Fort Trumbull State Park

New London, CT

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. Along with serving as a federal military facility, the fort played a pivotal role in the country’s coastal defense system and as the original site of the U.S. Coast Guard. Visit the park for an interactive history, explore the massive granite fort and its ramparts for a view of the Thames River and Harbor, walk along the riverfront boardwalk, or fish the waters of Long Island Sound from our one-of-a-kind fishing pier. Pro tip: In the warmer months, take a ride on the Thames River Heritage Park water taxi for one of our favorite ways to discover the park!

History
Originally built in 1777 to protect the New London Harbor from British attack, the first masonry structure was destroyed after Benedict Arnold successfully raided the fort and the British burned New London to the ground.

Views from the Park

Kids bike riding outside path of Fort Trumbull State Park

Statue of soldiers with cannon at Fort Trumbull (Flickr)

Inside the walls of Fort Trumbull (Flickr)

Snow owl at Fort Trumbull (Instagram@CTStateParks)

Reenactment of battle at Fort Trumbull (Instagram@the_8th_cv)

Location

90 Walbach St.
New London, CT 06320

Get Directions

Details

Park Grounds
Open Daily (8:00 a.m - Sunset)

Visitor Center
Wed - Sun (9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.) Memorial Day to Labor Day. Last ticket sold at 4:15 p.m.

Visitor Center Museum
Wed – Sun (9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.) Memorial Day to Labor Day

Fort
Wed – Sun (9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.) Late June to Labor Day, Weekends only Memorial Day to Late June

Park Maps

Contact

Main (860) 444-7591

Activities

Boating

Fishing

Spectacular fishing opportunities abound with a one-of-a-kind fishing pier boasting over 500' of shore-based access to the major game fish of Long Island Sound. Saltwater anglers will find a unique combination of sport fish as they feed on the variety of bait fish found at the mouth of the Thames River. In addition to 24-hour access, the pier offers bright lighting and individual pole holders for angler comfort.

Types of fish: Bluefish, striped bass, summer flounder, hickory shad, scup, tautog, winter flounder, and weakfish.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

Anglers must be in in possession of fishing gear and license when fishing.
Fishing Information

Hiking

Riverfront Walk of Historic Sites

1.3-mile paved loop and boardwalk
Level of difficulty: Easy
Take in the many beautiful vantage points of the Thames River and the fort with a leisurely path around the park, including a 500-foot fishing pier.

Know Before You Go

Park Map

Historic

The Fort and Museum

Built from 1839 - 1852, the fortification is part of the Third System of Fortifications, a group of forty-two forts constructed to defend the U.S. coastline and harbors. Unique in the "Third System" because of the Egyptian Revival features incorporated in the architectural design, it’s a masterpiece of stonework and masonry, exemplifying its era.

The fort contains informative markers and displays, a touchable cannon and artillery crew display, and gun emplacements. The interior features 19th century restored living quarters, a mock laboratory, and a 1950's era office furnished to resemble a research and development lab at the facility. Don’t miss the ramparts for a spectacular view of the New London Harbor!

Interactive Exhibits

This one-of-a-kind visitor center museum depicts over 225 years of military history and technological advances from the Revolutionary War to the Cold War. Three-dimentional models, touch screen exhibits, extensive graphics, and text panels bring to life the September 6, 1781 attack by the British under the command of Benedict Arnold, the U-boat menace during World War II, the anti-submarine efforts during the Cold War, and more.