Audio tour Thames River Heritage Park

Welcome to the Thames River Heritage Park - a new kind of state park. One without boundaries. The Thames River Heritage Park is a collection of almost 20 national and historic sites along the shores of the Thames River - linked by a water taxi - that tell the stories that shaped our nation over the past 400 years.  If you haven't already gotten on board the water taxi you won't want to miss it.

In the Park you’ll be transported to the spot where in 1781 traitor Benedict Arnold’s men stormed Fort Griswold in Groton, a massacre commemorated with the nation’s first obelisk, built before Bunker Hill. Cross the River to the Custom House Maritime Museum in New London where you’ll learn about the 1839 mutiny of African captives aboard the schooner La Amistad, a story immortalized in a Steven Spielberg movie. Or visit the 1678 Hempsted Houses to see where a widowed father of nine children managed to find time to chronicle daily life in a diary that is now used worldwide as a primary source on Colonial America.

You can visit the sites in any order and start at any heritage site or water taxi landing. This tour starts in New London’s Historic Waterfront District. If you start at Fort Trumbull State Park just skip to that site. If you start in Groton just skip ahead to the Historic Groton Bank to start your tour. We’ve got 400 years to cover so let’s get started.

Note that site #s may differ slightly from the 2018 guide

Getting to the Thames River Heritage Park

Located conveniently off I-95, the Park has three water taxi entry points. You may board the water taxi wherever it’s most convenient. Click here for more detailed directions on our website.

By Car

Thames River Landing and Parking, Groton
City Pier Landing and Parking, New London
Fort Trumbull Landing and Parking, New London

Thames River Landing
301 Thames St., Groton

Thames River Landing Parking
2 Latham St., Groton

City Pier Landing, New London

From I-95 South
Take Exit 84S for CT toward Norwich/New London Waterfront District. Keep left at the fork and follow signs for Downtown New London. Continue straight onto Eugene O’Neill Dr. Turn left onto State St. Continue straight through the light. City Pier is located directly behind Union Train Station. Find Parking information here.

From I-95 North
Take exit 83 toward CT-32 N/Norwich/Downtown/New London. Merge onto I-95 Frontage Rd. Continue onto Huntington St. Turn left onto State St. Turn right onto S Water St. Continue straight through the light, the City Pier will be on the left. It is located directly behind Union Train Station.

City Pier Landing Parking
160 Water Street Garage, New London

NOTE: This city parking garage is approximately 2 blocks from the water taxi location. There is also parking along the street; however it can be difficult to find a location open during busy weekend evenings.

Municipal Parking Lot, 1-11 Eugene O’Neill Dr., New London

Fort Trumbull Landing, New London

Fort Trumbull Landing Parking, New London
There is free parking at the fort.

By Ferry
The Cross Sound Ferry runs rides from Orient Point, New York to New London. Ferries also run from New London to Block Island, Rhode Island and Fisher’s Island, New York.

By Train
Union Station in New London is located on the waterfront, steps away from the City Pier Water Taxi Landing.