Gillette Castle at Gillette Castle State Park in East Haddam, Conn., is a sight to behold. Truly one of New England’s most offbeat, fascinating travel attractions, tours for a nominal fee restart for the season Memorial Day Weekend and last through Columbus Day Weekend.

Twenty men built this stone medieval fortress between 1914 and 1919 for William Hooker Gillette (1853-1936), a famous actor, director and playright, best known for his portrayal of Sherlock Holmes. Now operated by the State of Connecticut and open to the public, you’ll come across 24 rooms, 47 doors (each one different), white oak woodwork and carvings, stone stairways, built-in couches, a movable table on tracks, an inside porch fountain and spectacular views from above of the Connecticut River.

Although tours of the castle are seasonal, Gillette Castle State Park is open-year round, weather. There are no fees for parking or visiting the park grounds that feature hiking, picnicking and river camping opportunities. You can read more on this amazing Connecticut travel attraction by logging onto our Gillette Castle article at  main VisitingNewEngland.com site. Check out the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection Web Site for more info on Gillette Castle.

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Want to book a room near Gillette Castle?  We recommend staying in Old Saybrook, Conn., about a 20 minute drive.

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