About Mystic, Connecticut
Home to America's largest maritime museum
Mystic, Connecticut was once a shipbuilding seaport village and a safe harbor for tall ships to weather a storm. Although the first community of Mystic wasn't named until around 1665, the first European settlers arrived in the area years earlier, about 1654.
The land was purchased by the European settlers from the Pequot tribe who initially inhabited the land. Mystic now encompasses 2 National Historic Districts, the Mystic River Historic District, on the Groton/West side of the river, and the Mystic Bridge Historic District on the Stonington/East side of the River.
Historic Mystic, CT. comprises two towns, Groton and Stonington, separated by the Mystic River but unified by a common U.S. Postal zip code, a Fire District, and the heavily-used Mystic River Bascule Bridge.
The Mystic River Bascule Bridge is a very popular attraction. It is a draw bridge that connects the two sides of downtown Mystic which are divided by the Mystic River. Since the original Mystic River Bascule Bridge was constructed in 1819, it has been replaced by newer and more technically advanced models several times, always in the same location. The current bridge was installed in 1922.
The Mystic Seaport Museum houses 4 federally designated National Historic Landmarks including the Charles W. Morgan, the last wooden whaling ship in the world. Here you can get the chance to get out on the water and explore the historic Mystic River from mid-May through mid-October. The museum’s collection includes over 500 historic vessels.
Mystic has many haunted legends and spooky tours. The town rose to prominence as a shipbuilding center during the clipper ship. And of course there is the B.F. Clyde's Cider Mill which is the oldest steam-powered cider mill in the United States. It's also the oldest continuous producer of hard cider in the country.
Mystic is now best known for two of Connecticut's most visited attractions, Mystic River Bascule Bridge and the country’s largest maritime museum, Mystic Seaport Museum. Made famous by the 1988 movie of the same name starring Julia Roberts, Mystic Pizza is a popular eatery downtown known for its delicious pizza and casual atmosphere.
Old sea captain’s homes dot the scenic roads along the Mystic River just outside of downtown’s booming food and drink scene. In 2004, Mystic celebrated its 350th anniversary. Part of the celebration was Arcadia Publishing producing a book about Mystic in their Images of America series.
Today its historic downtown area is lined with shops, restaurants, and art galleries housed in beautifully preserved 19th-century buildings. Visitors can stroll along the historic cobblestone streets, walk across the old famous bascule bridge, browse unique boutiques, and sample local cuisine at cozy cafes and restaurants. and of course don't forget their famous ice cream parlors.
Mystic is located near other popular attractions in southeastern Connecticut, including the Foxwoods Resort Casino and Mohegan Sun Casino, as well as nearby coastal towns like Stonington and Watch Hill, Rhode Island.
The picturesque shopping village resembles a New England village from the 18th century. The downtown area is brimming with historic charm, with cobblestone streets, brick sidewalks and 19th century buildings housing a variety of shops, eateries and art galleries.
Overall, this historic town offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, making it a delightful destination for visitors of all ages. Whether you're interested in maritime history, outdoor activities, or simply enjoying the picturesque waterfront, Mystic has something to offer everyone.