Gillette Castle Interior & Visitor Center open daily 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Memorial Day - Labor Day, and weekends through Columbus Day.
Advance purchase of tickets is highly recommended. Tickets are sold by the state, not the Friends.
Grounds are open daily, year-round, from 8 a.m. until sunset.
Please note that the East Haddam Swing Bridge is undergoing a major multi-year renovation (see the link for schedules and webcam links). The bridge closure schedule outlines days the bridge is scheduled to be completely closed. Alternatives are the bridges through Middletown or Old Saybrook, and the seasonal Chester-Hadlyme ferry.
Ferry Celebration! The Selden III is 75 years old!
Saturday April 27 (Rain date Sunday April 28), 10 a.m. at the Hadlyme side of the Chester-Hadlyme Ferry Landing, below the Castle
Join the Friends of Gillette Castle State Park at 10:00 a.m. on April 27 in celebration of the seasonal opening of the Chester-Hadlyme ferry and the 75th "birthday" of the Selden III. Come wave your flag and welcome the Seldon III as it makes its way from Chester.
After a ribbon cutting ceremony and welcoming remarks by local dignitaries, we will take a 15 minute passenger-only ride to celebrate the start of the ferry season. Refreshments provided by the Hadlyme Country Market. The event is free to all visitors.
Castle Interior, September 2017
Small-group Castle tours AND MORE! Join the 2024 soft opening of the season!
Sunday May 19, noon - 3 p.m.
The Friends are thrilled to offer people a fun way to help prepare the Castle for a new season. Come tour the Castle the weekend before the official opening day! Enjoy a small-group experience and informal atmosphere with other friends members.
Our soft opening this year (May 19th) is also timed near Sir Arthur’s Conan Doyle’s birthday. So this year, we are ramping up the level of celebration accordingly!
In addition to the usual small-group entrance to the castle by donation rather than ticket sales, we are also having author book signings, and guided train trail hikes!
Book signing 12 noon to 2 p.m. (see author details here)
Castle is open from 1 to 3 p.m., by donation
Guided train trail hikes at 12:30 and 1 p.m.
William and Helen Gillette (a.k.a. “The Nivers”) will be on hand from 2 p.m.
If you have already renewed your membership for 2024-2025, there is no need to do anything other than show up! We will have a list of current members with us at the door. This event is free for members. A $5 donation is requested for non-members. Interested in joining this event? Become a member today!
First Day Hikes at Gillette Castle State Park
Monday January 1, 2024 10 am - 1 pm
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. We also hope to have a visit from William and Helen Gillette at noon if weather allows.
Visitors who pre-register can also participate in guided hikes of the route followed by William Gillette's narrow-gauge train system. The guided hikes are scheduled to occur between 10:30 a.m. and 1:00 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 are recommended. We hope to see you there!
Online events include Facebook Live events (follow our Facebook page to get notifications), as well as a variety of online video tours (published on our YouTube channel as well as in our Photos & Videos).
some of our PAST EVENTS
Volunteer at the Castle! FUN Informational Meeting
Sunday March 24, 11 a.m. at the Visitor Center
Spring is in the air! Join us for a FUN informational meeting about volunteering with the Friends of Gillette Castle State Park. Do you have a green thumb? Our gardening team makes the grounds sparkle! Are you a history buff, train lover, or hiking enthusiast? Join our hike guides or proctoring team and learn all about William Gillette, his Castle, and his cool train! Are you an outgoing people-person who loves to have FUN? Our membership team is the place for you. We also love carpenters and folks who love working with their hands.
The Castle will welcome visitors from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday, November 24 and every Saturday and Sunday through December 17.
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, including a variety of scheduled musical events. We are very excited to be able to share the Castle in all its holiday splendor this year!
Guided Train Trail Hikes are held every weekend day from Friday November 24 through Sunday December 17, at 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
Steamposh Christmas Photo Shoot - Sold Out!
Saturday, December 16, 2023, 9 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Dress up in your finest holiday steampunk and enjoy access to the Castle one hour earlier than the public for a Gillette Castle photography event. The Castle will be decorated for the holidays, with photo opportunities galore on all three floors.
After enjoying the interior, you can enjoy outdoor photography on the decorated grounds, along with free cider and a bonfire.
