Top 15 Must-See Attractions in Groton, Connecticut

Summary

Mystic Seaport Museum
Mystic Aquarium
Downtown Mystic
The Submarine Force Museum
USS Nautilus
Fort Griswold Battlefield State Park
Bluff Point State Park
Mystic River Bascule Bridge
Avery Point Light
Eastern Point Beach
Mystic Museum of Art
Outer Light Brewing Company
Haley Farm State Park
Poquonnock River Boardwalk
Argia Mystic Cruises

This maritime town on the east bank of the Thames River serves as the principal East Coast submarine base for the United States Navy.

A significant portion of Groton’s workforce is engaged either at the base or at General Dynamics Electric Boat, the Navy’s primary submarine contractor.

Therefore, it is unsurprising that Groton features a remarkable submarine museum. Docked on the river and available for exploration is the USS Nautilus, recognized as the world’s first nuclear-powered submarine.

Additionally, half of the charming seafaring village of Mystic falls within Groton’s boundaries. Consequently, Mystic will be included in this review, particularly since the two downtown areas are merely seven miles apart.

Between these locales lies a Revolutionary War battleground, rugged coastlines, bluffs, lighthouses, and numerous small islands. Moreover, there exists a preserved parcel of farmland owned by the first governor of Connecticut in the 17th century.

Let us delve into the most notable attractions in Groton:

1. Mystic Seaport Museum

America’s premier maritime museum is a remarkable destination, encompassing over 60 historic structures and a comprehensive fleet of vessels.

Established in 1929, the museum includes a functioning preservation shipyard, a vibrant historic waterfront, and a diverse array of gardens.

Exhibitions throughout the museum provide engaging insights into the history of maritime activities and art. Nearby are various historical vessels such as sloops, schooners, a steamer, and the whaling ship from 1841.

It is estimated that hours are required to thoroughly explore the 19th-century maritime village, where each structure retains its authentic function. Visitors can discover sextants and similar items in the nautical instruments shop, and observe casks being assembled at the cooperage.

A principal highlight is the whaling vessel, the Charles W. Morgan, which prominently anchors the experience in the water. This vessel holds the distinction of being the oldest surviving merchant vessel in the world and is the only wooden whaling ship from the American merchant fleet that remains intact.

2. Mystic Aquarium

This impressive marine attraction houses over 10,000 animals, including numerous species endemic to New England.

The marquee attractions of Mystic Aquarium are the beluga whales, and it boasts one of only three facilities in the United States that houses Steller sea lions.

Furthermore, there exists a sizable colony of over 30 African black-footed penguins, in addition to mammals such as California sea lions, Atlantic harbor seals, and northern fur seals.

Interactive touch pools provide opportunities to engage with bamboo sharks and stingrays. Additionally, a novel exhibit during my visit was Dino Seas.

This technologically advanced space features engaging stations, animatronic megafauna, and two spectacular 4D films. Included are a two-story indoor play space and live amphibians and reptiles.

3. Downtown Mystic

Spanning both banks of the river, Mystic is picturesque, walkable, and embodies quintessential New England charm. Main Street, alongside numerous small streets and alleys, is filled with inviting local enterprises.

These encompass seafood restaurants, taverns, ice cream shops, galleries, and an array of boutiques offering maritime gear, artisanal confections, fashion, home decor, premium pet accessories, and handcrafted gifts.

Eventually, I settled down, ice cream in hand, at the quayside in Mystic River Park, where one can observe the waterborne activities navigating the iconic Mystic River Bascule Bridge.

If you are drawn to the water on a warm day, Adventure Mystic offers rentals for paddleboards and kayaks, providing another opportunity to appreciate the bridge from a distinct vantage point.

4. The Submarine Force Museum

Located a short distance downriver from the Naval Submarine Base New London, this museum is operated exclusively by the Naval History and Heritage Command.

It serves as a repository for a variety of vessels, components, and artifacts pertaining to submarines. Most notable among these is the USS Nautilus, which will be discussed below.

Outside along the entryway are four midget submarines, including a Japanese Type A two-man mini-sub from World War II.

