Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center serves as a fantastic alternative to the other animal-based…read moretourist attractions in the area of Mystic, CT. Though I am quite a big fan of the Mystic Aquarium, Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center is a fantastic getaway from what can sometimes be a very jam-packed and overwhelming institution. I visited in late January, which admittedly is probably not the best time to be visiting here, but a five star review should tell that even in the colder months, this place still was as warm and as welcoming as one could expect. Though you're not going to be seeing anything huge, the live animals on display are very exciting still. Collections of herptiles, such as Painted and Spotted Turtles, New England Wood Turtles, snakes, and one of my personal favorites, the Diamondback Terrapin all call this institution home. In addition to that, the Nature Center also has a robust Bird-of-Prey collection, with Barred Owls, Great Horned Owls, and Broad-Winged Hawks, a relatively rare species in captivity around here. Many of these birds are permanently injured I believe, or unsuitable for release, and it is the job of the nature center to care for them, which they do fantastically. I understand the general public might see these as "cages", but I've been to a multitude of animal facilities across the United States and I was very impressed with the level of care that these species receive. While the live animals are quite interesting to look at, dead ones are too! The nature center has a huge assortment of local species in taxidermized forms, showcasing the incredible wildlife that we have in our very own backyards in New England. It allows you to get a closer look and a deeper appreciation for some species you typically don't get to see up close. I have a background in sociology and one of the things that my professor has turned me onto is the sociology of bathrooms and how they're presented, so I tend to take a picture of every bathroom at every institution I end up going to. Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center did not disappoint. I thoroughly loved the tiling on the walls of native wildlife. A very good touch. The entire facility is filled to the brim with education on the native wildlife habitats and species you can find around Mystic. It's very good. For birders, this place is a fairly decent way to find more native species. Red-Bellied, Downy, and Hairy Woodpecker, tons of sparrows, and my friend has even spotted a Belted Kingfisher here in the warmer months. Overall, this place is fantastic. The front of desk lady was extremely helpful and kind. I only had wish I had gotten her name, she made this experience a memorable one. If you're in the area in the future, whether it's looking for nature trails or even visiting the aquarium or the seaport, please find some time to check out this location. It's a quick stop but absolutely worth it to learn a lot more about the nature around us. I look forward to stopping by once again in the warmer months. I am hoping that they take proper precautions with the oncoming Avian Influenza however.

Must see if in mystic. The owls were so cool and learning about rehabilitation makes you want to…read morebecome a conservationist. Even if the building is closed, you can still enjoy the trails. Don't forget to donate to keep this place going.

We were a group of four. One person was mid-tour when we arrived. As there is only one docent, she…read morebegan the tour over. We were 3/4 way through our first floor tour when another party arrived. Instead of adding them to the tour, and then covering what they missed, she asked them to wait. The living room is beautiful. Plaster work, beautifully hand painted walls (by a modern artist), elegant furnishings. Photos of the home pre-restoration are showed and discussed in this room. So much work has been done! There are also photos of the family and you learn a bit about them here. We also had the opportunity to ask questions about the home and family. Through this Q&A we discovered in what types of 'shipping' the family were involved. The dining room table displays a variety of period china. The fireplaces on this floor are marble. The dining room light fixture is very interesting, and although not original fits very well and makes a statement. Sadly, the kitchen is not restored for guests to view. There is however a butlers pantry in the dining room displaying more serve ware. An Antarctic research station is named after Captain Palmer and a live feed is shown in the next room as well as several ship models including the one Capt. Palmer was on when he discovered the continent. Information on the gentleman who created these models is also presented. There is a variety of information in this room about Capt. Palmers Antarctic discovery and one of his shipping trades: seal pelts. The short hallway between dining room and this include other items of trade such as Palmer tea and jade. The upper floors are self toured and there are three of them. Stair cases narrow as you ascend. The highest point is a small cupola surrounded by windows with a small bench seat that fits about three. There was a nice breeze with the windows open and long views. The two floors between include bedrooms, 'toilet' rooms, children's play room, fire alarm display, sewing room, office space and storage. Plenty of old furnishings, linens, toys etc. I particularly love the sewing box. Beautiful, intricate work. The price for the two locations is very reasonable and if you have time, are looking for an air conditioned space, love history/architecture/home décor, then this is going to be a nice stop. Free parking is available at the side of the house. Enter at the grand front door. A gift shop is located just inside to the left of the entrance. A restored ice house, storage and out houses are behind the home. I saw no public facilities (but didn't ask). There is a fair amount of land with the home including a small pathway with bench seating along the water on the other side of parking. In July there were plenty of mosquitos. Picnic tables are located behind the research library next to parking. Tickets may be purchased on line through their website as well as at the Stonington light house museum. Stonington residents and historical society member admission is free. Military, senior and first responder discounts are available. July and August the museum is open daily 10am - 4pm. The rest of the year hours are limited - check the website for information.

