Groton, CT

• What is the USS Nautilus?
  • The USS Nautilus is a historic submarine that holds the honor of being the first submarine in the world to make an entirely submerged journey to the North Pole.
• Where is the USS Nautilus located?
  • The submarine is found in the Submarine Force Museum, the only such museum run by the U.S. Navy.
• Can visitors tour the USS Nautilus?
  • Yes, visitors to the museum have the exciting opportunity to go on board the submarine and explore its fascinating history.
• What can visitors see at the museum?
  • The museum features a series of exhibitions containing various photos, documents, and historical artifacts related to the USS Nautilus.
• How long does a tour of the USS Nautilus take?
  • Touring the submarine takes approximately half an hour.
• Are self-guided tours available?
  • Yes, self-guided audio tours can be borrowed from the front desk for an enhanced visitor experience.

1 Crystal Lake Rd, Groton, CT 06340, Phone: 800-343-0079

• What is the Submarine Force Museum?
  • The Submarine Force Museum is best known as the home of the USS Nautilus, but it also houses tens of thousands of historical artifacts, documents, and photographs related to the history of submarines and the U.S. Navy.
• What kind of exhibits does the museum have?
  • The museum features a vast collection of historical artifacts, documents, and photographs, which offer insight into the history of submarines.
• Are the exhibits permanent?
  • No, because of the sheer number of artifacts owned by the museum, the displays are rotated regularly, so repeat visitors will always find something new to explore.
• Does the museum have any theaters?
  • Yes, the museum has two small theaters that play informative videos on a continuous loop for visitors.
• When is the museum open?
  • The museum is open every day except Tuesdays and select holidays.
• Is there an admission fee?
  • No, admission and parking are completely free for all visitors.

1 Crystal Lake Rd, Groton, CT 06340, Phone: 800-343-0079

What to do if you are traveling with kids:

• Where is Bluff Point State Park located?
  • Located on a beautiful peninsula along Long Island Sound, Bluff Point State Park is one of the largest undeveloped areas along the Connecticut coast.
• How large is the park?
  • The park spans more than 800 acres of diverse terrain, including cliffs, wetlands, and forest.
• What activities can visitors enjoy?
  • Visitors can explore hiking and biking trails that weave through the park’s stunning landscape.
• Is the park home to wildlife?
  • Yes, the area is a true wildlife haven. More than 200 bird species have been spotted here, along with a wide range of mammals and fish.
• Is fishing allowed in the park?
  • Yes, both shell fishing and saltwater fishing are permitted, though a permit is required for shell fishing.

1 Depot Rd, Groton, CT 06340

• What is Fort Griswold Battlefield State Park?
  • Named in honor of Deputy Governor Matthew Griswold, Fort Griswold Battlefield State Park was the site of an important battle in 1781 during the early stages of the American Revolutionary War.
• When was Fort Griswold declared a state park?
  • The land was officially declared a state park in 1953.
• What monuments are located in the park?
  • The park is home to several monuments that commemorate the soldiers who fought in the Revolutionary War.
• Is there a guided tour available?
  • Yes, a self-guided cell phone tour is available, featuring six different sites marked by signs throughout the park.
• Is there a fee for parking?
  • No, there is no fee for parking at the park.
• What amenities does the park offer?
  • Park amenities include picnic tables for outdoor dining and restrooms for visitors' convenience.

Park Ave & Monument St, Groton, CT 06340, Phone: 860-449-6877

Activities and Attractions for Couples:

• Where is Avery Point Light located?
  • Set on the University of Connecticut's Avery Point Campus, the Avery Point Light is a historic lighthouse with a rich history.
• When was Avery Point Light built?
  • The lighthouse was constructed in 1943 and lit for the first time in 1944.
• What makes Avery Point Light significant?
  • It is widely recognized as the last lighthouse built in the state of Connecticut.
• Is the lighthouse still in use?
  • No, its use was discontinued in 1967, but it was later restored and re-lit in the early 2000s.
• Is Avery Point Light a historic landmark?
  • Yes, the site is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
• Can visitors explore the area?
  • Yes, the grounds of the university are open to the public, and there is a beautiful walkway that runs along the shore and up to the lighthouse.

