“The Museum of America and the Sea, is a living history maritime museum situated along the banks of the Mystic River in Mystic. It is notable both for its collection of sailing ships and boats, and for the re-creation of crafts and fabric of an entire 19th century seafaring village. It consists of more than 60 original historic buildings, most of them rare commercial structures moved to the 37-acre site and meticulously restored.” (from Wikipedia)
Most notable among Mystic Seaport’s collection are its 3 tall ships, the Charles W. Morgan, the Joseph Conrad, and the L.A. Dunton. The Morgan is the last surviving wooden whaling sail ship.
You can take a 30 or 90 minute trip down the river on the Sabino, a coal fired steamship built in 1908 or go for a 30 minute sail on the Breck Marshall, a 20 foot catboat, while your skipper identifies points of interest along the river. Those with rowing or sailing skills can rent a small skiff from the Boathouse by the half or full hour. These boats are on the water from late May through Columbus Day.
If that’s not enough to justify a visit, the museum also has a planetarium with daily programs and a working shipyard where you can see traditional boatbuilding skills in action. And while you’re in the area, the Latitude 41 restaurant has a great Happy Hour from 4-6 pm, Monday-Friday.
Hours: Daily 9 am – 5 pm
Admission: Adult $24; Youth $15; Consider Membership at $40 per individual or $60 for two people for the year ~ a great value if you can enjoy this wonderful museum a couple times a year.
Address: 75 Greenmanville Avenue, Mystic, CT 06355
Phone: (860) 572-0711
Website: www.mysticseaport.org/
