Museums To Check Out in Southeastern Connecticut
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Southeastern Connecticut offers an impressive mix of museums that bring the region’s history, art, and culture to life. Whether you’re interested in maritime heritage, local stories, or creative inspiration, there’s something here worth exploring. If you’re planning a visit to the area, adding a few of these museums to your itinerary is an easy way to make your trip more meaningful.
Submarine Force Museum
This unique museum is located in Groton on the Thames River. This museum is home to the world’s finest collection of submarine artifacts and it’s also the home of the USS Nautilus, which was the first nuclear-powered submarine. The museum is operated by the U.S. Navy. It is completely free to visit.
Discover more things to do in town: 10+ Things To Do In Groton, CT
Lyman Allyn Art Museum
The Lyman Allyn Art Museum in New London was established in 1932. The museum was made by a gift from Harriet Allyn in memory of her seafaring father. The museum has a collection of 20,000 pieces from ancient times to present from all over the world.
Discover more things to do in town: Things To Do In New London, Connecticut
Florence Griswold Museum
This stunning historic home in Old Lyme was built in 1817 and it sits on 12 acres of land on the Lieutenant River. You can walk the grounds and tour inside the home. The first floor has rooms you can check out with information boards and upstairs is an art gallery. The grounds feature a separate art gallery in the visitor center, a cafe, and well-maintained garden.
Discover more things to do in town: Things To Do In Old Lyme, Connecticut
Thomas Lee House
The Thomas Lee House in Niantic is right up the road from the entrance to Rocky Neck State Park, but I don’t think many people know its there. Built in 1660, this house is one of the oldest wood frame houses in Connecticut that’s in its primitive state. In addition to the house, there’s a barn on the property that has some great exhibits about Nehantic Indians and Ezra Lee who was the pilot of the Revolutionary War Submarine the Turtle.
Discover more things to do in town: 14 Things To Do In Niantic, Connecticut
Captain Nathaniel B. Palmer House
The Captain Nathaniel B. Palmer House in Stonington was built by two brothers, Captains Nathaniel Brown Palmer and Alexander Smith Palmer. The house was built in 1853 in a Victorian style. The inside of the house features exhibits about Nathaniel’s discovery of Antartica and the brothers’ adventurous lives. While the entire house is gorgeous, my favorite part of touring the house is going up to the cupola where you can enjoy some great water views.
Discover more things to do in town: Things To Do In Stonington Connecticut
Mystic Seaport Museum
The Mystic Seaport Museum in Mystic is one of the largest maritime museums in the world, showcasing the history of America’s seagoing past. Visitors can experience life in a 19th-century coastal community, including interacting with costumed interpreters and exploring historic vessels, such as the Charles W. Morgan, the last surviving wooden whaleship in the world. It’s also located in a beautiful spot along the Mystic River.
Learn more about visiting: Spending The Day At The Mystic Seaport Museum
Connecticut River Museum
The Connecticut River Museum in Essex offers a unique look at the history, culture, and ecology of New England’s longest river. Located right on the waterfront in Essex, it combines interactive exhibits, historic artifacts, and stunning river views. You can also take a ride on the CT RiverQuest from the museum. Whether you’re into maritime history or just want a relaxing day by the water, this museum is a must-visit.
Discover more things to do in town: Things To Do In Essex, Connecticut
Leffingwell House Museum
The Leffingwell House in Norwich started as a two room home in 1675. In 1701, it evolved into a pre-Revolutionary Tavern. By 1776, it became the townhouse of Norwich Patriot Christopher Leffingwell. You’ll learn a lot about Norwich’s history here. The docents are very knowledgeable! My favorite time to visit is during their Christmas in the Colonies event.
Discover more things to do in town: Things To Do In Norwich, Connecticut
Nathan Lester House & Farm Tool Museum
The Nathan Lester House is a historic home you can tour in Gales Ferry. The house was built in 1793. The docents of this house are very knowledge about the details of the house as well as the history. There are also hiking trails on the property that you can explore during your visit.
Discover more historic homes to tour: 13 Historic Houses You Can Tour In Connecticut
Ledyard Up-Down Sawmill
The Ledyard Up-Down Sawmill is a historic water-powered up-down sawmill that you can actually see in action. The sawmill is open seasonally. You can see the saw cut through wood as well as the parts that make the sawmill work underneath. There are also some cool saws on display inside the building. The park where the sawmill is situated is open year-round and it features a pond with a loop trail around it.
Discover more things to do in town: Things To Do And Places To Eat In Ledyard, CT
Gillette Castle State Park
Gillette Castle was once the home of William Gillette, who was known for his portrayal of Sherlock Holmes. You can tour the castle, learn about William Gillette in the Visitor Center, or explore the beautiful grounds. The inside of this castle is so unique featuring so many intricate wood details. It’s also super magical to visit during their Holidays in the Park event in the winter.