We visited after being informed that our Stonington lighthouse entrance fee also included entrance…read morehere. It's right down the street Who was Captain Nathaniel B. Palmer? He was credited with discovering Antarctica (whilst hunting for seals) in 1820 at the young age of 21 with a minimal crew. He grew rich and built a stately home in his birthplace of Stonington, CT. After his brothers wife died, Nathaniel and his wife (who were childless) shared the home with his widowed brother and his 4 children. It was great to learn the history of this family and home, feeling transported to another time and imaging what it must have been like. I want to know more. Beautiful furnishings, interesting history and a beautiful setting. Parking is free and plentiful and the grounds are serene and quiet. A great way to spend an hour or so in this quaint town.

Our visit here started out horribly because the parking lot for the museum is across the street, so…read moreafter we parked and walked up to the corner, we pressed the crosswalk button to cross the street. Having just come in from that same direction, I was well aware that the stoplight that we initiated by pressing the crosswalk button is right around a blind curve. I made sure that the first car actually stopped before I started through the crosswalk, but just as we were almost to the other side, I heard a huge crash that shook me to my core. We turned around, still partially in the street to see that a vehicle that had come around the corner was unable to stop in time and smashed into the car that was stopped at the crosswalk. Luckily no one was injured, but the sound and the proximity and the fact that there was some sort of lingering feeling that our crossing the street caused this accident put me in a really bad headspace. We stayed out in front of the museum for a while to make sure everyone was okay and the cars were moved out of the street but there was debris everywhere and I did have to sit down at a picnic table for about 5 minutes to calm down. All that being said, we actually enjoyed this Museum quite a bit once we got past what had happened. We have visited multiple Maritime museums in the last month and I can honestly say this was probably the best one. If you're at all interested in Maritime history, or just history even, sailing or boat craftsmanship, anything like that really, you will enjoy your visit here. This is not really a museum in the traditional sense. It's kind of like walking through a village in time. You can wander through historic buildings and watch live demonstrations of traditional skills like blacksmithing or rope making or sail stitching. Don't be afraid to go inside the buildings and interact with the employees. The immersive parts of this Museum are the best because they help you to feel like you're really experiencing what it was like instead of just reading about it. I think my favorite part was getting too board and tour a historical boat that was moored in the river. I don't recall what it is named, but you can board and walk around and even go down below deck. You can really get a feel for what life was like on one of these boats. I'm 5'7 and I had to duck the entire time. The beds were so tiny it was as if they were for children. It's crazy to think of grown men being packed down there like sardines. We also enjoyed checking out the lighthouse. They show a little movie inside but you can't actually go up. That was a quick stop and a little photo op but fun nevertheless. We ended up spending a lot longer here than we had anticipated because we really enjoyed the demonstrations and the historical feel of it all. It was dog friendly which is important to us but we also found a little reading room and a nice playground area so I know it would be great for children as well. Even after such a rocky start, I was really glad that we visited here and I highly recommend a stop if you can. Plan to spend at least a couple of hours here and wear comfortable shoes because the ground is gravelly and you will cover more of it than you think.

Mystic Seaport continues to be one of the most thoughtfully run and genuinely enjoyable attractions…read morein New England. Every visit feels like stepping into a living, breathing piece of history, and the amount of effort that goes into maintaining that experience is impossible to miss. The staffing is exceptional. Everyone--from the interpreters in period dress to the shipyard craftsmen to the folks running the exhibits--brings an energy that makes the place feel alive. They're knowledgeable without being overwhelming, friendly without being scripted, and clearly passionate about what they do. It's rare to find a team that consistently elevates an entire visit, but Mystic Seaport pulls it off. The shops are charming and well-curated, offering everything from nautical gifts to handcrafted items to books you won't find anywhere else. They strike a great balance between being tourist-friendly and genuinely interesting, and it's easy to lose track of time browsing. As for the overall experience, it's simply entertaining from start to finish. Whether you're wandering through the recreated 19th‑century village, stepping aboard historic vessels, watching demonstrations, or exploring the rotating exhibits, there's always something engaging to see or do. It's the kind of place where you can spend hours without realizing it, and every corner feels like it has a story waiting to be discovered. Mystic Seaport remains a standout destination--beautifully maintained, thoughtfully staffed, and endlessly enjoyable. A true 5‑star experience. Enjoy

