Fort Trumbull State Park

Description

Fort Trumbull State Park offers views of the Thames river as well as guided taxi tours.

There are spectacular fishing opportunities abound with a one-of-a-kind fishing pier boasting over 500' of shore-based access to the major game fish of Long Island Sound. Saltwater anglers will find a unique combination of sports fish including striped bass, bluefish, weakfish, and tautog as they feed on the variety of baitfish found at the mouth of the Thames River. In addition to 24-hour access, the pier offers bright lighting and individual pole holders for angler comfort; year-round restrooms, and fresh running water.

Other Information

History

Fort Trumbull State ParkSince Colonial times Fort Trumbull served as the location of various military forts, schools and research facilities for the United States Army, Coast Guard and Navy. The first Fort Trumbull was built to protect the New London Harbor from British attack and later served as part of the country’s coastal defense system. The masonry fort (the third) that stands today was constructed between 1839 and 1852.

In 1915 the U.S. Revenue Cutter Service merged with the U.S. Lifesaving Service to become the U.S. Coast Guard. Therefore the Revenue Cutter Service Academy at Fort Trumbull became the first U.S. Coast Guard Academy, and all U.S. Coast Guard training took place at Fort Trumbull.

By World War II Fort Trumbull had become home to the Coast Guard, the U. S. Maritime Service Officer Candidate School, and the Columbia University Division of War Research Underwater Sound Laboratory was established there.

In 1970 the Navy merged the Underwater Sound Laboratory at Fort Trumbull with the Underwater Weapons Research and Engineering Station, at Newport Rhode Island, forming the Naval Underwater Systems Center (NUSC).

In 1991 the Naval Underwater System Center in New London was renamed the Naval Undersea Warfare Center (NUWC).

Trail Amenities

Bathrooms, fishing pier, fort, parking, visitor/exhibit center, accessible walkways

Heritage Passport

The Heritage Passport allows the bearer to gain admittance to three facilities (Dinosaur, Fort Trumbull and Gillette Castle State Parks) for unlimited visitation until the end of the calendar year in which it was purchased. The Heritage Passport cost is $67.00 and will allow a family (2 adults and up to 4 children) unlimited admittance to these three facilities. The Heritage Passport can be purchased at any one of these three facilities.

RuleS

The park grounds are open from 8 am to sunset, year round.
The Visitor Center Museum is open from the Saturday of Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., Wednesday - Sunday.
Access to fishing is permitted at any time, but fishing equipment and a Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (CT DEEP) saltwater fishing license must be present with night time use.
Pier 7, where the Coast Guard Eagle docks, is open to the public when the Eagle is docked, allowing deck tours.
The Thames River Heritage Park water taxi is operational from June to September, during this period the pier is open for water taxi access.
The public is only allowed on Pier 7 for water taxi and Eagle viewing purposes.
Pets on a leash are permitted in the park.
Pets are not allowed inside buildings, including the fort, or on the fishing pier.
There are no fees for parking or visiting the park grounds.
A fee of $6 for adults, Children (6-12) $ 2, and 5 under is free is charged for entry into the Visitor Center exhibit area and Fort Tours.
Areas, where the public can drive into, are open all year round.