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Groton Bank Walking Tour

Date: Sunday, October 25, 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM

Meet the Whaling Captains, Shipbuilders and People of Influence who made their homes on the Groton Bank of the Thames River. Tour the community where they lived and prospered; hear the stories of the achievements that made them legends in their times.

Please Note: This tour will begin and end at Fort Griswold. The streets of Groton Bank are steep and require some challenging climbs.

Hosted by: Thames River Heritage Park Foundation
Tickets: $25; must be purchased in advanced due to limited spaces available
Parking: is available on both Monument Street and Park Avenue at Fort Griswold.

Ghosts of Groton Bank

Date: Saturday, October 24, 2026
Time: 6:00 PM and 6:30 PM

The chill in the air means Halloween is approaching. Tour the Avery-Copp House Museum and explore some history of the macabre. Discover the origins of Halloween traditions, then visit our parlor all set for a Victorian funeral. Our guide will take you for a stroll on Thames Street, telling haunted tales of the neighborhood along the way.

Notes: Street component is approximately ½ mile on city sidewalks. There are stairs to enter the museum.

Hosted by: Avery-Copp House Museum
Tickets: General Admission – $20, ACH Members – $15. Reservations are required. For tickets call 860-445-1637, email [email protected] or visit averycopphouse.org/events-new/
Parking: is across the street at Puffins Restaurant 169 Thames St, Groton, CT 06340

Mamacoke Island Hike

Date: Sunday, October 18, 2026
Time: 9:30 am – 11:30 am

Explore the cultural and natural history of Mamacoke Island and the surrounding landscape. The rocky, wooded, 40-acre island is actually a peninsula that juts out into the Thames River. It is connected to the mainland by a 4-acre tidal salt marsh. The shoreline area is known to have been a settlement site by Indigenous people going back 5,000 years and the salt marsh was farmed during the first years of colonial times in New London. Now a natural area within the Connecticut College Arboretum, the tidal and upland areas are designated as an Important Bird Area by the National Audubon Society.

Please Note: This will be a rugged 2-mile walk along a trail on uneven terrain; participants should dress in long pants and wear appropriate shoes. No facilities at site. Meet and park at the east end of Benham Avenue, Waterford/ Quaker Hill, just before railroad tracks.

Hosted by: Connecticut Sea Grant and led by Maggie Redfern, Director of the Connecticut College Arboretum
Tickets: $25; must be purchased in advanced due to limited spaces available
Parking: 56 Benham Ave, Quaker Hill, CT 06375-1702

Mamacoke Island Hike Sponsor:

Norwich Harbor Glow Cruise – Rescheduled

RESCHEDULED Date: Sunday, October 4, 2026
Time: 2:45-8pm
Departure Location: City Pier, New London

Experience the Thames River like never before aboard the Park’s first annual Norwich Harbor Glow Cruise. You’ll head north to Norwich with a narrated, guided river tour on the way to the free, family-friendly community event held at the Marina at American Wharf. Guests can enjoy the festival from 4-6PM and cruise back to New London while enjoying the sunset! This cruise was postponed from Sunday, September 27 due to poor weather conditions.

Itinerary:
Depart New London at 2:45pm
Get to Norwich at 3:45pm
Harbor Glow Event: 4-7pm
Depart Norwich at 7pm
Get to New London at 8pm

Guests of all ages are welcome on this excursion. Pack a cooler with your favorite beverages and snacks, grab your people and cruise! Questions? Contact Us: (860) 407-565

Ride & Save Program in Norwich:

Ticket holders for the cruise can take advantage of these exclusive deals at local businesses. All you have to do is show your receipt at checkout! Learn more on our website.

Strange Brew Pub
86 Water St, Norwich
10% credit or $1 cash off your first order

Traviezo
1 Market Street, Norwich
Free dessert with any entree

The Briar Patch
48 Franklin St, Norwich
10% off any in-store item

Black Heritage Along the Thames: The Half That’s Never Been Told

Date: June-September
Departure Time: TBD
Departure Location: Fort Trumbull State Park, New London

New London’s 400-year history reflects the broader American story, yet many contributions of its Black community have long been overlooked. This tour highlights those stories of struggle, resilience, abolition, education, and community, honoring and learning about those who fought for equality and inspiring us to continue their work to deliver the promise of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness for all. Led by local historians Nicole Thomas and Tom Schuch.

View Upcoming Cruises & Walking Tours in October 2026!

Mamacoke Island Hike Sponsor:

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