Norwich, Connecticut Hotel near Mystic Seaport and Mystic Aquarium

Mystic Seaport Hotel near Mystic Aquarium Mystic Seaport History Aquarium & Institute for Exploration Mystic Aquarium Beluga Encounter

The Holiday Inn Norwich is a newly-renovated Norwich, Connecticut hotel that prides itself on its close proximity to historic Mystic Seaport.

It’s a fascinating area that features a “living” museum and a dazzling aquarium that presents more than just pretty sea creatures.

Mystic Seaport. There are four main sections that make up magical Mystic Seaport, known as the Museum of America and the Sea. Step back in time and walk along the streets of an authentic 19th-century Seafaring Village featuring more than 30 old New England trade shops and businesses, which are not replicas but actual historic buildings. Visit the Waterfront where tall ships and other historic boats, including the world's last wooden whale-ship, are docked and available for exploring. Watch antique vessels get restored in the Preservation Shipyard. Plus, enjoy a wide range of exhibits and galleries. What’s more, you can rent a boat or go star-gazing in the planetarium. And kids will definitely not be bored as we offer them the Children's Museum, Discovery Barn and Playscape Area. For more information, visit www.mysticseaport.org.  [Top]

Mystic Seaport History. For more than 300 years, Mystic Seaport has been a seafaring destination and the heart of shipbuilding. Since the 17th century, the banks of the Mystic River have overflowed with all types of ships and shops. For 135 years-from 1784 to 1919-the area saw more than 600 ships constructed. That all came to an abrupt end when steam power took center stage. It was at that point that textile manufacturing replace shipbuilding as Mystic’s prominent industry. For more information, visit www.mysticseaport.org.  [Top]

Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration. As its name implies, Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration is more than an aquarium. Yes, there are sea creatures that you can see in action-everything from sea lions to rays to penguins. And there are exciting, enlightening exhibits, such as Hidden Amazon, Fluorescent Coral and Arctic Coast. But what makes Mystic Aquarium stand out from the crowd is the collection of some of the finest talent in oceanographic and deep-sea archeological research. In short, Mystic Aquarium gives visitors more aquatic bang for its buck. You don’t just get to see the animals on the surface, you get to delve deeper and learn about the latest discoveries of the underwater world. As an added bonus, you learn to appreciate and, in turn, how to protect this most important resource. For more information, visit www.mysticaquarium.org/.  [Top]

Mystic Aquarium Beluga Encounter. There are many special programs at Mystic Aquarium. One of the most popular is the Beluga Encounter. Every May through October, there’s a rare opportunity to cozy up to a real live whale. It all begins with a 20-minute orientation. After that, you’ll spend the next 20 minutes wading in the water with a trainer and the whales. You’ll get to hear these amazing mammals breathe, spout and vocalize. You’ll also get to touch the whale and-drum roll, please-pat its tongue. Plus, you’ll learn how these incredible creatures are trained. For more information about the Beluga Encounter and other special programs, visit www.mysticaquarium.org/.  [Top]