New London, CT Tourist Attractions
|
|
The old whaling port of New London (pop. 29,000), now the seat of the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, has preserved a number of handsome old 17th, 18th and 19th c. buildings. Other features of interest are Monte Cristo Cottage (home of the playwright Eugene O'Neill), the Lyman Art Museum (dolls' houses) and the Arboretum, on the campus of Connecticut College. Ocean Beach Park is a popular recreation area. From New London there are ferries to Block Island, Fisher Island and Long Island, which attract many visitors. The town of Groton is an important American submarine base. In the Submarine Museum the nuclear submarine "USS Nautilus", the first to pass under the Arctic, lies at anchor.
Shaw Mansion
The Shaw Mansion, built in 1756, was the headquarters for Connecticut's navy during the American Revolution and has served as the home of the New London County Historical Society since 1907. This was once the home of ship owner Capt. Nathaniel Shaw Jr. and was also the Naval Office during the Revolution. Exhibits include rare artifacts from West Indies trade, privateering during the Revolution, and the 19th century whaling industry. Collection features include furniture, portaits, ship portaits, books, newspapers and other documents.
Custom House Maritime Museum
Housed in the longest continuously operating U.S. Custom House, the Robert Mills Museum features displays on American maritime history. It was built by Robert Mills in 1833 in a classic Greek Revival style. The building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
US Coast Guard Academy
Visitors are invited to watch a multimedia presentation on life in the US Coast Guard Academy. The training vessel "Eagle" can be boarded during the afternoon if it is in port. There is also a museum in Waesche Hall with various historical artifacts.
Monte Cristo Cottage
This was the boyhood home of Eugene O'Neill and the setting for his play "Long Day's Journey into Night". On display are some of his personal items and a short presentation on his life.
Ocean Beach Park
Ocean Beach Park, overlooking Long Island Sound, offers an Olympic size swimming pool, mini golf, as well as a board walk with food stalls and a bathhouse with showers.
Connecticut College Arboretum
The Connecticut College Arboretum features 120 acres with a Native Plant Collection and the Caroline Black Garden.
Hempsted Houses
The Hempsted Houses, built in 1678 and 1758, were home to several generations of Hempsteds. On display in the homes are some of the original furnishings.
John Winthrop Jr. Monument
John Winthrop Jr. Monument is a statue of the town's founder, created by Bela Lyon Pratt.
Lyman Allyn Art Museum
On display in the Lyman Allyn Art Museum are American and European art, New England furniture, a toy collection, as well contemporary art by Connecticut artists.
Science Center of Eastern Connecticut (closed)
ATTRACTION IS PERMANENTLY CLOSED.The center offers a variety of interactive science displays. There is also a self guiding nature trail on the grounds.
