Outdoor Adventures in Mystic/Eastern Connecticut (CT)

Aboard the 81-foot sailing vessel Argia, a modern replica of a 19th century packet schooner, you can travel back into the past – gliding by history-rich Mystic, helping the crew hoist and trim the sails – or just enjoy the view of islands, lighthouses and scenic coastlines from the vessel’s spacious wooden deck. The Coast Guard licensed schooner sails protected waters during the day and, for those seeking the romance of the sea at twilight, at sunset. Pack a picnic and a bottle of wine (or order snacks from us when you book) to make this excursion truly memorable. There are seats for all 49 passengers and a lovely little main salon down below.

Experience the outdoors from a truly unique vantage point when you book a train, boat or combination trip at Essex Steam Train & Riverboat. Vintage coaches pulled by a steam engine will rumble through the Connecticut River Valley where you might see the ducks, swans, blue heron, egrets and eagles of the tidal wetlands of Pratt Cove and Chester Creek. The narrated eco-excursion also includes a look at undeveloped Selden Neck State Park, accessible otherwise only by boat. Take a round trip back to historic Essex Station or board the Mississippi-style riverboat, the Becky Thatcher, for a cruise along the Connecticut River past quiet coves, inlets, marshes and stretches of rocky shoreline and well as wildlife. The smaller Adventure riverboat also is available for sunset, foliage and tree swallow cruises. Please check our website for current train & riverboat schedules.

Make tracks today to The Dinosaur Place at Nature’s Art Village, a 60-acre outdoor adventure park that features over 50 life-sized dinos on 1.5 miles of pristine, easy-to-walk nature trails. Pose for a selfie under the belly of a 40-foot-tall Brachiosaurus, explore dino-filled caves, feel the vibrations of a rumbling volcano at Raptor Bay, a 7-acre lake. Other outdoor attractions include New England’s largest Splash Pad, a dinosaur-themed maze and Monty’s Playground with a variety of climbing, jumping, balancing and sliding activities. At the T-Rex Tower, climb through a crazy obstacle-filled tower, swing across on a zip line and slide down a super-slick slide. There’s also an 18-hole Old West-themed mini golf course.

Have an adventure out on the water — and come home with dinner! That’s the perfect combo they’re offering you when you book a fishing cruise at Blackhawk Sport Fishing. With a vessel specially designed for the party boat fishing industry, you’ll head out to fish for porgy, bluefish, striped bass or sea bass. Bring your own gear, or rent a rod and reel at the dock. And, yes, kids can fish, too — sometimes they can even honk the boat horns! Keep what you catch (as long as it’s legal in terms of size and season) — a mate will fillet and clean it for a nominal charge. Or, you can release the fish back into the water or have it contributed to a local soup kitchen or food bank.