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Hop On, Hop Off Harbor Cruises on the Thames River

Saturday & Sunday, 11AM-6PM

Every weekend through August


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 is a Day Pass. 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

BUY TICKETS

Evening Cruises, Harbor Cruises & Boat Tours

Friday, July 26th

Happy Hour Harbor Cruise

5:30PM-7PM


Gather your friends or travel solo....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!


BOOK TODAY

Friday, July 26th

Sunset Cruise on the Sound

7:15PM-9PM


Experience the stunning natural beauty of a sunset on the Thames River and out to the Long Island Sound. It's the perfect way to take in the bold colors, see the view of the shore from the water and make some fantastic memories.

BOOK TODAY

Saturday, July 27th

Hop On, Hop Off Harbor Cruises

11AM-6PM


Visit heritage sites, get lunch or just catch the breeze when you hop aboard this one-hour cruise. Three launch sites along the river allows for endless adventures. Your ticket is an All Day Pass!


BOOK TODAY

Saturday, July 27th

Happy Hour Harbor Cruise

5:30PM-7PM


Gather your friends or travel solo....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!


BOOK TODAY

Sunday, July 28th

Hop On, Hop Off Harbor Cruises

11AM-6PM


Visit heritage sites, get lunch or just catch the breeze when you hop aboard this one-hour cruise. Three launch sites along the river allows for endless adventures. Your ticket is an All Day Pass!


BOOK TODAY

Sunday, July 28th

White Sails, Black Hands. The African American Experience on the Thames

11:40AM-12:55PM


Explore the stories of a fugitive slave, Black Revolutionary Patriots, Black Governors and Whalers, the Amistad and more. Proceeds from this tour benefit the Hempsted Houses of CT Landmarks.

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Sunday, July 28th

Books & Stories Inspired by Sites Along the Thames River

1:05PM-2:20PM


Explore the books that tell the tales of the people and events of the region like Night of the Moonjelllies and the Diary of Joshua Hempsted. Proceeds from this tour benefit the Hempsted Houses of CT Landmarks.



BOOK TODAY

All Historic Boat Tours Evening Cruises depart from City Pier New London.


Tickets increase by $5 on the day of tours. Book early & save!


All boat excursions allow soft coolers and snacks onboard. Please note, all glass is prohibited and there is no restroom on the boat.



TOUR INFO

Christmas in July & Lighted Boat Parade

Saturday, July 27th | 6PM-8:30PM

New London Waterfront Park


Experience live music on the waterfront park, food trucks, vendors & activities for families. It’s a night of celebration you won’t want to miss!


The Lighted Boat Parade starts at 8PM is 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. Email Barbara Neff if you want to participate in the parade.


MORE INFO

Around the Neighborhood Lecture

Jeanne and Steve Sigel

THU, JUL 25 | 7PM

Fort Trumbull State Park, New London


The Friends of Fort Trumbull will welcome Jeanne and Steve Sigel of the Garde Arts Center for their monthly lecture series. They will speak about the History of the Theater and present initiatives for the Garde Arts Center. The presentation will take place at the Conference Center at Fort Trumbull. The public is invited to attend this presentation on an important facet of our arts community. Seats are first come, first serve.


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Summer Lecture Series

LCDR Bryan Chapman

FRI, JUL 26 | 1PM-2PM

Submarine Force Museum, Groton


"Submarines 101" and a brief history of the US Submarine Force will be touched upon by speaker LCDR Bryan Chapman. They are the officer in charge of the historic ship Nautilus. Seating is first-come, first-serve and the lecture is free and open to all. Lecture will take place in the main hall of the museum. This reoccurring series runs through August 19th on every Friday!



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Tidal River Reverses Flow

Pop-Up Installation Reception

FRI, JULY 26 | 5PM

Lyman Allyn Art Museum, New London


Join LAAM for an evening reception for the pop-up installation The Tidal River Reverses Flow by artist Chloe Atreya. Exploring human geography, genealogy, and language, The Tidal River Reverses Flow centers on family, history, and the desire to cultivate a relationship with the 10-mile radius encircling the midpoint of the Connecticut Thames (Pequot) River. Chloe E. Atreya is a multiracial artist and physician-scientist currently based in San Francisco, California, who previously lived and worked in New Haven, Connecticut. This program will feature a brief talk about the artwork and a poetry reading by Evelyn Atreya.


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Film Screening

The Camino Voyage

FRI, JULY 26 | 6PM

Custom House Museum, New London


On the eve of the Regatta, the Currach Rowers and Ancient Order of Hibernians will host a showing of the film, The Camino Voyage, at the New London Custom House Maritime Museum. This story follows a group of Irish rowers in their currach as they leave the coast of Ireland for Compostela, Spain, a journey of over 1,500 miles. The showing is open to the public, no charge.


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Concerts in the Park

Stone County

FRI, JUL 26 | 6:30PM-9PM

Washington Park, Groton


Stone County is one of Eastern Connecticut’s top country cover bands, mixing in southern and classic rock to keep everyone dancing the night away. While playing the best of today’s modern country is their bread and butter, these four country boys like to get the crowds moving with some old-time classics and straight up rock songs. Bringing a little something for everyone, Stone County is sure to rock the park country-style! Food trucks will be present for the concert.


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3rd Annual Summer Party

Red Lion & Multiplier

FRI, JUL 26 | 7PM

Hygienic Art, New London


The 3rd Annual Multiplier Summer Party with support from local reggae rockers, Red Lion and psychedelic electric band, Multiplier. Be sure to check out the array of local artisan vendors, hosted by ONA, and dine in the park with fare from the Salt & Pepper food truck. Tickets are $12 online pre-sale and $15 at the door. Hope to see you there!


