Harbor Cruises & Walking Tours | Thames River Heritage Park

Located along the storied banks of the Thames River, New London, Connecticut, offers an uncommon blend of outdoor adventure and rich American history brought to life by Thames River Heritage Park. This unique organization delivers a spectrum of engaging, hop-on, hop-off harbor cruises and walking tours that chart the area's maritime legacy, military past, and cultural landmarks. As you step onto one of their harbor cruises—boarding at Groton’s Thames River Landing, Fort Trumbull, or City Pier in New London—the river opens before you like a living museum. Sail past historic forts, coastal islands, and waterfront districts while guides weave narratives of patriotism, revolution, and the maritime industries that shaped this region.

Beyond the water, the walking tours offer immersive stories that are anything but ordinary. Wander through New London’s second burial ground with “Stories in Stone,” where cemetery art tells tales of colonial hardship and resilience. Stroll the same streets where whalers once prepared for long voyages, or engage with tours spotlighting the African American experience on Connecticut waters, Mohegan heritage, and the rise of abolitionist movements. Each tour captures a dimension of the river’s impact on local lives, from Revolutionary War dramas to Gilded Age ambitions.

Thames River Heritage Park stands out as a gateway to authentic Connecticut maritime history married to accessible outdoor activity. Whether you’re drawn to the harbor’s breezes or the cobblestone sidewalks that trace centuries, these tours present history as a tactile and vivid experience. It’s an ideal destination for visitors who appreciate history grounded in place, supported by active engagement along a vital New England waterway. The combination of outdoor movement and storytelling offers a fresh way to connect with this coastal city and its enduring spirit.