This Underrated East Coast State Park Boasts A Stunning European Style Castle

There is a range of hills in East Haddam, Connecticut known collectively as the Seven Sisters. Atop the southern most promontory sits a sight that is arguably more reminiscent of the Scottish Highlands than an underrated Connecticut state park. Gillette Castle, part of the appropriately named Gillette Castle State Park, is a breathtaking European-style castle that served as the retirement home of one of the most prolific and successful American actors of the 20th century.

William Hooker Gillette became famous throughout the world for being the first actor to portray Sherlock Holmes on stage and screen. He can be credited with inventing some of the most famous aspects of the character, including the deerstalker cap, pipe, and the phrase "Elementary, my dear Watson." Gillette's massive success provided him the necessary funds to build his dream estate. He called it the "Seventh Sister" after the hills surrounding it, and lived there from its completion in 1924 to his death in 1937.

The State of Connecticut acquired the castle and surrounding acreage in 1943, transforming the property into a state park with campsites and trails, while also maintaining the castle as a museum for public enjoyment. Located just 30 minutes south of Hartford, Connecticut's capital and home to one of New England's most convenient airports, Gillette Castle State Park is one of the most fascinating experiences you can have in the Nutmeg State.

The highlight of any visit to Gillette Castle State Park is the iconic structure itself. As you make your way down the winding driveway through thick woods, the castle reveals itself as a mass of stone that fits right in with all the other enchanted castles around the world. Outside you'll be treated to expansive views of the Connecticut River and surrounding countryside. Designed by William Gillette himself, the home showcases his unique personal style and contains several early 20th century innovations.

The interior of the castle really shows these things off. Visitors are treated to historic Quetzal Globe and Tiffany and Co. light fixtures throughout the house, which bounce off the red tile and grass stone floors and walls to provide a unique hue. Gillette himself designed the wooden locking mechanisms for the estates 47 doors, all made out of southern oak. Even the light switches are made to resemble backstage operating levers. Numerous other personal touches, such as a vibrant stained glass windows, hand-built dining room furniture, and hide-away liquor cabinets can be found throughout the house.

While the grounds and trails are free to the public, those looking to visit the castle will need to book tickets in advance. Tours are limited to 18 people at a time, and every 15 minutes throughout the day from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This is a popular destination, so walk-ins are not generally recommended.

While the castle itself might be the highlight of any trip to this state park, you can hardly miss out on opportunities to explore the rest of the 184-acre estate. Completely free and open to the public from Memorial Day through Labor Day, there are several miles of trails that crisscross their way through the park. One of the most notable is the 1.4 mile "Train Trail." This follows along an old, quarter scale, working railroad that Gillette had built on his estate. It passes through most of the woods, and even takes you through some tunnels the famous actor had built for his fictitious "Seventh Sister Railroad."

Another notable trail is the steep and rocky River Trail, which leads down to the banks of the Connecticut River. At the base of the trail, you can see the remains of Gillette's old houseboat, the Aunt Polly. 

For those who want to add an additional layer of adventure to their visit to Gillette Castle State park, they would do well to reserve the park's one and only campsite. Located on the bank of the river, the site is only accessible via canoe or kayak, making it ideal for campers traveling by water. It's a primitive site with no amenities, save for a fire pit and pit toilets. A far cry from the luxury found in the castle above, but still awesome for anyone looking for a one-of-a-kind experience at this one-of-a-kind state park.