Discover the Park: May 9, 2026 at Fort Trumbull State Park

Historical Tours

Full Schedule to Resume in Summer 2026

In Our Nation’s Defense.
Military Stories on the Thames

Nautilus Dock | Submarine Force Museum, Groton

From the Revolution to modern Submarine Warfare, the Thames River has played an important role in our nation’s defense. Join us on a tour which includes local history from the Revolution, the War of 1812, World Wars I and II and the development of the Modern Submarine. Cruise by the Coast Guard Academy and Submarine Base New London while we regale you with tales of our contributions to our nation’s military history.

This boat tour departs from the Nautilus Dock at the Submarine Force Museum in Groton, CT

Mohegan Life on the Massapequatuck (Thames).
Origins of the Mohegans

Nautilus Dock | Submarine Force Museum, Groton

Hop aboard the Thames River Heritage Park's open-air, navy utility boat and cruise down the Thames to view the shoreline and river area of the Mohegan Tribe, narrated by a knowledgeable tribal member as your guide. This tour will head north up the Thames, past the Submarine Base and into the quiet estuary the Mohegan tribe calls home.

This boat tour departs from the Nautilus Dock at the Submarine Force Museum in Groton, CT

Discover the Thames

Fort Trumbull State Park, New London

Travel along both sides of the Thames to its mouth on Long Island Sound and to the Coast Guard Academy. Along the way, you’ll get an introduction to the people, places, and events which shaped the region. Learn about other heritage sites you can visit in Groton and New London and hear fascinating stories about the communities of Thames River Heritage Park.

This boat tour departs from Fort Trumbull State Park in New London, CT.

Well-Heeled and Wannabees.
The Gilded Age on the Thames

Fort Trumbull State Park, New London

View the summer cottages, elegant homes and estates of the well-to-do while you hear stories of the wealthy vacationers who enjoyed the Thames River during the Gilded Age. Like famed artist and glassmaker Louis Comfort Tiffany and Fredrick Law Olmsted, designer of New York City's Central Park.

This boat tour departs from Fort Trumbull State Park in New London, CT.

White Sails, Black Hands.
African American Experience on CT Waters

Fort Trumbull State Park, New London

In collaboration with the Hempsted Houses, CT Landmarks, embark on an adventure on the Thames to hear untold stories of important black figures from the region.

Beginning in 1639 when the first enslaved person arrived in Connecticut, the number of persons of color steadily increased in New London County. Every town in New London County had a significant percentage of African Americans and people of mixed race living and working in them, however, their stories are not always told. This tour will explore the stories of a fugitive slave, Black Revolutionary Patriots, Black Governors and Whalers, the Amistad and more.

This boat tour departs from Fort Trumbull State Park in New London, CT.

Captivating Books and Stories
Inspired by Sites along the Thames River

Fort Trumbull State Park, New London

In collaboration with the Hempsted Houses and CT Landmarks, cruise along the Thames River and hear about sites that sparked authors' imaginations to write their own stories.

Explore books that tell the tales of the people and events that inspired them like the Diary of Joshua Hempsted; Jordan Freedman Was My Friend; Morton F. Plant and the Connecticut Shoreline and Ice Diaries and more. As these authors attest by their writing, the Thames truly is one river with a thousand stories. Beginning in 1639 when the first enslaved person arrived in Connecticut, the number of persons of color steadily increased in New London County. Every town in New London County had a significant percentage of African Americans and people of mixed race living and working in them, however, their stories are not always told. This tour will explore the stories of a fugitive slave, Black Revolutionary Patriots, Black Governors and Whalers, the Amistad and more.

This boat tour departs from Fort Trumbull State Park in New London, CT.

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