Maritime History at
The Mystic Seaport Museum
The Mystic Seaport Museum is a popular destination for both visitors and locals alike along the Mystic River. It has been a part of downtown since the late 1920s and is situated on 19 acres of land, with a stunning view of the waterfront and marina. The museum boasts over 60 historic buildings and four ancient sailing vessels, all officially recognized as national historical landmarks by the United States Government. However, one of the most fascinating features of the Mystic Seaport Museum is the recreation of an old maritime village, where skilled shipbuilders and craftspeople can be seen hard at work.
The Mystic Seaport Museum is always in the top five activities on TripAdvisor of the best things to do in Mystic, and with good reason! During your visit, you can explore the preservation shipyard and see the inner workings, browse the interactive exhibits in the galleries, board various historic ships, and even set sail for a scenic ride. You’ll also find some great dining options on-site, including casual eats at Schaefer’s Spouter Tavern, as well as New England favorites like clam chowder, fish and chips, and crab cakes at the newly updated Greenmans’ Landing. There’s something for everyone!
Before you start planning your itinerary to the Mystic Seaport, you’ll want to secure your lodging, and Stonecroft Inn is the perfect place to make your home base. We’re located about five miles from the Mystic downtown area, set back on our quiet country road, surrounded by conservation woodlands and our beautiful garden grounds. Our Mystic bed and breakfast offers elegant accommodations—with ten guest rooms total in both our historic 1807 house and a freshly renovated barn building—you’ll have your pick of immaculate spaces to relax and refresh. Start planning your next getaway to New England, and book your room today!
The Best Things to do at the Mystic Seaport Museum
Even if museums are generally not your thing, you should still consider visiting the Mystic Seaport Museum! This museum is not just about old boats, although they are undoubtedly impressive, but it is also much more than that. The most famous vessel in this historical museum is the Charles W. Morgan, which happens to be the last wooden whaleship remaining in the world. Plus, heading out on the water is always a fantastic treat and a great way to connect with nature and see the sights of our beautiful New England coastline.
12 things to know about
the Mystic Seaport before you go
1. Charles W. Morgan
You must hop on and explore the Charles W. Morgan, the last wooden whaleship left in the world-or any of the other historic vessels in the shipyard. Also located here is the most extensive watercraft collection of its kind in the United States, which includes four National Historic Landmark vessels: the Morgan, Dunton, Sabino, and the Emma C. Berry.
2. Mystic Seaport Museum
Explore the exciting exhibits at the Mystic Seaport Museum; some rotate seasonally, but expect to learn more about lighthouses, small crafts, whaling vessels, maritime navigation, and so much more.
3. Figureheads and Ship Carving Exhibit
Don't miss the figureheads and ship carving exhibit. While you'll get to view folk art of the sea, the figurehead and ship carving display is awe-inspiring. There's so much folklore surrounding these hand-crafted sculptures that led these ancient ships out to sea.
4."The Grand
Panorama"
5. Wander through Seaport Village
Wander through Seaport Village, a re-creation of a 19th-century seafaring village. The buildings were built in the 1800s and later transported to the Mystic Seaport Museum from locations all around New England. Inside the village, you'll find a variety of merchants, ranging from shipsmiths and coopers to woodcarvers and riggers.
6. Visit the Shipyard
The Mystic Seaport Museum is so much more than a museum; it's also a working shipyard. A visit here allows you to see the art of wooden shipbuilding, which will undoubtedly give you a new appreciation for the vessels found here.
7. Take an Adult Class
They offer adult classes in wooden shipbuilding, woodworking, and open-hearth cooking if you want to get involved. Additionally, the Mystic Seaport hosts a lovely list of annual events worth checking out.
8. Check Out the Stars
The night skies in Mystic, CT, are otherworldly and certainly not something you'd typically experience in bigger cities like New York or Boston. While you're in Mystic, take the time to visit the Planetarium at the Mystic Seaport Museum. You'll not only enjoy the stark beauty of the night sky here, but you'll also learn how it relates to maritime navigation.
9. Boatrides
You can also get on the water between May and October and explore the Mystic River! You can either rent a sailboat or rowboat, or you can just sit back and enjoy the ride on the historic steamboat at the Mystic Seaport Museum.
10. Check out Nearby Dining
Plan a stop for lunch or an early dinner at the on-site restaurants and cafes. You'll find classic and casual cuisine with lots of fresh seafood options.
11. Mystic Seaport Museum offers Military Discounts
Active military members in uniform receive free admission. Active duty, retired military personnel, and merchant mariners in casual attire with valid ID receive $5 off admission for themselves and each guest in their group.
12. You can get two day tickets!
Want more time to explore? Mystic Seaport Museum offers 2 day tickets. Two-day admission tickets are available for an additional $10 per person. To purchase, select "2-Day Ticket" in Mystic Seaport Museum check out.