Learn more about visiting this park: Gillette Castle State Park
The Stonington Lighthouse Museum
The Lighthouse Museum in Stonington is housed in a lighthouse that has stood at the entrance to the harbor for over 170 years. Today, you can seasonally go inside the lighthouse to enjoy the museum and even climb to the top of the tower and enjoy panoramic views of the shoreline.
Discover more Connecticut lighthouses: 10 Connecticut Lighthouses You Don’t Want To Miss
Avery-Copp House Museum
The Avery-Copp House in Groton was built on the banks of the Thames River. This house tells the story of life in Groton from just after the Revolutionary War through the early 20th century. They have various events throughout the year, with my favorite being the annual holiday open house. Be sure to explore the backyard while you’re there to get some nice views of the Thames River.
Discover more things to do along the Thames River: Things To Do Along The Thames River In Connecticut
Denison Homstead
This historic house in Mystic was built in 1717 and it was home to six generations of Denisons. It’s not often that homes of this age are able to stay in a family for hundreds of years. The house became a museum after the last Denison living in it, Ann Borodel Denison Gates, passed away in 1941. The museum features five distinctly furnished rooms that reflect different periods of American and Denison history.
Discover more things to do in town: Things To Do & Places To Eat In Mystic, CT
Brookside Farm Museum
The Smith-Harris House at the Brookside Farm Museum in Niantic is a beautifully restored Greek Revival farmhouse. The house was built in 1845 and it’s on the National Historic Register. The house museum features mid-19th century life and later through the story of the Avery, Smith, and Harris families. They often have events here during their season and they also have some hiking trails to explore on the property.
Samuel Smith Farmstead
This house in East Lyme is a great example of a simple colonial era farmhouse. The house is unique in that is has been maintained and restored with accuracy to its beginning in 1685. During our first visit, we actually spent hours inside the house learning about the architecture from a very knowledgeable docent. They’re always having events during their season and you can even go there to take your own holiday photos!
Slater Memorial Museum
If you’re interested in art, the Slater Memorial Museum in Norwich is a great spot to visit. This museum is located on Norwich Free Academy’s campus. The museum itself was built in 1885. It has been displaying and interpreting the best examples of fine and decorative art, representing a broad range of world cultures, for over 100 years.
Custom House Maritime Museum
The Custom House Maritime Museum in New London offers a fascinating look at the city’s deep maritime roots. Housed in an 1830s historic building, it features exhibits on lighthouses, shipwrecks, and local seafaring history. It’s a must-visit for anyone interested in Connecticut’s nautical past.
New London County Historical Society
The New London County Historical Society offers a deep dive into the region’s rich maritime and colonial history. Located in the historic Shaw Mansion in New London, it features exhibits, archives, and artifacts that bring the past to life. Whether you’re a history buff or just curious about local heritage, this is a worthwhile stop in downtown New London.
Fort Griswold Battlefield State Park
This park in Groton is great to visit if you’re into war history. The historical park is the site of the largest Revolutionary War battle in Connecticut, the 1781 British massacre of colonial militia. You can walk the grounds and there’s a museum. However, if you’re not into history, it’s still great to visit since it offers great views of the Thames River.
Fort Trumbull State Park
Fort Trumbull has a legacy of service spanning two and a half centuries, from the American Revolution to World War II to the Cold War. It’s definitely worth a visit if you get the chance! There’s a great museum and you can actually go inside the fort as well. You get great views of the surrounding landscape from the top of the fort.
Governor Jonathan Trumbull House
The Governor Jonathan Trumbull House in Lebanon, Connecticut was built in 1735 and served as the home of Connecticut’s Revolutionary War governor, Jonathan Trumbull. During the war, it became a key meeting place for patriot leaders, including George Washington and the Marquis de Lafayette. A visit to this house museum is really like stepping back in time. You can also visit the Wadsworth Stable, which was moved to the property from Hartford in the 1950s.
Jonathan Trumbull Jr. House
If you’re visiting the Governor Jonathan Trumbull House, you should also check out his son’s house, the Jonathan Trumbull Jr. House. It’s very close, just on the other side of the town green. Jonathan Trumbull Jr. served as the first governor of Connecticut after the American Revolution. Built in the 1760s, the house is an excellent example of Colonial architecture and reflects the prominence of the Trumbull family in early American history.
Visiting museums is one of my hobbies, and these all look great. I would start with the Submarine Force Museum, but the ones with special holiday events also would be high on the list.
Such a helpful guide! Southeastern Connecticut has so much history.
We’ve often driven by so many of these when traveling from Boston to New York. I’d love to leave time on our next trip to stop at a number of these historic houses (and lighthouses).
I feel like it’s pretty common for most people to just drive through Connecticut on the way to other destinations. It’s definitely worth taking some time to explore the state! There’s cool stuff tucked around every corner.
Oh, the charm of the place with its museums and historic buildings is so undeniable. Imagine how it is interesting to stroll around the streets and find out new stunning places to observe.