Discover the History of America and the Sea at Mystic Seaport, CT

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One of the best attractions to visit along the Connecticut coast is Mystic Seaport. This is the nation’s top maritime museum, and it features many fascinating exhibits related to American and the Sea.

The first attraction you will want to explore at Mystic Seaport is the re-created 19th century seafaring Village. These are living history exhibits featuring friendly and knowledgeable staff members that will answer questions and provide you with plenty of information about the various historic buildings here.

Each of the buildings is an authentic historic structure. As you tour the Mystic Press Printing Office, a Nautical Instruments Shop, the Boardman School and the remainder of the 30 buildings within the Village, you will experience life as it was during the 1800s. Historians and storytellers along the way help transport you back in time as you tour the streets of the Historic Village at Mystic.

The Henry B. duPont Preservation Shipyard at Mystic Seaport presents visitors with a unique opportunity to learn about and watch craftsmen engage in wooden shipbuilding. You’ll see carpenters’ shops, a rigging loft and an impressive 85-foot spar lathe. There is also a metalworking shop, paint shop, lumber shed and saw mill to see at the Preservation Shipyard. All of these buildings and tools are used today as wooden ships are built and repaired here.

Along the Waterfront at Mystic Seaport, visitors board and tour a variety of historic vessels. You can see the world’s last wooden whaleship here as well as examples of New England fishing vessels. In addition to seeing and touring tall ships and other historic vessels, you can also take a cruise along the Mystic River on steamboat dating from 1908. Four National Historic Landmarks are located at Mystic Seaport, and there are also several educational and training vessels docked at the pier.

There are also many fascinating exhibits and galleries to explore at Mystic Seaport. You can tour permanent exhibits as well as special seasonal exhibitions. You can tour a fully equipped whaleboat and learn about 19th century whaling at one Seaport exhibit. At The Wendell Building, you’ll see an impressive display of the Museum’s ships’ carvings and figureheads.

"Voyages: Stories of American and the Sea" is Mystic Seaport’s signature exhibit, and it is filled with artifacts, art, and audio-visual presentations that focus on past and ongoing connection with the sea.

There is a Planetarium on site and several play areas for children at the Seaport, and special events are held here throughout the year. Whether you have always been intrigued with nautical history or you are just curious to see the tall ships.

If you feel like spending a little more time in Mystic, Connecticut, you’ll find several affordable hotel options on HotelsCombined.com.