Wow- Molly gave us the best tour of this house that really brings you back in time. It's a great…read morething to do if you are in the area.

This famous house museum is a must see in the area. Wonderful reenactments, a view of the harbor,…read moreand a house that feels like it was left untouched after the original owners left it. Because it is a "living" house museum, everything looks like it was recently used which makes the place really come alive. The staff here are dedicated to their work and it adds the finishing touches on an already incredible experience. Fun fact - did you know there were over 10 different types of spoons used at a typical dinner service?

I was visiting family in CT and they wanted to bring me here. Upon entrance, staff were very…read morefriendly and helpful with schedules and must sees. I immediately noticed a newfoundland safety rescue presentation and couldn't miss it. There were at least 10 dogs set up for various rescue scenes. It was interactive for children and a sight for dog lovers. Pets and slobber came free. The village experience was interesting, the ship tour and interactive chant/rope pull was also fun to watch. Food was delectable even if water just couldn't stay cold in the heat. We missed the boat ride by a couple minutes so caught the newfoundland show again (not the least bit mad). I'm a little old for a late night Lego movie, but the set up would be perfect for children! I can't wait to go back with the younger kids in our family.

Dear Yelp, Haven't…read morevisited here since I was a kid. Came here for the day, had no clue it was the wooden boat show weekend. $40 for adult tickets, $25 kids under 12. While the ticket prices are steep, everything is preserved amazingly well. We spent two hours there and could have definitely spent more if it wasn't so humid. Would love to return if ever in the area again. Love, Nicole

I had a great experience at the Mashantucket Pequot Museum & Research Center. The museum does an…read moreexcellent job presenting the history and culture of the Pequot people through detailed exhibits, artifacts, couple of films, and interactive displays. I especially enjoyed learning about the region's Native American history and how thoughtfully the exhibits were organized. I will say that I did find myself walking through some parts more than once - it could just be me not being able to find my way around easily, but I didn't find it easy or intuitive to navigate. The Pequot village was definitely my favorite part. Walking through the recreated village felt immersive and realistic, and it really brought the history to life in a meaningful way - especially listening to the audio guide. The attention to detail made it easy to imagine what daily life may have been like centuries ago. Overall, it was an educational and memorable visit -- 4 out of 5 stars!

Always learning something new at the MPMRC! Came in for "The Art of Storytelling" which was a great…read moreexperience with one of the amazing educators as she told two stories at the gathering place. Once finished had plenty of time to view the exhibits, watch the educational movies and explore the museum in its entirety. If you are ever in the area, ensure to stop in for a visit!

Mrs. K. and I were not interested in actually going inside the museum or in climbing to the top of…read morethis lighthouse. But wow, we were very interested in seeing, walking around it, enjoying the view of the Sound that you can see from here. This structure was built in 1840 to replace an earlier one from 1823 that succumbed to shoreline erosion, it was crafted from large granite blocks, some salvaged from its predecessor. The tower itself is octagonal and 35 feet tall, attached to a 1 1/2 story keeper's house. Initially lit by an oil lamp and eight parabolic reflectors, it was upgraded to a sixth-order Fresnel lens in 1856 - a leap forward in lighthouse technology. But by 1889, its light was extinguished, replaced by newer beacons on the harbor breakwaters. Its second life began in 1925, when the Stonington Historical Society purchased it for $3,650 and transformed it into what's believed to be the nation's first lighthouse museum. Since then, it's become a repository of local maritime and agricultural history, with exhibits ranging from sea captains' treasures to artifacts from the British bombardment of 1814, including a cannonball embedded in a hearthstone and a rare Congreve rocket. The museum doesn't have its own parking lot but you can park nearby if it's not too busy. Stonington Point and the Dubois Beach have a small lot and it's nice there. If you're passing by on I-95, this is only 20 minutes off the highway. Take the time to detour and check this out. Even if it's not season and the museum is closed, walking around is free. [Review 1071 of 2025 - 124 in Connecticut - 24625 overall]

Very nice small, local museum. Exhibits are varied. War, slavery, whaling, local life. Three rooms…read moreon ground floor, one small upper space that is under renovation and the tower. During our visit the fresnel lens was in a crate on the 2nd level. The staircase to the light housing is narrow and two-way. The ladder to the top is sturdy but takes a bit of maneuvering to get on the platform. Area holds ~ four people and is quite warm. The one employee answered our many questions. They offer senior, first responder and veteran discounts on entry. The museum is air conditioned. A good stop while in the area.