Hidden gem and a nice walk down a private road surrounded by a much of homes I probably won't be…read moreable to afford until I'm in my 60s. Makes you feel really poor alright. You can also see Taylor Swift's mansion from the lighthouse. The views are phenomenal and there's also a really nice lawn area to just lay down and hang out.

Some lighthouses are super convenient. Some are not. This one falls into the latter category as…read moreit's a pretty good 20 minutes from where US-1 passes through Westerly. Lighthouses are on the coast, of course. And this one is on a small spit of land that juts out a bit into the Block Island Sound. There has been a lighthouse here since 1745 that goes back to the Rhode Island colonial government. The original structure was destroyed by a storm in 1781 and was replaced at least once. The current structure was completed in 1856. There is no vehicle access to the lighthouse other than those with handicapped placards. You'll need to find parking near Watch Hill Beach and walk down. It's an easy and pleasant walk. [Review 18662 overall - 81 in Rhode Island - 2184 of 2022.]

Wonderful experience and a trip to the past. Aiden (our docent) and Julie were wonderful. We had a…read morelist of our decedents and they were so helpful finding cemeteries and other resources. Such nice ladies and we learned so much. Glad we spent the time.

An interesting spot to cool your heels, browse a few exhibits about sharks and shark biology, and…read moreadmire the extensive collection of Jaws memorabilia. Sadly, there are no living sharks in the Living Shark Museum, but you'll see plenty of shark models, shark teeth and (yes) jaws, shark egg cases, South Sea weapons made with shark teeth, and lots of Jaws movie stuff. It's a small place, only 3 exhibit rooms on the second floor off of High St and won't take long to peruse (but long enough to cool off in the summer or warm up in the winter). Plus, it's absolutely free of charge!

So cute! The man working was super kind. Three rooms and definitely museum... but nothing living!…read more One room is all Jaws stuff, one is history of shark stuff like shark in food and tools, and other room my favorite - was all the skeletons and jaws! Sooo neat to see all the rows of teeth! A touch screen monitor to see where the tagged sharks are. Little specimens in jars! Definitely an adult trip - but it's free and if you are in the area stop in!

Outstanding opening with live artillery (Brown's Company) and flint-lock firings. This was all I…read moreaddition to some great docent work within the museum itself!! Please do not miss this gem of history moments from Route 395!

A MOST excellent tour today, Filled with fun facts, entertaining banter and our family…read morehistory--This Family of America was born here-- where our government developed, was fought for and ever evolving from--straight up from the floor boards....I enjoyed walking where Washington walked, -wondering whose DNA might still be on me right now---I remain amazed !!! Thank you--Cam and Greg for saving this treasure trove of American History!

Had my sons birthday there. Is such a large space set up games, artist, popcorn bar,dj, and lots of…read morespace for kids to run around. You can use the restaurant type kitchen which makes it super easy. Makes it affordable we did all the food and brought in drinks/beer/wine. Or use caterer if you want. They have a bar area with cooler, lights, and ac. Part of the deal is you set up and then put back tables/Chairs. The best part is working with the staff they are super helpful and accommodating. John is the manager and will help you out with anything. What a great venue!

Townspeople cooperated to preserve this building occupied by the national guard among others. It is…read morefilled to the brim with artifacts and memorabilia from all wars and has a section about the history of the community and its events. The volunteer docent was very enthusiastic and knowli

Had free day and chance to utilize MPMRC membership for a wampum history and bracelet making event…read more Event was great to see the Gifts of the Ocean exhibit, discuss wampum history with Matthew Pina and then also make a bracelet within the art room at KTJ. Overall great experience and would recommend some of the classes for anyone interested to have a little artistic fun while here in Mystic!

Admission was free, and it was a great space to see pieces from both local artists and ones they…read morehad in residence. The gift shop was also a good place to purchase locally made items!