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.

The only thing The Dinosaur Place at Nature’s Art Village has more of than dinosaurs is adventures — they are everywhere! In addition to meeting up with over 60 life-sized dinos along an easy-to-walk nature trail, you can work your way through the A-MAZE-asaurus maze (sliding through the giant mouth of a T-Rex!); or climb, jump and slide your way through Monty’s Playground. Over at the Splash Pad, there are dueling T-Rex water cannons among other great features, and the T-Rex Tower is a 2 1/2-story playscape with dozens of challenging features like a balance-beam bridge. The park also has an 18-hole mini golf course, a Jackpot Mine where you can dig for crystals and minerals and, over at Lapilli Landing, an equestrian-themed pedal-car track and Lucky Leroy train ride.

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.

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.