Getting Here
Directions
You may begin your visit to Groton Heights from any of the participating sites. See the map to the right to get a sense of the neighborhood, and where the different sites are. In general, Groton Heights encompasses an area of the City of Groton from Thames Street on the west to Broad Street to the north, North Street to the east, and Allen Street to the south. All Groton Heights Open House Day events are happening within that half square mile!
From I-95 Southbound:
Take exit 87 to Clarence B Sharp Hwy and Meridian St. Turn right on Meridian St, go across Mitchell Street at the light to continue along Monument Street into Groton Heights.
From I-95 Northbound:
As you cross the Gold Star bridge, move to the far right lane and take exit 85 (Thames Street). Keep in the far right lane of the ramp, and turn right at the end, where you’ll merge with Bridge Street. Follow Bridge Street to Thames Street and Groton Heights.
Shuttle bus schedule - June 11, 2022
Please considering parking your car, and taking advantage of our shuttle bus, which will operate on a continuous loop from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. Enjoy a narrated tour that will acquaint you with much of the history and sites on Groton Heights.
Here’s the schedule the bus will follow:
1. Fort Griswold Battlefield – Museum Open House; tours of Fort Griswold at 10, noon and 2. Meet Abby Slocomb portrayer at 12:30.
2. Groton Monument – Climb 166 steps to the top of the Groton Monument.
3. Groton Congregational Church – Learn about the church’s more than 300 years of history and tour the sanctuary to see our beautiful stained glass windows.
4. Submarine Veterans WWII Memorial – Visit the SUBVETs WWII Memorial which honors the 52 boats lost during WWII. See the sail of the WWII submarine USS Flasher and the Wall of Honor which lists the submariners who gave their lives.
5. Avery-Copp House-Museum – Museum demonstrations, house tours and children’s activities. Meet a Revolutionary War re-enactor. Dog friendly site.
6. Thames River Landing – Enjoy half hour boat tours. Times TBD.
7. Ebenezer Avery House -Enjoy free tours of 18th century house museum.
8. Bill Memorial Library – The Bill Memorial Library will be open from 10 am–3 pm, with the Friends’ annual book sale running from 11am–2pm on the library lawn. The sale includes gently used DVDs and books for adults, teens and children.
Shuttle bus runs continuously, stopping at each site every 20 minutes.
Boat Tours
Learn about the history of Groton Heights during a 30-minute narrated Boat Tour of the Thames River. Seating is limited, so please make your reservations here. (TBD)
Tours depart from the Thames Landing at the foot of Fort Street. Departure times TBD.
Harbor Cruise Schedule
The Thames River Heritage Park will be offering its regular hop-on hop-off harbor cruises from 11:40 am to 6:20 pm.
Schedules, landing sites, and details can be found here.
Parking
Many sites have limited parking in their vicinity, but the there are two parking lots to note.
• Corner of Latham and Thames Street. This lot has 12-14 spots.
• Groton Congregational Church. Also has a small lot and side street parking.
There is free parking along Thames Street and in front of Fort Griswold.
You may also park along the side of any road, but please do not block driveways or hydrants, or prevent the traffic from getting through.
Map
Dog Friendly sites
Water Taxi: Dogs are welcome on the Water Taxi.
Fort Griswold: Leashed dogs are welcome to walk at Fort Griswold.
Avery-Copp House: Dogs are welcome on the museum grounds.
Bill Memorial Library: A dog friendly library.
Restrooms
Full service: Fort Griswold