The Main Hall chronicles the history of underwater navigation, featuring model submarines suspended from the ceiling, inspired by illustrations found in the original edition of Jules Verne’s “20,000 Leagues Under the Sea.”

Visitors can practically trace the progression of submarines over the decades along the Model Wall and enter the attack center of a Sturgeon Class submarine.

Subsequently, the Main Exhibit Area features a full-size replica of Bushnell’s Turtle, an early submarine utilized during the Revolutionary War. Additionally, an expansive array of submarine weaponry and artifacts related to the USS Nautilus adorns this area.

5. USS Nautilus

Integral to the Submarine Force Museum, the USS Nautilus holds the distinction of being the world’s first operational nuclear submarine, launched in 1954.

This vessel also made history in 1958 by becoming the first submarine to complete a submerged transit of the North Pole, a remarkable achievement made possible by its nuclear propulsion system, allowing it to remain submerged significantly longer than diesel-powered submarines.

The USS Nautilus is recognized as Connecticut’s official state ship and transitioned into a museum in the mid-1980s.

I embarked on a self-guided audio tour through the two forward compartments, experiencing the somewhat surreal sensation of stepping into the confined spaces of the crew’s mess, control room, periscope room, supply area, galley, crew’s quarters, and forward torpedo room.

6. Fort Griswold Battlefield State Park

The largest battle fought in Connecticut during the Revolutionary War occurred on the east bank of the Thames River in 1781.

At the Battle of Groton Heights, a force led by Benedict Arnold set fire to New London and subsequently captured Fort Griswold after intense resistance.

A tragic sequence ensued, where 88 American troops who had surrendered were executed by British forces. The earthworks of the fort remain intact along with a few refurbished structures.

I was particularly impressed by the hot furnace and powder magazine and the Ebenezer Avery House, which provided shelter for the wounded post-battle. This house is accessible for tours on summer weekends.

Meanwhile, the adjacent Monument House Museum provides in-depth information about the battle and its historical context. The granite Groton Monument, an obelisk measuring 128 feet high, commemorates the victims of the massacre—it was erected in 1830.

7. Bluff Point State Park

Bluff Point, located on the eastern side of the Poquonnock estuary, hosts the last substantial tract of undeveloped land along the Connecticut coastline.

This peninsula, enveloped in lush woodland, stretches southward into Long Island Sound for 1.5 miles, covering 800 acres designated as a “Coastal Reserve.” Consequently, access to the park is limited to foot traffic or non-motorized vehicles.

Visitors can hike a trail leading to the park’s namesake bluff. The path traverses through a corridor of trees and opens into a spacious area, ultimately arriving at a wind-swept cliff-top.

This state park is considered a valuable bird-watching destination, with over 200 species of shorebirds, seabirds, and passerine birds having been identified.

Saltwater anglers also frequent Bluff Point, casting their lines for bluefish, sea trout, striped bass, and summer flounder. Additionally, one should inquire about obtaining a permit for clamming; the estuary is notably productive.

8. Mystic River Bascule Bridge

I found the drawbridge connecting the Groton side of Mystic to Stonington along Route 1 incredibly intriguing to observe in operation, largely due to the transparency of its mechanisms.

Visible components include two substantial bull wheels powered by two 635-kg electric motors, along with a pair of massive concrete counterweights situated overhead on a steel framework.

The design of the bridge was patented by New York engineer Thomas E. Brown in 1918, with construction being completed within a two-year timeframe.

The bridge’s unique layout was necessitated by the low elevation of the crossing at high tide, which required the operating mechanism to be positioned above rather than below.

On average, the bridge opens approximately 2,200 times per year. During daylight hours from May 1 to October 31, it typically opens at the 40-minute mark of each hour, with each opening lasting around five minutes.

9. Avery Point Light

The headland at Avery Point, which juts into Long Island Sound, is adorned with several distinguished structures belonging to the University of Connecticut’s Marine Sciences campus.

The Jacobethan Bradford House, dating to the late 19th century, is modeled after the celebrated mansions of Newport.

My stroll along the seafront trail surrounding the point was enjoyable, featuring engaging interpretive boards that impart knowledge about the ecology of Long Island Sound and the Thames River estuary.

