Gillette Castle State Park
Gillette Castle State Park, Stone castle and state park in Lyme, United States.
Description
Gillette Castle State Park is a state park with a stone castle in Lyme, Connecticut, covering 14,000 square feet and sitting on a bluff above the Connecticut River. The grounds include forested hiking paths and several overlooks with views of the river valley.
History
William Gillette acquired the land in the early 20th century and personally oversaw construction of his residence, which took five years to complete. After his death in 1943, the estate passed into state ownership and opened to the public.
Culture
The actor left personal design choices throughout the building, including wooden furniture built directly into the walls. Many of these installations feature moving parts and mechanisms that visitors can still try today.
Practical
The grounds remain open daily from 8 in the morning until sunset, while tours of the castle run from May through October. Visitors should bring sturdy footwear for the trails and the uneven stone floors inside.
Did you know?
The owner laid out a miniature railway system that wound for several miles through the estate woodlands. Guests could ride in small carriages through the forested grounds and reach different viewing points.
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Connecticut combines different landscapes from the coast to the mountains with a range of historic sites. The region includes state parks with waterfalls like Kent Falls and Wadsworth Falls, extensive forested areas, and conservation lands. Visitors can hike through White Memorial Conservation...
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