View of Gillette Castle taken by Kelly Hunt, Cherish the Moment Photography

View of Gillette Castle taken by Kelly Hunt, Cherish the Moment Photography

The state of Connecticut’s official page for Gillette Castle State Park includes an amazing virtual tour!!! What a great way to explore rooms you normally can’t see, and even go out on the roof and see the view of the Connecticut River!

Instagram

We are on Instagram. Meet our mascot, Sherlock on the Shelf! He enjoys traveling around our beautiful state of Connecticut. Find out what Sherlock’s up to now!

Video GALLERIES

In June 2021, the Republican American published a video segment, Gillette Castle Community Karen. Community Karen takes you inside Gillette Castle on an exclusive visit to this dazzling state park. You’ll see “puzzle doors”, a trick bar and “Grand Central Station”!

We are excited to share the Friends of Gillette Castle State Park YouTube channel as another way to experience this amazing place! Subscribe to the channel to get notified of new videos, and share with your friends! Here are some of our video galleries:

The Grounds - Walk the Trail Trail at Gillette Castle in it's entirety. Learn about William Gillette's love of trains and the railroad he built on his estate. Walk the bridges, hike through the tunnel and see all of the other features of the trail that remain from the railroad. Along the way, view archival photos and videos.

The Castle - Tour the Castle online, and see some behind-the-scenes areas you can’t see in person! In addition, see some of what’s involved in maintaining this historic property, as you get a look at the new retaining wall.

The Gillettes, Old & New - Learn about William Gillette, and those he has inspired

Here are some of our videos:

William Gillette's "The Astounding Crime on Torrington Road" returns to print!
Presentations June 15, 2024:

  • Derrick Belanger (BSI, Co-owner Belanger Books) spoke to the experience of returning to Torrington Road

  • Brian Belanger (Co-owner Belanger Books) read a few passages from Torrington

  • Paul Schiller (local “GillExpert”) shared some of his wealth of knowledge on William Gillette

Live from Gillette Castle State Park: "William Gillette - the man meets his legend"

For the first time at their estate, William and Helen Gillette play host to the very person whom Mr. Gillette portrayed on the stage for many years -- the legendary consulting detective Sherlock Holmes.

Big News at Gillette Castle!

May 2021 reopening announced!!!

Walking the Train Trail at Gillette Castle

Join us as we walk the Trail Trail at Gillette Castle in it's entirety. Learn about William Gillette's love of trains and the railroad he built on his estate. Walk the bridges, hike through the tunnel and see all of the other features of the trail that remain from the railroad. Along the way, view archival photos and videos.

This is a 30-minute compilation of all the Walking the Train Trail videos. If you prefer to watch these in shorter segments, please go to The Grounds page.

DEEP Video: William Gillette’s Railroad

In 1927 Fox Movietone made a two minute newsreel about William Gillette's new Seventh Sister Railroad. In an era when silent movies were coming to an end, this was one of the earliest "talkies." William Gillette's Seventh Sister Railroad was his personal three mile long track that explored his property, crossed bridges, trestles and even passed through a tunnel. Gillette is most well known as a famous actor and matinee of his era. Along with his role was the first portrayal of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes. To learn more about William Gillette and Gillette Castle, come visit Gillette Castle State Park! More information at DEEP's website.

DEEP Video: Gillette Castle State Park

This video chronicles the life of William Gillette, noted actor, director, and playwright, who built a 24-room mansion reminiscent of a medieval castle in East Haddam, Connecticut. His estate is now a state park open to the public, which features the Castle, hiking trails, beautiful views and a visitor center. More information at DEEP’s website.