Celebrate CT Trails Day June 5 with Thames River Quests

May 24, 2021

The Thames River Heritage Park and Connecticut Sea Grant are celebrating Connecticut Trails Day on June 5 by inviting people to visit one or more of the four park sites where they can enjoy a self-guided, educational activity and receive a complimentary harbor cruise ticket for the heritage park water taxi.

In the Thames River Quests, first offered on Trails Day in 2018, participants follow a set of clues to different locations at each site to solve a word puzzle and learn about the region’s history and ecology. The Quests take place at Fort Trumbull State Park and the downtown Waterfront Park in New London; and at Fort Griswold Battlefield State Park and Thames Street in Groton.

For the second year, the Quests are available as self-guided activities people can enjoy any time, but those who register and complete the Quests on Trails Day can receive a free harbor cruise ticket and will be eligible to enter a prize drawing for heritage park T-shirts. The tickets can be used on the park water taxi once it begins operating for the season on June 12.

“These Quests are a shining example of our communities and local organizations working together and taking advantage of the resources we have right here to provide family-friendly and fun park experience,” said Capt. Paul Whitescarver, TRHP board president.

Those who plan to do one or more of the Quests on Trails Day are asked to pre-register on the heritage park website beginning on May 20. Everyone planning to do the Quests should download and print the directions from their home computer at: thameriverheritagepark.org/quests.

“These Quests are a wonderful way to get outside and visit places perhaps you haven’t before, while learning about the rich  maritime heritage and history of the Thames River region,” said Nancy Balcom, associate director of Connecticut Sea Grant.

At the end of each Quest, participants are asked to take a photo and post it to their Facebook or Instagram account with @ThamesRiverHeritagePark #TRHPQuest or email it to: info@thamesriverheritagepark.org to receive their complimentary ticket and to be entered into the prize drawing. Winners will be randomly selected throughout the summer.

Photos of the winners will be posted on the Thames River Heritage Park’s Facebook page. In addition to the Thames River Heritage Park and Connecticut Sea Grant, the Thames River Quests are also sponsored by The Day Publishing Co.

The Fort Trumbull Quest begins at the Blockhouse building, the oldest one at the park. The masts of the Coast Guard Barque Eagle, which is docked at the park, is visible in the background.
The Fort Trumbull Quest begins at the Blockhouse building, the oldest one at the park. The masts of the Coast Guard Barque Eagle, which is docked at the park, is visible in the background. The park is located at 90 Walbach St., New London.
The Downtown New London Waterfront Park Quest begins at the submarine statue near City Pier. The park is located at 1 Water St., New London.
The Fort Griswold and Hidden Thames Street Quests both begin at Thames River Landing Park on Thames Street in Groton.
The Fort Griswold and Hidden Thames Street Quests both begin at Thames River Landing Park on Thames Street in Groton. The park is located at 301 Thames St., Groton.