This event is sold out. If you didn’t get a ticket, we hope to see you next time!
Train Trail Hike
Saturday October 14, 1 p.m.
Join 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 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 the Visitor Center. We hope to see vou there!
Sunday October 1, 2 p.m.: Visit with the Gillettes!
William and Helen Gillette will be at the Castle at 2 p.m. on Sunday, October 1. Portrayed by the Rivers, William and Helen are highly informed, gracious hosts and very popular historical interpreters! We hope to see you there!
Photo credit Alan Kendizor Photography
Saturday August 26: A Victorian who-done-it!
Murder and mystery abound in our Victorian era photography event! Dress up and pose for pictures or come with your camera and enjoy two hours of time inside William Gillette's unique and quirky castle. All photographs are taken under the terms of a special use permit, which allows you to own the photographs. All types of Victorian and/or detective dress are appropriate for this event. Based on ticket pre-sales, we are also expecting that some of our models will have steampunk flair, which is definitely welcome. Models without theme-appropriate garb may be denied entry.
Schedule:
8 a.m. to 10 a.m.: Photography inside the Castle. $20 ticket. All proceeds benefit the Friends of Gillette Castle. Tickets are the same $20 price for photographers and models, but we have two types of tickets so we can ensure we have a good balance between the two groups. Plan to arrive a little early to maximize your time inside.
10 a.m. - 12 p.m. Weather permitting: Outdoor photography against the backdrop of the fantastic stonework of the castle itself and its surroundings.
Presentation: A politician for the birds - the life of Senator George P. McLean
Monday June 19th, 7 - 8 p.m.
Hear the story of George P. McLean, a CT Senator who was pivotal in establishing lasting legal protections for our fine feathered friends.
Hear the story of how Connecticut’s George P. McLean helped establish lasting legal protections for birds, overseeing passage of the 1918 Migratory Bird Treaty Act, landmark environmental protection legislation that is still in effect today. McLean’s victory for birds will also be described in the context of his distinguished forty-five-year career marked by many acts of reform during a time of widespread corruption and political instability.
Our speaker is Will McLean Greeley - the great-great-nephew of the senator. After retiring from a thirty-five-year career, Will embarked upon three-year research and writing journey to learn about his great-great-uncle George P. McLean and his legacy. The research has culminated in the publication of his new book, “A Connecticut Yankee Goes to Washington: Senator George P. McLean, Birdman of the Senate".
Alice Hamilton, pioneer of occupational medicine in the United States
PDH at Smithsonian Institution and en.wikipedia, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Presentation: Alice Hamilton, pioneer of occupational medicine in the United States
Saturday June 3rd, 12 noon - 1:30 p.m.
Please join us to learn about the fascinating life of Alice Hamilton! Alice was the first female professor at Harvard Medical School and the founder of occupational medicine, industrial toxicology, and industrial hygiene. She was one of the original creators of a system to report on and contain epidemics, and she lived around the corner from William Gillette near the ferry landing.
Castle Interior, September 2017
Small-group Castle tours - soft opening of the season!
Sunday May 21st, 1 - 3 p.m.
The Friends are thrilled to offer people a fun way to help prepare the Castle for a new season.
Come tour the Castle the weekend before the official opening day! Enjoy a small-group experience and informal atmosphere with other friends members. William and Helen Gillette (a.k.a. “The Nivers”) will be on hand from 2 p.m.
Chester-Hadlyme First Ferry Trip of 2023
April 1, 2023 10 a.m. (Rain date April 2)
Celebrate the 2023 running of ferry service between Chester and Hadlyme. Hear about the our status on Osaki project. Chat with fellow ferry fans! Note that the ferry will leave for its first trip a little after 10 a.m. so we recommend showing up promptly so as to not miss the adventure! Details Photograph courtesy of Kelly Hunt, Cherish the Moment Photography.
Spring Fling at Machimoodus State Park! 128 Leesville Road, Moodus, CT
Sunday March 19, 2023, noon - 3 p.m.
William and Helen Gillette will be going to the second annual SPRING FLING hosted by the Friends of Machimoodus and Sunrise State Parks. The Spring Fling is a celebration of the equinox, world storytelling day and the shared love of nature. Last year's event was a bunch of fun. Get out in fresh air and sunshine at one of East Haddam's OTHER great State Parks!
