Parking & Directions

Parking at Gillette Castle State Park is free. The main lot is next to the visitor center at 67 River Road in East Haddam, a short walk up a gently rising path to the castle, and smaller unpaved lots sit by the Goldfish Pond, at the Chester–Hadlyme ferry landing and at the upper picnic area. To reach the park from Route 9, cross the Connecticut River on the East Haddam Swing Bridge (exit 10, Route 82 east) or, from April to November, on the Chester–Hadlyme ferry (exit 8, Route 148).

The Lots

• Main lot: beside the visitor center, with restrooms, the gift shop and the path to the castle. The Friends of Gillette Castle State Park say the entry road is one-way and gives a view of the castle on the way in; you can loop through the lot and around for a second look.
• Upper picnic area: drive through the main lot, out the exit road, and turn left on the gravel road to the picnic area.
• Goldfish Pond: a flat, hard-packed dirt lot by the pond.
• Ferry landing: a flat, hard-packed dirt lot on the river at the Hadlyme ferry landing, beside the car-top launch (kayaking).

All parking is free. DEEP charges only for castle tours.

Directions

The park is on the east bank of the Connecticut River, so you cross the river if you are coming from Route 9.

From the north (I-91): take exit 22 for Route 9 south.

From the south or east (I-95): take exit 69 and follow Route 9 north.

Then cross the river one of two ways:

1. Swing Bridge (all year): Route 9 exit 10 (formerly exit 7). Follow Route 82 east over the East Haddam Swing Bridge and the park signs.
2. Chester–Hadlyme ferry (April 1 to November 30): Route 9 exit 8 (formerly exit 6). Follow Route 148 to the ferry landing in Chester. The ferry lands you inside the park below the castle (ferry hours and fares).

About the Swing Bridge

The Friends say the East Haddam Swing Bridge opened in 1913, runs 899 feet and is reputed to be the longest of its type in the world. It swings open for recreational boats on the hour and half hour, so you may wait a few minutes at those times.

Buses and Groups

DEEP requires a bus permit for mid-size and full-size buses seating 30 or more. Bus tours of the castle run at 9 a.m. only, never on weekends or holidays, and must be booked at least two weeks ahead (castle tours).

Accessible Parking and Paths

The visitor center is next to the main lot and is wheelchair accessible. From the lot, a curving paved and packed-gravel path leads to the castle's back terrace and first floor without stairs, with a gradual rise. DEEP lends all-terrain wheelchairs with advance reservations (plan your visit).

Hours

The grounds and lots are open daily from 8 a.m. to sunset (hours).