The Two Faces of Mystic
Located 100 miles southwest of Boston, Mystic, Connecticut was a major shipbuilding center during the 1600s. Today the streets of this quintessential New England village are dotted with an eclectic mix of boutiques, galleries, souvenir shops and eateries. But Mystic is more than just a spot to load up on tourist tchotchkes. This coastal village is also home to the state’s top two attractions — both of which focus on the ocean. One highlights the maritime and shipbuilding history of the area, while the other focuses on creatures and ecology of the sea. And the good news is, these two faces of Mystic also offer good access for slow walkers and wheelchair-users.
The Historic Seaport
Mystic Seaport (mysticseaport.org) is a required stop on any two faces of Mystic visit. This 19-acre open-air museum focuses on maritime history and is filled with shipyard exhibits, historic vessels and maritime galleries. And it’s all built around a replica of a 19th century seafaring village.
Accessible parking is available in the south lot, with ramped access to the Visitor Reception Center across the street. Wheelchairs are available for loan at the front desk, and a large accessible restroom is located in this building. This is the main entrance to Mystic Seaport for most folks; and wheelchair-users and a companion receive a 50 percent discount on admission.
The seafaring village is filled with over 40 historic and reconstructed buildings. The roads through the village are mostly unpaved but level. The one exception is the area around the Children’s Museum and the Treworgy Planetarium, which has a slight incline. About a third of the village buildings feature level access but many have a step or two at the entrance, narrow doorways and very tight quarters inside. That said, there’s still lots to see for wheelchair-users and slow walkers.
Take some time to roll through the shipyard, and have a look at the drug store, chapel and shipsmith shop, all of which are accessible. There’s also an accessible path out to the replica of the Brant Point Lighthouse at Lighthouse Point. And don’t miss the Charles W. Morgan Whaleship. Although there’s only stairway access to the vessel, you can still get a good look at it from the dock.
There’s also barrier-free access to most of the inside exhibits, which feature everything from ship carvings and folk art to silver trophies, shop figures and even a rare carousel hippocampus. There’s plenty to see and do — for everyone — in Mystic Seaport.
Under the Sea
For a slightly different perspective of the sea, head on over to the Mystic Aquarium (mysticaquarium.org), where you’ll find everything from sharks and manta rays to seals, sea lions and even Beluga whales.
There’s barrier-free access to the aquarium, with level access over to the Gift Shop and the Saltwater Cafe. Accessible family restroom are located next to the Saltwater Cafe, and loaner wheelchairs are available at the front gate. And if you are visiting with a personal care assistant, there’s no charge for their admission. Contact the admissions office for more information.
There is good access throughout the campus, with accessible pathways outside, and barrier-free access to the inside exhibits. The spacious indoor gallery features a 35,000 gallon tank filled with eels, pufferfish, sharks and rays. There’s also a ray touch pool, an interesting Amazon exhibit and a large collection of jellyfish. Best of all, you can wheel right up to the glass tank for an up-close-and-personal look at the inhabitants.
Outside, there’s also an impressive collection of marine exhibits. At the top of the list is the Beluga whale exhibit. You can roll right over and get an eye level look at these giants. And don’t miss the incredibly cute African penguins. The excellent Roger Tory Peterson Penguin Exhibit offers visitors an up-close-and-personal look at these comical creatures, both above and below the water.
And don’t miss the Marsh Trek, a 200-foot accessible boardwalk that give folks a close look at a variety of freshwater species including mallards, herons, bullfrogs and turtles. Finally, make sure and stop at the seal pup play space on your way out. They are almost as entertaining as the African penguins, and it’s the perfect way to top off your two faces of Mystic visit.
