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Seasonal & Holidays

Hello, Spring! 8 Things To Do Around Haddams-Killingworth

From a brand partner: A fresh season brings new reasons to get outside and discover what our community has to offer.

Spring offers plenty of reasons to get out and explore what Haddams-Killingworth has to offer, and this guide is a good place to start.
Spring offers plenty of reasons to get out and explore what Haddams-Killingworth has to offer, and this guide is a good place to start. (Shutterstock)

Spring is here β€” and it’s the perfect time to get out, explore and reconnect with your community. Across the Haddams-Killingworth area, seasonal events, outdoor spots and local favorites offer plenty of ways to enjoy the energy of a new season.

To help you get started, we’ve rounded up some great ways to make the most of spring. Before heading out, check with each location directly for current hours, availability, and any ticketing or reservation details.


1. Gillette Castle
πŸ“ 67 River Rd, East Haddam, CT 06423
Experience the 14,000-square-foot stone fortress at Gillette Castle State Park, which towers 200 feet above the Connecticut River. Tour the 24-room mansion, built in 1914 by William Hooker Gillette (the actor famous for portraying Sherlock Holmes), to see its hand-carved woodwork and unique stone architecture.

Find out what's happening in The Haddams-Killingworthfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

πŸ”— More info: ctparks.com/parks/gillette-castle-state-park


2. Ray of Light Farm
πŸ“ 232 Town St, East Haddam, CT 06423
Experience the connection between humans and animals at Ray of Light Farm, a non-profit rescue and therapy center, where visitors can bond with over 20 animal species, including horses and donkeys, through interactive educational programs.

Find out what's happening in The Haddams-Killingworthfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

πŸ”— More info: rayoflightfarm.org


3. Wolf’s Den Family Campground
πŸ“ 256 Town St., East Haddam, CT 06423
Bring your family on an outdoor adventure at Wolf's Den Family Campground, a 35-acre retreat in the heart of East Haddam. Enjoy amenities from rounds of mini-golf to afternoons fishing or swimming.

πŸ”— More info: wolfsdencampground.com


4. Essex Steam Train & Riverboat
πŸ“ 1 Railroad Ave., Essex, CT 06426
Combine a vintage rail excursion from the 1892 train station with a cruise aboard the Becky Thatcher riverboat for an unforgettable outing for visitors of all ages.

πŸ”— More info: essexsteamtrain.com


5. Parmelee Farm
πŸ“ 465 CT-81, Killingworth, CT 06419
Wander through the extensive network of trails and community gardens, open from dawn to dusk for walking, cross-country skiing, and quiet reflection in the heart of the Connecticut countryside.

πŸ”— More info: parmeleefarm.org


6. Goodspeed Opera House
πŸ“ 6 Main St., East Haddam, CT 06423
This well-known musical theater offers an up-close experience with both classic revivals and new shows in a beautifully restored Victorian building. Guests can also enjoy impressive river views from the balconies and relax at the riverside bar.

πŸ”— More info: goodspeed.org/


7. Chapman Pond Preserve
πŸ“ 187 River Rd, East Haddam, CT 06423
Venture into the Chapman Pond preserve to see a vibrant ecosystem, where you can spot wintering bald eagles, river otters, and red foxes in this peaceful sanctuary designed for nature watching.

πŸ”— More info: nature.org/en-us/get-involved/how-to-help/places-we-protect/chapman-pond-preserve/


8. Devil's Hopyard State Park
πŸ“ 366 Hopyard Rd, East Haddam, CT 06423
Enjoy the outdoors at Devil’s Hopyard State Park, a 1,000-acre woodland getaway. Hike the trail to see the 60-foot Chapman Falls, try fly-fishing for trout in the Eightmile River, or check out the mysterious "pothole" stone formations that have inspired local legends for years.

πŸ”— More info: ctparks.com/parks/devils-hopyard-state-park


Here’s to getting outside, exploring local spots and making the most of the season!

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This post is sponsored and contributed by Patch In Town, a Patch Brand Partner.