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Hop On, Hop Off Harbor Cruises on the Thames River

Saturday & Sunday, 11AM-6PM

Every weekend through August


TRHP hop on, hop off, Harbor Cruises are back in operation for the summer season! The retired navy utility boats run a continuous hour-loop from New London to Groton. Explore the heritage sites that line the Thames River! Perfect for all ages. Secure your Season Pass today for unlimited rides all summer.


How to Cruise:

- Your ticket can be used all day long! Hop-on and off at your leisure at any landing site

- Each cruise between sites is 15-minutes long

- Sit back and relax to enjoy the one-hour loop


Departures:

- Fort Trumbull State Park in New London on the hour

- City Pier in New London 20 minutes after the hour

- Thames River Landing in Groton 40 minutes after the hour



MORE INFO/BUY TICKETS

Happy Hour & Sunset Cruises

Friday & Saturday


Looking for a great way to end the week and kick start your weekend? Look no further. Gather your friends or travel solo to enjoy a relaxing cruise down the Thames for a sunset or happy hour excursion. We’ll take you to where the Thames meets the Sound for an enjoyable and scenic ride past battlefields, forts, heritage sites and more. Who knows … you might even spot a submarine! Pack a cooler with your favorite drinks & snacks to enhance your cruise.



Happy Hour Harbor Cruise

Friday, July 5th | 5:30PM-7PM | BUY TICKETS

Saturday, July 6th | 5:30PM-7PM | BUY TICKETS


Sunset Cruise on the Thames

Friday, July 5th | 7:30PM-9PM | BUY TICKETS

Saturday, July 6th | 7:30PM-9PM | BUY TICKETS



All Tours Depart from City Pier New London | MORE INFO

Narrated Historic Boat Tours on the Thames River

Saturday & Sunday


TRHP offers narrated Historic Boat Tours through August! Typically falling on Saturday & Sundays, each week will have a different experience on the Thames River. Topics discussed include Military Stories, the African American Experience, Gilded Age, Mohegan Life, Whaling Tales and more! Pack a cooler with your favorite drinks & snacks, grab your friends and enjoy the local history of our region.



Saturday, July 6th

Submarines, Battlefields and Betrayers. Military Life on the Thames

11:40AM-12:55PM

BUY TICKETS


Well-Heeled and Wannabees. The Gilded Age of the Thames

1:05PM - 2:20PM

BUY TICKETS


Sunday, July 7th

Water, Wampum & Medicine Wheels. Mohegan Life on the Thames

11:40AM-12:55PM

BUY TICKETS


Submarines, Battlefields and Betrayers. Military Life on the Thames

1:05PM-2:20PM

BUY TICKETS



All Tours Depart from City Pier New London | MORE INFO

In Search of Books

Little Library Donation

JULY-AUGUST

St. James Episcopal Church, New London


St. James is in need of books for their outdoor Little Library! Please bring in any books you no longer want or that are hanging around – especially teen-age level, adult and children’s books, fiction and non-fiction. Spanish language books are appreciated but not necessary. There is a bin by the front doors of the church to put any donations in.


MORE INFO

Concerts in the Park

The Cartells

FRI, JUL 5 | 6:30PM-9PM

Washington Park, Groton


Jazz, swing, motown, R&B, rock and roll, popular music of all styles are equally represented in their impressive repertoire.

The Cartells are back again and ready to bring the party with them. Masters of jazz, swing, rock, Motown and R&B – The Cartells know how to play practically anything and leave the audience smiling. Come on down and enjoy a terrific band.


MORE INFO

Blissworks at the Garde

Intermediate Yoga

SAT, JUL 6 | 8:30AM-9:45AM

Garde Arts Center, New London


This class will cover basic yoga poses, breathwork, relaxation and so much more. Each class is uniquely crafted and different postures are explored each time. Among the countless benefits of yoga, you will discover a stronger sense of self, improved concentration, strength and balance, greater flexibility and mobility, along with a greater sense of awareness. This practice is accessible for all levels of practice.


MORE INFO

Free First Saturday

Under my Umbrella

SAT, JUL 6 | 11AM-1PM

Lyman Allyn Art Museum, New London


Visit the art studio from 11 am – 1 pm and create an artwork that represents Under my Umbrella. It’s great to have fun in the sun, but also nice to relax in the shade! Make your own Beach Umbrella collage for July’s Free First Saturday. Admission for all is free on the first Saturday of every month.


MORE INFO

Golden Street Fun

Saturday Market

SAT, JUL 6 | 11AM-4PM

Downtown New London


The New London Cultural District has partnered with The Golden Owl and Telegraph Autonomous Zone for a summer market that will be full of local vendors. Golden Street will be closed for the market and full of fun on the first Saturday of each month through September.


MORE INFO

Inside NL Harbor Pequot Light

Lighthouse Tours

SAT, JUL 6 | 12PM

Pequot Light, New London


Climb 116 steps up into the lighthouse lantern of Long Island Sound's oldest lighthouse. The views are spectacular!​ Tours for up-to five people take approximately 40 minutes. Tours are offered every Saturday and Sunday at noon. Private tours are available during the week per request. Thanks to Veolia-NL Water Authority and the Chelsea Groton Foundation, New London residents may visit inside New London Harbor Lighthouse with a $5 ticket!


MORE INFO

Intro to Watercolor Painting

Artist Roxanne Steed

SAT, JUL 6 |1PM

Bill Memorial Library, Groton


This is one of many adult programs that are being offered at Bill Memorial Library this summer. Roxanne Steed is an author and artist that brings peace to her practice. No experience is needed to join. Create your own watercolor floral wreath this week. Materials will be provided and registration is required for this event.


