, at 11 a.m. and 1 p.
Jun
7
to Jun 8

Connecticut Trails Day Guided Hikes: Saturday and Sunday, June 7 and 8, at 11 a.m. and 1 p.

  • Gillette Castle State Park (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Celebrate Connecticut Trails day by joining us on a guided hike of the route followed by William Gillette's narrow-gague train. Gillette's train system runs through very scenic areas of the 122 acre state park, with numerous historic features along the way. The hike is a about an hour and fifteen minutes, and is generally gentle and flat trail with a couple of brief scrambles.

The hikes are limited to 20 visitors, and REQUIRE advance registration. Sturdy shoes and warm clothing is recommended. To ensure the comfort of all hikers, please leave your pets at home, or take a walk without a trail guide (leashed dogs are allowed at the park). We hope to see vou there!

Registration Links:

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Train Trail Hike 3:30 p.m.
May
18
3:30 PM15:30

Train Trail Hike 3:30 p.m.

William Gillette at Grand Central

Join us on a guided hike of the route followed by William Gillette's narrow-gauge train. Gillette's train system runs through very scenic areas of the 122 acre state park, with numerous historic features along the way. The hike is a about an hour and fifteen minutes, and is a gentle and flat trail with a couple of brief scrambles.

Sturdy shoes and warm clothing is recommended. To ensure the comfort of all hikers, please leave your pets at home, or take a walk without a trail guide (leashed dogs are allowed at the park). We will meet at Grand Central Station (the covered picnic area near the archway along the path to the Castle). We hope to see vou there!

Limited space, first come first served!

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May
18
1:00 PM13:00

Small-group Castle tours - soft opening of the season!

The Friends are thrilled to offer people a fun way to help prepare the Castle for a new season. The guides are in training, and we encourage visitors to ask questions!

Come to tour the Castle the weekend before the official opening day!

No tickets to the Castle are needed, and voluntary donations are appreciated.

Additionally, two train trail hikes will be offered, at 11 a.m. and at 3:30 p.m., so you can do a train trail hike either before or after visiting the Castle!

 

Castle Interior, September 2017

 
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