Gillette Castle State Park
Explore Tours
Each year, a whopping 300,000 visitors flock to enigmatic William Gillette’s inspired mansion perched high above the Connecticut River to immerse themselves in history, architecture, and nature. Tour the modern medieval stone castle, hike the wooded grounds along the former bed of a miniature train, revel in the spectacular river views, or pitch a tent in one of the few river camping spots in Connecticut, and discover why so many are drawn to the stunning park.
Built in 1914 by William Hooker Gillette, the actor, director, and playwright most famous for his portrayal of Sherlock Holmes, the ornate, 14,000-square-foot stone fortress sits 200 feet over the Connecticut River atop the most southerly hill in a chain known as the Seven Sisters and is surrounded by 184-acres of gorgeous Connecticut woodlands. After his passing, the State of Connecticut purchased the castle and adjoining acreage to create a state park.
William Gillette gave specific directions in his will that the property did not fall into the hands “of some blithering saphead who has no conception of where he is or with what surrounded.”
