Construction Upgrades Will Close Gillette Castle Until 2023

EAST HADDAM, CT — Construction upgrades will close Gillette Castle until 2023, according to a statement. The $900,000 in improvements will involve restoring the historic overlook adjacent to the castle and includes a new drainage system and railings for visitors to safely view the Connecticut River from this location.

The castle interior will be closed during the upcoming winter holidays and into the spring, but several holiday events are scheduled thanks to the partnership with the Friends of Gillette Castle State Park.

The visitor center and park grounds will remain open. The Friends of Gillette Castle State Park will decorate the visitor center and its grounds as well as Grand Central Station, part of the three-mile-long narrow-gauge railroad on the property, with holiday décor.

Musical performances and other outdoor activities will be taking place on Saturdays and Sundays, between Thanksgiving and Christmas. For details, visit the Friends of Gillette Castle State Park website.

The $900,000 reconstruction project is part of a commitment by Gov. Ned Lamont's administration to address a backlog of needed infrastructure improvements across the state park system.

The adopted state budget includes $51.5 million ($21.5 million of American Rescue Plan Act funds as well as $30 million of bond fund authorization) to support important investments like these.