MORE INFO

The Wizard of Oz

Missoula Children's Theatre

FRI, JUL 26 | 7PM

SAT, JUL 27 | 11AM

Garde Arts Center, New London


The story is as familiar as it is beloved. That nasty tornado carries Dorothy and her canine pal Toto from the friendly confines of her Kansas home to a fabled fantasy of mystery in the land of Oz. Our story begins with the Illusionists who set the scene for the tale you are about to witness. With the help of the Munchkins and Glinda herself, the young Miss Gale and her loyal pooch join forces with the Scarecrow, the Tin Man and, of course, the Cowardly Lion.



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Fish with C.A.R.E.

CT DEEP Program

SAT, JUL 27 | 10:30AM-1PM

Fort Trumbull State Park, New London


The CARE program offers a variety of “Learn to Fish” classes and events year-round. Fishing events are designed for adults ages 16 and up, as well as families with children 6 years old and above. Loaner fishing equipment, bait, and expert instruction will be provided. A Conservation Identification Number (CID) is required to register. Participants ages 16 and up must have a valid CT fishing license. Participants ages 15 and below must also obtain a free CID before registering.


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Summer Open House

Old Town Mill

SAT, JUL 27 | 11AM-2PM

Old Town Mill, New London


The Old Town Mill was originally built in 1650 by John Winthrop Jr., the founder of New London and later the Governor of Connecticut. Listed on the National Historic Register, the Mill is one of the oldest industrial sites in Connecticut. On September 6, 1781, General Benedict Arnold burned the mill down during his raid on New London. The mill was rebuilt soon after on the original site. Tour the buildings & grounds with a guide!


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Celtic Traditions

Currach Rowers Regatta

SAT, JUL 27 | 12PM

Custom House Dock, New London


The New London Currach Rowers will host their annual Regatta of Currach Rowers on the Thames River! Teams from the currach rowing league, North American Currach Association, will attend, each team bringing their currachs and launching into the Thames River from the Custom House dock. These vessels are modeled after those used for over two thousand years in the strong currents of the Irish and North Seas, for fishing as well as transporting people, supplies, and even animals along the coastal Celtic towns. 


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Inside NL Harbor Pequot Light

NLMS Lighthouse Tours

SAT, JUL 27 | 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!


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Work in Colonial American

Revolutionary War Display

SAT, JUL 27 | 2PM-3PM

Hempsted Houses, New London


Ever wonder what it was like to work in the 18th century? Travel back to the colonial era with the Nathan Hale Fife and Drum encampment as they recreate life as a Revolutionary War soldier. Learn about 18th-century tools and techniques used in the historic trades with demonstrations by woodworker, carpenter & Joiner John Baron and Blacksmith Baird Wech-Collins who will forge a variety of tools and hardware. Free event!


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Take a Step Back in TIme

Summer Team Party

SAT, JUL 27 | 3PM-5PM

Avery-Copp House Museum, Groton


There is no better way to spend the dog days of summer than a relaxing tea party in the Avery-Copp House Museum parlor. Tour the house and see summer pastimes of days gone by. Discover the ways people in the past kept cool as well as peek behind the scenes to see the hot work that would be going on in the kitchen. Indulge in refreshing tea with historic treats, and a make a keepsake craft to take home. Registration required.


MORE INFO/REGISTRATION

Reverend Carolyn Patierno

Pequot Chapel Service

SUN, JUL 28 | 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. The Reverend Carolyn Patierno, Senior Minister, All Souls Unitarian-Universalist Congregation, New London, CT will lead service this week.


MORE INFO

Inside NL Harbor Pequot Light

Lighthouse Tours

SUN, JUL 28 | 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

Monthly Meet-Up

Open Mic Night

SUN, JUL 28 | 6PM

Custom House, New London


Co-hosted by Kenny "Doc" Frazier and Christina Corcoran, the monthly open mic welcomes music, poetry, prose, stand-up or just say what is on your mind. Open to all ages and abilities for fun and camaraderie! You can even Live Stream the event.


FREE ADMISSION

Weekly Local Goods

Groton Farmers Market

TUE, JUL 30 | 3-6PM

Washington Park, Groton


This will be a primarily agricultural market, but also provides a variety of local baked goods, seafood/fish, meats, poultry/eggs. Grown products sold at the market must be grown in Connecticut Foods and food products must be identified as organic, or not, and include place of origin. The aim is to make accessible, affordable, healthy, locally produced food available to the community in Groton. Will run each week through October.


MORE INFO

Fish with C.A.R.E.

CT DEEP Program

WED, JUL 31 | 4:30PM-6PM

Fort Trumbull State Park, New London


The CARE program offers a variety of “Learn to Fish” classes and events year-round. Fishing events are designed for adults ages 16 and up, as well as families with children 6 years old and above. Loaner fishing equipment, bait, and expert instruction will be provided. A Conservation Identification Number (CID) is required to register. Participants ages 16 and up must have a valid CT fishing license. Participants ages 15 and below must also obtain a free CID before registering.


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

Blissworks Yoga at the Garde

Blissworks Yoga & Healing Arts

Garde Arts Center


Blissworks welcomes people of all ages, races, and genders and serves them with the understanding that we can all discover our potential if given the time, space, and tools to do so. The yoga & healing arts community will empower you, allowing room for your authentic growth, healing, and ability to create a life of true joy.


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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!

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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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