Follow the trails originally created for Gillette’s narrow-gauge train system!
First Day Hikes, with special events 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
January 1, 2023
Self-guided hikes, hot cider, visit with the Gillettes, or sign up for a guided hike! See details
The Nivers dressed for the holidays.
Photo by Kelly Hunt, Cherish the Moment Photography
2022 Holidays in the Park!
Between noon and 4 p.m. on the Friday after Thanksgiving, and weekends between November 26 and December 18, the park grounds will be filled with holiday fun!
Holiday events this year include musical entertainment, visits by the Gillettes as portrayed by the Nivers, hot cider and cocoa for sale by the fire pit, guided train trail hikes, and a magician! While the Castle Interior is closed this winter due to the Phase 3 Terrace Renovation project, we have lots of activities happening both indoors (at the Visitor Center and Cider Station), and outdoors throughout the park!
William and Helen Gillette themselves visit the Castle on occasion, courtesy of re-enactors Harold and Theodora Niver.
Meet the Gillettes!
Sundays, 2 p.m. (weather permitting), November 27th - December 18th
At 2 p.m. on Sunday afternoons Nov. 27 - Dec. 18, William and Helen Gillette (a.k.a. the Nivers) are at the Castle! Look for them at the Visitor Center!
Fun photographs and scintillating conversation! What could be a better way to spend Sunday afternoon?
Honoring the memory of Yukitaka Osaki, friend and confidante of William Gillette and Hadlyme resident
Saturday October 8, 2022
Taku Hirai as Yukitaka Osaki, William Gillette's friend and confidante.
Photograph courtesy of the East Haddam Stage Company
At noon, a traditional Buddhist dedication ceremony will be held at his graveside, at the historic Cove Cemetery, 89 Ferry Rd, Lyme CT.
After this ceremony, at approximately 1 p.m., the East Haddam Stage Company will present a performance of the one man drama based on his life, 'Osaki-san, William Gillette’s Gentleman Valet' with actor Taku Hirai. The 50 minute performance will be in Hadlyme at the Chester-Hadlyme ferry landing, where Osaki's house is still standing. Refreshments will follow.
James Michael Walker, author
Book Signing!
August 20, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Local author and Friends member Jimmy Bennett (Jimmy's nom de plume is James Michael Walker) will be at the Visitor Center terrace on August 20th from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Come get your book signed and have a chat with one of Gillette Castle's greatest fans!
Live Theater!
Final weekend: Saturday August 6 and Sunday August 7, at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.
The East Haddam Stage Company's production of an adaptation of Arthur Conan Doyle's story A Scandal In Bohemia is a regular event on our outdoor stage.
The final shows of the series will be at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 6 and Sunday, Aug. 7.
Sue Weaver, artist
🎨 PAINT & SIP AT THE CASTLE 🍷
Saturday, June 4th, 2-4 p.m. (rain date June 5)
Celebrate The Connecticut River Valley & William Gillette’s Legacy Through Art
Experienced and would-be artists are encouraged to sign up for a “Castle Paint & Sip” event from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, June 4. With the Castle environment as a backdrop, participants may enjoy their own beverages as they create individual acrylic paintings on canvas, while painter and longtime art teacher Sue Weaver provides detailed directions and guidance.
Fifteen spots are available on a first-come basis, and all art supplies will be provided as part of the $35 signup fee. In case of inclement weather, the event will take place June 5. SOLD OUT!
Small-group Castle tours for MemberS
Sunday, May 22, 2022 1 - 4 P.M.
The Friends are thrilled to offer members a fun way to help prepare the Castle for a new season. Come to tour the Castle the weekend before the official opening day! Enjoy a small-group experience and informal atmosphere with other friends members. William and Helen Gillette (a.k.a. “The Nivers”) will be on hand from 2-4 p.m.
1920's Photography event at Gillette Castle
Sunday April 24, 2022, 10 a.m. - 12 noon OR 1 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Come with camera in hand or dressed in your best 1920's era costume! Enjoy an exclusive 2-hour period taking and posing for photographs inside William Gillette's extraordinary castle. All photographs taken are under the terms of a special use permit, which allows you to own the photographs.
