Adventure Brief
Step into the shadows of New London's past with the Haunted Harbor History tour. Explore ghost stories and legends along the Thames River in this uniquely captivating experience.
75 minutes
easy
Family Friendly
No Experience Required
Step into the shadows of New London's past with the Haunted Harbor History tour. Explore ghost stories and legends along the Thames River in this uniquely captivating experience.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
75 minutes
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; expect gentle walking on paved and uneven surfaces.
Wildlife
History
New London played a significant role during the American Revolutionary War, with Fort Griswold as a key defensive site against British forces.
Conservation
Efforts to preserve the Thames River’s natural environment help maintain its scenic beauty and historical landmarks for future generations.
Thames River Heritage Park
Step into the shadows of New London's past with the Haunted Harbor History tour. Explore ghost stories and legends along the Thames River in this uniquely captivating experience.
Thames River Heritage Park is a New London, Connecticut organization that preserves and interprets the history, culture, and natural resources of the Thames River estuary. The organization offers a curated series of guided 75-minute boat tours and talks that connect passengers with regional stories, including maritime history, Indigenous heritage, African American experiences, Gilded Age estates, Revolutionary War events, and local folklore. Tours feature collaborations with recognized local experts and institutions: UConn faculty, members of the Mohegan Tribe, Connecticut Sea Grant scientists, historians from the New London County Historical Society, and local authors. Many programs explicitly support area heritage sites and nonprofit partners through ticket revenue.
Departing from locations such as Fort Trumbull State Park, the tours navigate landmarks like Pine Island, Bushy Point, Bluff Point, and riverbanks that witnessed significant historical events. The schedule includes specialized programs — for example, guided conversations about emancipation and abolition; profiles of notable women of the Thames; natural-history excursions; a haunted-harbor ghost tour; and focused narratives on Benedict Arnold’s 1781 burning of New London. Most offerings emphasize education, community engagement, and place-based interpretation tailored to adults, families, and history enthusiasts.
Thames River Heritage Park emphasizes transparent partnerships, local scholarship, and stewardship of the river corridor. Tickets and public programs make regional history accessible while reinvesting in heritage organizations. Visitors can expect knowledgeable narration, close river access to shoreline sites, and an opportunity to support ongoing preservation and interpretation of New London’s maritime landscape. Seasonal schedules vary; check the foundation calendar for details and updates.
Location
New London, CT
On the Thames River estuary
Tour Length
75 minutes
Most tours run 75 minutes
Guides & Partners
Local historians & experts
University, tribal, and society-led tours
Tours Offered
11 distinct trips
Historical and natural themes
Support local heritage and experience expert-led 75-minute boat tours in New London — tickets help sustain area preservation.
Wear comfortable walking shoes
Expect cobblestone and uneven pavement along the tour route, so comfortable, sturdy shoes are recommended.
Bring a flashlight for evening tours
Although the path is mostly lit, a small flashlight helps navigate darker spots and enhances the spooky atmosphere.
Check weather forecast beforehand
Tours run rain or shine, but severe weather can affect safety and visibility, so dress accordingly.
Stay close to your guide
Historic areas can have tricky footing and narrow lanes; stay near your guide for safety and to catch all the stories.
Comfortable walking shoes
Provides stability and comfort on historic sidewalks and uneven terrain.
Flashlight or headlamp
Enhances visibility during darker evening tours and adds to the spooky experience.
fall
Weather-appropriate outerwear
Light rain jacket or windbreaker helps stay dry and comfortable during unpredictable spring weather.
spring
Warm layers
Necessary to stay warm during chilly evening walks along the waterfront.
winter