New London County - 40 Attractions You Must Visit

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About New London County

New London County, Connecticut, is a captivating destination known for its blend of rich maritime history, scenic coastal landscapes, cultural attractions, and vibrant communities. The unique blend of history, coastal beauty, cultural richness, and recreational opportunities makes New London County an appealing destination for travelers seeking a mix of experiences within a charming New England setting.

Types of Attractions in New London County

Activities Around

List of Attractions in New London County

Bates Woods Park

Bates Woods Park

Outdoors - Other

Bates Woods Park, located in New London, Connecticut, is a serene and expansive natural area offering a peaceful escape from city life. This urban park provides locals and visitors alike with a tranquil environment for various outdoor activities and relaxation.

Brenton Point State Park

Brenton Point State Park

Outdoors - Other

Brenton Point State Park, located in Newport, Rhode Island, is a picturesque and expansive coastal park renowned for its stunning panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and Narragansett Bay. This scenic destination offers visitors a blend of natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and historical significance.

Congregation Beth El

Congregation Beth El, located in New London, Connecticut, is a vibrant and inclusive synagogue serving the Jewish community in the region. Established with a rich history dating back decades, it stands as a center for religious worship, community engagement, and cultural celebrations.

Connecticut College Arboretum

The Connecticut College Arboretum, nestled in New London, Connecticut, is a sprawling and diverse natural sanctuary that serves as an educational resource, research center, and recreational haven. Spanning over 750 acres of woodlands, meadows, and landscaped gardens, the arboretum offers a rich tapestry of plant life, habitats, and ecosystems.

Custom House Maritime Museum - New London Maritime Society

The Custom House Maritime Museum, operated by the New London Maritime Society, is a cultural gem located in New London, Connecticut. Housed in a historic Custom House building dating back to the 1830s, the museum showcases the rich maritime heritage of the region and celebrates New London's maritime history.

Day Pond State Park

Day Pond State Park

Lake/ River/ Ponds

Outdoors - Other

Day Pond State Park, situated in Colchester, near New London, Connecticut, is a tranquil natural oasis offering a peaceful retreat and outdoor recreational opportunities. This state park, covering over 180 acres, features a scenic pond, woodlands, and trails, providing visitors with a serene environment for various outdoor activities.

Enders Island

Enders Island, located in Mystic, near New London, Connecticut, is a serene and picturesque island known for its spiritual retreat center, beautiful gardens, and scenic landscapes. This tranquil haven offers a unique combination of natural beauty, religious significance, and artistic inspiration.

Eolia Mansion at Harkness State

Eolia Mansion at Harkness Memorial State Park, located in Waterford, Connecticut, is a stunning historic mansion nestled within the picturesque landscape of the Harkness State Park. Originally the summer home of the Harkness family, this elegant mansion sits on an estate renowned for its scenic beauty, formal gardens, and panoramic views of Long Island Sound.

Fort Shantok Archeological District

The Fort Shantok Archaeological District is a historically significant site located in the town of Montville, Connecticut. It encompasses the remnants of an 17th-century Native American fortification and an 18th-century colonial homestead. This area holds immense cultural and archaeological importance, representing centuries of indigenous habitation and interaction with European settlers.

Fort Trumbull State Park and Museum

Fort Trumbull State Park and Museum is situated in New London, Connecticut, overlooking the Thames River. This historic site holds significant military and maritime heritage, offering visitors a glimpse into American history spanning from the Revolutionary War through World War II.

Gillette Castle State Park

Gillette Castle State Park

Outdoors - Other

Iconic Buildings

Gillette Castle State Park, located in East Haddam near New London, Connecticut, is a unique and picturesque destination known for its stunning architecture, scenic beauty, and rich history. The park centers around the iconic Gillette Castle, an eccentric medieval-style mansion built by renowned actor William Gillette in the early 20th century.

Gold Star Memorial Bridge - Southbound Span + Pedestrian Path

The Gold Star Memorial Bridge, spanning the Thames River between Groton and New London, Connecticut, is a vital transportation artery and a prominent feature of the region's landscape. Comprising two parallel spans, the bridge is a critical part of Interstate 95, connecting various communities and facilitating transportation along the East Coast.

Groton Monument

The Groton Monument, also known as the Fort Griswold Monument, is a historic landmark situated atop Monument Hill in Groton, Connecticut. This imposing granite obelisk stands as a tribute to the brave soldiers who defended the fort during the Battle of Groton Heights in 1781, a significant event during the American Revolutionary War.

Haley Farm State Park

Haley Farm State Park

Lake/ River/ Ponds

Outdoors - Other

2-5 Day Treks

Haley Farm State Park, nestled in Groton near New London, Connecticut, offers visitors a peaceful and scenic retreat within its expansive natural surroundings. This historic park, covering over 267 acres, combines diverse landscapes, scenic trails, and historic elements, providing opportunities for outdoor recreation and nature appreciation.

Harkness Memorial State Park

Harkness Memorial State Park

Outdoors - Other

2-5 Day Treks

Harkness Memorial State Park, situated along the picturesque Connecticut shoreline in Waterford, is a stunning estate that combines breathtaking gardens, elegant architecture, and scenic waterfront views. This historic park offers visitors a perfect blend of natural beauty, formal gardens, and a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of a bygone era.

Hempsted House

Hempsted House

Iconic Buildings

Hempsted House, located in New London, Connecticut, is a historic house museum that provides a fascinating glimpse into early American life and culture. Constructed in the 1670s, Hempsted House is one of the oldest surviving wood-frame houses in New England and offers a window into the daily lives of the Hempsted family, who resided there for several generations.

Hopeville Pond State Park

Hopeville Pond State Park, located near Jewett City in Griswold, Connecticut, not far from New London, is a scenic and serene natural area that provides visitors with various outdoor recreational opportunities and picturesque landscapes.

Hoxie Scenic Overlook

Hoxie Scenic Overlook

Outdoors - Other

The Hoxie Scenic Overlook, situated in Waterford near New London, Connecticut, offers visitors breathtaking panoramic views of the Long Island Sound and the surrounding coastal landscapes. Perched atop a hill, this overlook provides a vantage point that showcases the beauty of the sound, making it a popular spot for sightseeing, photography, and enjoying the coastal scenery.

Hygienic Art gallery

The Hygienic Art Gallery, nestled in New London, Connecticut, stands as a vibrant and innovative hub for contemporary art and cultural expression. Established in the 1970s, this gallery emerged from an art exhibit held in a former hygienic storefront, hence its unique name.

Lyman Allyn Art Museum

Lyman Allyn Art Museum

Art Centres

Museums

The Lyman Allyn Art Museum, situated in New London, Connecticut, is a distinguished cultural institution known for its diverse collection of American art spanning from the 18th century to the present day. Founded in 1926, the museum is housed in a striking neo-classical building surrounded by beautiful grounds.

Map of attractions in New London County

Comments

For more information about New London County, visit: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_London_County,_Connecticut