1084 Shennecossett Rd, Groton, CT 06340, Phone: 860-405-9262

• What is Outer Light Brewing Company?
  • Established in 2015, the Outer Light Brewing Company is a craft beer company that specializes in brewing innovative, high-quality beers.
• Where can Outer Light Brewing Company's beers be found?
  • The company's beers are available at many local restaurants and stores, making it easy for customers to enjoy their craft brews.
• Does the brewery have a tap room?
  • Yes, visitors are encouraged to check out the brewery’s family-friendly tap room, which offers tastings, as well as can sales and growler fills for those who want to take beer to-go.
• Can the tap room be rented for private events?
  • Yes, the tap room can be rented out for private events with 48 or fewer guests.
• Are tables and chairs available for private events?
  • Yes, tables and chairs can be rented for an additional cost to accommodate guests.
• Can outside food be brought in for private events?
  • Yes, event planners are welcome to arrange catering or bring in their own food for their gatherings.

266 Bridge St, Groton, CT 06340, Phone: 475-201-9972

• What is the US Submarine Veterans of WWII National Memorial East?
  • Built to honor the submarine veterans of World War II, the US Submarine Veterans of WWII National Memorial East features a large Wall of Honor and several monuments dedicated to fallen soldiers.
• What features does the memorial have?
  • The memorial includes a Wall of Honor, a series of monuments, and a walkway lined with plaques listing submarines and soldiers lost during the war.
• When was the Wall of Honor dedicated?
  • The Wall of Honor was officially dedicated in 1994 to commemorate those who lost their lives.
• How many names are listed on the Wall of Honor?
  • The Wall of Honor lists the names of more than 3,600 submarine soldiers who lost their lives in combat during World War II.
• What is a notable feature of the memorial?
  • One of the most notable features is the tower of the Flasher, a submarine that sank more tonnage of Japanese vessels than any other submarine during the war.

Bridge St, Groton, CT 06340

• What is the Avery-Copp House?
  • Constructed in 1800 by Rufus Avery, the Avery-Copp House sits on a beautifully landscaped property right next to the Thames River and has been passed down through the Avery-Copp family for generations.
• When was the Avery-Copp House restored?
  • The historic home was carefully restored in the early 2000s to preserve its heritage and charm.
• What is the Avery-Copp House used for today?
  • Today, the house serves as a fascinating museum that allows visitors to learn about the history of the Avery-Copp family.
• When is the museum open for tours?
  • The museum is open for tours on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays between the end of May and the beginning of October.
• Are there any discounts on admission?
  • Yes, children and active members of the military receive complimentary admission.
• Is parking available?
  • Yes, free parking is available for visitors.

154 Thames St, Groton, CT 06340, Phone: 860-445-1637

• What is Haley Farm State Park?
  • Created to preserve green space in Groton, Haley Farm State Park is located on the site of a Colonial-era dairy farm.
• What types of landscapes are found in the park?
  • The park includes wetlands, marshes, forests, and fields, making it a great spot for nature lovers.
• What activities can visitors enjoy at the park?
  • The varied terrain makes it an excellent destination for birdwatching and wildlife viewing.
• Are there trails in the park?
  • Yes, plenty of trails run through the park, including one that connects to Bluff Point State Park and a section of a bike path that runs from Mystic to Noank.
• Who can use the trails?
  • Walkers, runners, and cyclists are welcome to use all of the park's trails.
• Are horses or motorized vehicles allowed?
  • No, horses and motorized vehicles are not permitted on the park's trails.

24 Haley Farm Ln, Groton, CT 06340

• What is the Ebenezer Avery House and Museum?
  • Dating back to the 1760s, the Ebenezer Avery House and Museum is a historic home that served as a place of refuge for wounded American soldiers after the Battle of Fort Griswold.
• Where was the Ebenezer Avery House originally located?
  • The home originally stood in downtown Groton for more than 200 years.
• When was the house moved?
  • In 1971, the house was moved to Fort Griswold Battlefield State Park.
• Was the house restored?
  • Yes, after being moved, it was carefully restored and opened to the public as a museum.
• When is the museum open?
  • The museum is open on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday afternoons between the end of May and the beginning of September.
• Is there an admission fee?
  • No, admission is by donation.

57 Fort St, Groton, CT 06340, Phone: 860-446-9257