William and Helen Gillette themselves will be visiting the Castle between 2-4 p.m. and they would be pleased to pose for pictures for any and all comers.
Photograph by Richard Woo
1920's Picnic at Gillette Castle State Park!
Sunday April 24, 2022, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Watch photographers work with models in 1920s attire! Enjoy a magic show and meet the Gillettes!
1920s-era costumes welcomed though not required of the public, and bring your own picnic lunch to enjoy! Read more details
Photograph courtesy of Kelly Hunt, Cherish the Moment Photography
Chester-Hadlyme Ferry 2022 Season Opening
Saturday April 2, 2022, 10:30 a.m.
Celebrate the 2022 running of ferry service between Chester and Hadlyme! Admire the recent improvements around the home of Yukitaka Osaki. Free refreshments! Convivial conversation! Celebrate spring! Admire the tarp on the Osaki house and recently cleared invasives! Talk to the people who made it all happen!
Photograph courtesy of Kelly Hunt, Cherish the Moment Photography
2021 Holiday Season
The Friends of Gillette Castle State Park were so happy to assist with festive decorations for people to enjoy as they toured our beloved Castle.
Flute Loops concert at the Gillette Castle stage: Saturday August 14 at NOON!
This all-flute ensemble entertains visitors to the Castle with a special concert at the Gillette Castle stage at NOON. Saturday, August 14.
Lively music on the Castle grounds; it doesn't get better than that!
Music and nature together - a beautiful partnership!
William Gillette - The Man Meets His Legend: Sunday June 27, at 2:30, 3:00 and 3:30 p.m.
For the first time at their estate, William and Helen Gillette play host to the very person whom Mr. Gillette portrayed on the stage for many years - the legendary consulting detective Sherlock Holmes. Join us at the stage area near "Grand Central Station" at Gillette Castle State Park for what's bound to be a fascinating conversation. Your questions will be welcomed!
Celebration of the Chester-Hadlyme Ferry on May 15, 2021
Gillette Castle can be seen in the background on a foggy morning as the 65-foot diesel-run Selden III prepares to depart the Chester ferry landing. The Chester-Hadlyme ferry is one of the oldest continuously operating ferries in the United States.
The Friends of Gillette Castle State Park celebrated the Chester-Hadlyme Ferry's 2021 season on May 15th. The Friends' group gathered at the Hadlyme ferry landing and shared refreshments, convivial conversation, and walk-on round trip passenger tickets to the ferry! Recent improvements to the Hadlyme ferry landing include new benches and fencing, a newly leveled parking area and a historic display describing the river and its cleanup, undertaken by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection and Department of Transportation.
Peruse photographs from this celebration!
2020 Holiday Season
Even though the castle was closed for the holiday season, the Friends of Gillette Castle State Park teamed up with park staff to decorate the outside of the castle, workshop, greenhouse, living room, dining room and other areas that could be seen by peeking through the windows.
Additionally, the Gillettes, as portrayed by our Friends, Harold and Theodora Niver, were at the Castle on Sunday afternoons through December 27th, weather permitting. They greeted and interacted with visitors from a safe distance on the terrace and by the Goldfish Pond.
The photo gallery Christmas at the Castle includes photographs from December 2020.
Photo of William and Helen Gillette, as portrayed by Harold and Theodora Niver, by Kelly Hunt, Cherish the Moment Photography
November & December 2019: A Winter Wonderland: Celebrating All Things Connecticut at Gillette Castle. The former estate of actor William Gillette, famous for his portrayal of Sherlock Holmes, was open for the holiday season and decorated in a rustic style that compliments its unique interior.
September 2019: 100-year Gala Celebration of the Castle! This celebration included the castle entrance, speakeasy wine tasting, appetizers and hor d'oeuvres with 1920's drinks, champagne toast, and more! People enjoyed a live jazz band with a dance floor to kick up their heels, and a silent auction to support the Friends group. Peruse pictures from this fabulous celebration.
Guided hikes have been offered as part of the First Day Hikes, as well as at other times of the year. Guided hikes usually are two parts; the first part follows the old rail bed, and the second part takes you down the hill to the river!