We were a group of four. One person was mid-tour when we arrived. As there is only one docent, she…read morebegan the tour over. We were 3/4 way through our first floor tour when another party arrived. Instead of adding them to the tour, and then covering what they missed, she asked them to wait. The living room is beautiful. Plaster work, beautifully hand painted walls (by a modern artist), elegant furnishings. Photos of the home pre-restoration are showed and discussed in this room. So much work has been done! There are also photos of the family and you learn a bit about them here. We also had the opportunity to ask questions about the home and family. Through this Q&A we discovered in what types of 'shipping' the family were involved. The dining room table displays a variety of period china. The fireplaces on this floor are marble. The dining room light fixture is very interesting, and although not original fits very well and makes a statement. Sadly, the kitchen is not restored for guests to view. There is however a butlers pantry in the dining room displaying more serve ware. An Antarctic research station is named after Captain Palmer and a live feed is shown in the next room as well as several ship models including the one Capt. Palmer was on when he discovered the continent. Information on the gentleman who created these models is also presented. There is a variety of information in this room about Capt. Palmers Antarctic discovery and one of his shipping trades: seal pelts. The short hallway between dining room and this include other items of trade such as Palmer tea and jade. The upper floors are self toured and there are three of them. Stair cases narrow as you ascend. The highest point is a small cupola surrounded by windows with a small bench seat that fits about three. There was a nice breeze with the windows open and long views. The two floors between include bedrooms, 'toilet' rooms, children's play room, fire alarm display, sewing room, office space and storage. Plenty of old furnishings, linens, toys etc. I particularly love the sewing box. Beautiful, intricate work. The price for the two locations is very reasonable and if you have time, are looking for an air conditioned space, love history/architecture/home décor, then this is going to be a nice stop. Free parking is available at the side of the house. Enter at the grand front door. A gift shop is located just inside to the left of the entrance. A restored ice house, storage and out houses are behind the home. I saw no public facilities (but didn't ask). There is a fair amount of land with the home including a small pathway with bench seating along the water on the other side of parking. In July there were plenty of mosquitos. Picnic tables are located behind the research library next to parking. Tickets may be purchased on line through their website as well as at the Stonington light house museum. Stonington residents and historical society member admission is free. Military, senior and first responder discounts are available. July and August the museum is open daily 10am - 4pm. The rest of the year hours are limited - check the website for information.

We visited after being informed that our Stonington lighthouse entrance fee also included entrance…read morehere. It's right down the street Who was Captain Nathaniel B. Palmer? He was credited with discovering Antarctica (whilst hunting for seals) in 1820 at the young age of 21 with a minimal crew. He grew rich and built a stately home in his birthplace of Stonington, CT. After his brothers wife died, Nathaniel and his wife (who were childless) shared the home with his widowed brother and his 4 children. It was great to learn the history of this family and home, feeling transported to another time and imaging what it must have been like. I want to know more. Beautiful furnishings, interesting history and a beautiful setting. Parking is free and plentiful and the grounds are serene and quiet. A great way to spend an hour or so in this quaint town.

I am a little surprised this place has so few reviews, as I was looking forward to coming and even…read morebought tickets in advance. It is down a long quiet street on some farmland, but it's worth seeing this house for this Revolutionary War spy. So yeah, it was empty, and we got a private tour, which was great as our tour guide Rachel was very knowledgeable. Technically the Hale house was completed after his death, but it still has some of Nathan's belongings and some good history about the war and his family. He may have only had one life to give his country, but he left his mark on American history, and it's a well-preserved house that's worth visiting.

There is a lot to see and the people there are very nice and I learned a lot while I was there.read more

NLMSCHM (whew!) is a quaint little building located in downtown New London along the water. Anyone…read morevisiting from out of town should stop by to get a feel for the rich nautical history of New London. The exhibits are executed well and there is a lot to see in such a little space. Plus, they also have events every so often featuring speakers that have a vast knowledge of New London as well as the ships that have passed through their waters.

If you have time to listen to stories, Bill is your guy. Extremely enlightening and entertaining…read morebut seriously, don't interrupt....grab a bench and LISTEN. Plenty of museum landscapes, diving gear, library, Amistad exhibit (and ship was docked here this week instead of New Haven), and plenty of natural light photos "David Zapatka". If you ever had a question about lighthouse beacons, this is your place! Near Amtrak and Ferry service. Consider touring USCG Academy Museum also. Excellent tourist info of area and surrounding lighthouses they OWN. We grabbed a CrpssSoundFerry to Orient Point the next day to catch a few more.( Lighthouse tour not on Thur after Labor Day.)Then we drove to Stonington Lighthouse museum next day! Also caught Mystic Aquarium to find NEMO! Thanks for a great afternoon.

Located on Main Street in the Willimantic Arts and Eats District, the Windham Textile and History…read moreMuseum is a hub of activity, culture, and has a rich and diverse history that is an important part of the town of Willimantic, CT. The gift store features original art of all kinds from area artists and beyond. You can find unique gifts including those that focus on the frog culture of our city. You'll see lots of frogs in town including four 2-ton ones on top of spools of thread at the Thread City Crossing Bridge nearby. You can tour the museum, the factory next door, and even see the library where people who worked at the museum were tutored in English and life skills. You can come with children, too, as the museum is very doable in a couple of hours or more should you wish to stay longer. In nicer weather, you can have a picnic across the street at the part and even take a walk on the Garden on the Bridge which is very nearby. There is a Farmer's Market nearby during the May through October growing season as well as other fine eateries that reflect the uniqueness of the Town of Willimantic. Exhibits at the museum are ever-changing. A dedicated troop of volunteers keep the place up and running. Look to the museum for cultural events, interesting exhibits, and memorabilia from days and cultures through the years.