At the southern terminus stands Avery Point Light, operational from 1944 until 1967, before falling into disrepair.

The lighthouse was restored and reactivated in 2006, representing the last lighthouse erected in the state for navigational purposes.

Finally, the expansive skies and views over Pine Island and Fishers Island create a captivating atmosphere at sunset.

10. Eastern Point Beach

This quaint beach offers everything one might desire for a day at Long Island Sound. For starters, the surf at Eastern Point Beach is pleasantly calm, thanks to offshore reefs and its location at the mouth of the Thames River adjacent to Avery Point.

It features a stretch of soft sand bordered by grassy areas equipped with play structures for children, as well as volleyball and basketball courts.

From mid-June through early September, lifeguards are present at the beach, which also includes a snack bar.

As is common with public beaches in Connecticut, there is a parking fee that can be quite high for non-residents.

11. Mystic Museum of Art

The Mystic Art Association was established by landscape painter Charles Harold Davis (1856-1933) in 1913. Its founding members comprised various artists who traveled to this coastal village to create artworks.

In 1931, the association founded the Mystic Arts Center, which was later rebranded as the Mystic Museum of Art in 2016.

This museum boasts a modest yet highly esteemed permanent collection, spanning from the early 20th century to contemporary works featuring artists such as Robert Brackman and Henry Ward Ranger.

When compiling this list, the main exhibition featured was “Unfettered: Liberating Creative Expression,” which traced the evolution of abstraction in American art post-WWII, including works by notable artists such as Robert Motherwell (1915-1991).

12. Outer Light Brewing Company

Groton is home to a charming craft brewery located in a trucking depot beside the railroad tracks. A notable aspect of Outer Light is its focus on a core selection of four year-round beers, alongside seasonal and one-off brews.

The main offerings include the Lonesome Boatman Ale, Libation Propaganda Coffee Stout, SUBduction IPA, and Cloudbreak Double IPA.

The family-friendly taproom is open from Wednesday to Sunday, catering to those interested in enjoying a pint, sampling a flight, filling a growler, or purchasing canned beer to-go.

Guests are encouraged to order food from nearby establishments to accompany their beverages; the popular diner, Norm’s, is just a couple of minutes up the road.

13. Haley Farm State Park

Haley Farm State Park encompasses a parcel of farmland tracing back to the Colonial era in the 17th century, located east of Bluff Point.

This land was once owned by John Winthrop the Younger (1606-1676), the first governor of Connecticut.

Subsequent occupants included the Chester family, and I found their headstones amidst the park.

Caleb Haley, who worked the land around the turn of the 20th century, was known for his extensive stone wall constructions. The boundaries he created to delineate pastures, along with the remnants of his homestead, are still visible within the park.

Haley Farm State Park is primarily suited for hiking and cycling. A designated bike trail winds throughout the area as part of a 7.5-mile route connecting Mystic with Groton.

14. Poquonnock River Boardwalk

For a leisurely stroll in Groton, one can traverse a nature-rich boardwalk trail adjacent to the Poquonnock River.

Beginning at Depot Road in the south (not far north of Bluff Point), this path extends just over half a mile to Poquonnock Road.

Although the timber on the boardwalk showed signs of weathering during my visit, it remained in good condition. Benches are strategically placed along the route for contemplation of the river, wetlands, and the avian fauna, including loons, swans, and songbirds.

A children’s playground is located at the southern trailhead, while the walk concludes at a small gazebo. Just a short distance along Poquonnock Road at the north end of the boardwalk is a Dairy Queen, ideal for a post-walk treat.

15. Argia Mystic Cruises

The last commercial sailing vessel in Mystic operates daily throughout the summer, offering four voyages each day: Morning Sail, Noon Sail, Afternoon Sail, and Sunset Sail.

The Argia is a splendid ship measuring 81 feet in length, constructed from Honduran mahogany on white oak frames.

On its welcoming wooden deck, one can appreciate views of Mystic that generations of sailors have experienced. The schooner navigates out into Long Island Sound, exploring the convoluted shorelines of Groton and Stonington while passing by lighthouses and small islands.

Complimentary snacks and lemonade are available during the cruises, and guests are encouraged to bring their own food for a picnic on deck.

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