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Connecticut River Museum

67 Main Street · Essex, CT

Why you should go…

Set in a restored 1878 steamboat warehouse on the Connecticut River, the museum traces the river's shipbuilding, steamboat, and Revolutionary War history. Its centerpiece is a full-scale operating replica of the Turtle, the hand-cranked submersible used against the British fleet in 1776.

  • #maritime history
  • #museum
  • #connecticut river
  • #essex
  • #submarine replica

Good to know

General museums guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • Check the special exhibition separately

    Touring shows usually carry their own ticket and their own opening hours, listed apart from general admission.

  • Look for the free window

    Many museums run community days, member evenings, or discounted late openings. It is worth a look before you pay full price.

  • Travel light through the door

    Large bags and backpacks often have to go to a coat check, and lines for it move slowly at opening.

  • Weekday mornings beat weekend afternoons

    School groups clear out by early afternoon midweek, while weekends stay busy from late morning on.

What's around here?

The closest stops to Connecticut River Museum, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

  • Museums
    History Buff

    Florence Griswold Museum

    Under $25

    Historic art museum on the Connecticut River celebrating American Impressionism and the Lyme Art Colony.

    3.5 mi awayMore like this

  • Attractions
    Family Favorite

    Nature's Art Village

    Under $25

    A Connecticut family attraction pairing a life-size dinosaur sculpture park with a rock, mineral, and fossil shop.

    14 mi awaySwitch it up: Attractions

  • Tours
    Outdoor Adventure

    Thames River Heritage Park

    Under $25

    Hop-on hop-off water taxi tour linking historic sites along the Thames River in New London and Groton.

    15 mi awaySwitch it up: Tours

  • Museums
    History Buff

    Submarine Force Museum

    Free

    Home of the USS Nautilus, the world's first nuclear-powered submarine, on the Thames River in Groton, CT.

    16 mi awayMore like this

  • Attractions
    Family Favorite

    Guilford Fairgrounds

    Under $25

    Home of the annual Guilford Fair, a Connecticut agricultural fair with livestock, exhibits, rides and food each September.

    16 mi awaySwitch it up: Attractions

  • Museums
    History Buff

    Mashantucket Pequot Museum and Research Center

    $25–$50

    A Smithsonian-affiliated tribal museum with life-size dioramas covering Pequot history and southeastern Connecticut's natural history.

    23 mi awayMore like this