MORE INFO/REGISTRATION

Reverend Canon Tim Hodapp

Pequot Chapel Service

SUN, JUL 7 | 11AM

Pequot Chapel, New London


Celebrating faith and fellowship for over 150 years, Pequot Chapel is non-sectarian where all are welcome for all services and special events. The chapel is the most important surviving remnant of the Pequot Colony, but it is more than just an artifact; it continues as a spiritual, social, and cultural center for the neighborhood and the region. Reverend Canon Tim Hodapp, Episcopal Church, Meriden, CT will lead service this week.


MORE INFO

Inside NL Harbor Pequot Light

Lighthouse Tours

SUN, JUL 7 | 12PM

Pequot Light, New London


Climb 116 steps up into the lighthouse lantern of Long Island Sound's oldest lighthouse. The views are spectacular!​ Tours for up-to five people take approximately 40 minutes. Tours are offered every Saturday and Sunday at noon. Private tours are available during the week per request. Thanks to Veolia-NL Water Authority and the Chelsea Groton Foundation, New London residents may visit inside New London Harbor Lighthouse with a $5 ticket!


MORE INFO

Blissworks at the Garde

Yoga Basics

TUE, JUL 9 | 9AM-10:15AM

Garde Arts Center, New London


This class will cover basic yoga poses, breathwork, relaxation and so much more. Each class is uniquely crafted and different postures are explored each time. Among the countless benefits of yoga, you will discover a stronger sense of self, improved concentration, strength and balance, greater flexibility and mobility, along with a greater sense of awareness. This practice is accessible for all levels of practice.


MORE INFO

Prepare to be Amazed

Ed Pop Magic Show

TUE, JUL 9 |1PM

Bill Memorial Library, Groton


Children and families are invited to Ed Popielarczyk’s Magic Show at the library. Be prepared to be amazed & entertained during this spectacular performance where audience participation and fun are a MUST! No registration necessary; call the library at 860-445-0392 for more information.


MORE INFO

Nothing, Then Everything

Power Boothe Gallery Talk

WED, JUL 10 | 5:30PM-7PM

Lyman Allyn Art Museum, New London


Artist Power Boothe and Curator Tanya Pohrt join forces as they explore the bold canvases and concepts presented in Nothing, Then Everything. Boothe’s work is represented in public collections including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Guggenheim Museum, the Whitney Museum, the Museum of Modern Art in New York, the Wadsworth Atheneum in Hartford, the Baltimore Museum of Art, and the British Museum in the UK, as well as many private collections nationally and internationally.


MORE INFO

Fireworks Extravaganza on the Thames

Sailfest Harbor Cruise

SAT, JUL 13 | 8:45PM-9:45PM

City Pier, New London


Get right under the action! The TRHP Fireworks Cruise will bring you for a tour down the Thames River and — weather and boat traffic permitting — out to the Ledge Lighthouse and back to secure a front row spot for the fireworks display. A unique experience for this popular summer event.


City Pier Departure: Tickets HERE

Fort Trumbull Departure: Tickets HERE


MORE INFO

Lighted Boat Parade

Christmas in July

SAT, JUL 27 | 6PM-830PM

Downtown New London


Celebrate this unique holiday with live music, a captivating lighted boat parade, delectable food vendors, and more! If you own a sailboat, power boat, dinghy, or paddleboard, seize the opportunity to be part of the Christmas in July Lighted Boat Parade on the Thames River. Led by the Thames River Water Taxi, the parade will feature Santa Claus (State Representative Anthony Nolan), accompanied by youth from The Salvation Army Boys & Girls Club.


MORE INFO

Ocean Beach Park

July Events Schedule


Open the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, there’s always something fun happening at Ocean Beach Park! Plan your trip around some of their most popular events. From live music, to dancing, magicians, Cruise Night and more. There are activities for all to enjoy.


EVENTS CALENDAR | CONTACT

Library Programs

Bill Memorial Library

July Programs


The library has programs for all ages and is a warm gathering space filled with family fun. Check out the library's calendar and events page for program details and registration requirements.


EVENTS CALENDAR | 860-445-0392

2024 Harbor Cruise Season Passes for Sale!


Purchase your pass today to enjoy unlimited hop on, hop off Harbor Cruises on the Thames River throughout the summer season. The water taxi will operate on Saturday & Sunday from 11am-6pm! Explore heritage sites along the river, grab lunch in New London & Groton or enjoy the breeze aboard the parks retired navy utility boats. Perfect for yourself or gifts for others!

BUY NOW

There's so much to enjoy in

Thames River Heritage Park.

Visit the Park's Heritage Sites

Thames River Heritage Park Foundation is a 501(c)3 charitable organization committed to connecting, preserving, supporting and promoting the history and heritage sites along the Thames River estuary today and for generations to come.

Institutional Partners

Thames River Heritage Park Institutional Partners are organizations committed to preserving and promoting our culture and history but may not have a site to welcome visitors. They are historic or cultural associations, “friends” organizations, and educational institutions. 

  • Connecticut Maritime Heritage Fest
  • Connecticut Sea Grant
  • Downtown New London Assoc.
  • Friends of Fort Griswold
  • Friends of Fort Trumbull
  • Groton Bank Historical Assoc.
  • Ledge Light Foundation
  • National Coast Guard Museum
  • New London County Historical Society
  • New London Landmarks
  • New London Maritime Society
  • Southeastern CT Cultural Coalition
  • Southeastern CT Enterprise Region
  • UCONN Avery Point Maritime Studies

Thank you to our Sponsors and Grantors


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