Title: Mystic River Bascule Bridge in Mystic - Tours and Activities | Expedia.ca
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# Mystic River Bascule Bridge Tours and Activities
## Visit Mystic River Bascule Bridge
Activities
[Mystic travel guide](https://expedia.ca/Mystic.dx9007)
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#### See engineering mastery in action when you watch this drawbridge levering up to allow boats in and out of the Mystic Seaport.
The Mystic River Bascule Bridge is a vehicle and pedestrian crossing that spans the width of the Mystic River in Mystic’s historic downtown. Translating from the French word for “seesaw,” bascule drawbridges use a system of counterweights to raise the span up and allow watercraft to pass through. Drive or walk across this historic bridge and marvel at the rocking trusses that were a landmark feat of engineering when the bridge opened in 1922.
Head to Mystic River Park on Mystic’s eastern riverbank for clear bridge views. This riverside parkland is ideal for watching boats sailing into the Mystic Seaport. The bridge over Mystic River is one of the best of its kind to watch in action, because unlike many bascule bridges, all of its technological components are in plain view. Watch the electric motors that drive the bull wheels and the bridge’s linkage arms. The span is lifted and counterbalanced by two enormous concrete weights on rocking trusses. New York City consulting engineer Thomas E. Brown patented this particular design in 1918.
Take a stroll or drive across to see its engineering features up close. You’ll see its steel balance beam, four spans and enormous bull wheels. Read the plaque that signposts the bridge’s construction company and opening date. Aside from being a fascinating sight in itself, the Mystic River Bascule Bridge is a quick and convenient link between Groton and Stonington. Linger a while in Mystic’s historic downtown on the western side of the bridge span. Buy an ice cream from the parlor adjacent to the bridge or stroll along the waterfront boardwalk for fantastic views across the river. Take photographs of the bridge and wave to sailboats going past.
The Mystic River Bascule Bridge is located to the east of Mystic’s main street. The bridge is free to visit by vehicle or on foot. Be sure to spend some time in downtown Mystic on your way between Groton and Stonington. The charming town has a selection of waterfront cafés and restaurants overlooking the river and the bridge.
## Plan a trip to see Mystic River Bascule Bridge
Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
### Wayfinder Newport
CA $1,421
per person
Mar 16 - Mar 22
found 15 hours ago
Roundtrip non-stop flight included
Ottawa (YOW) to Providence (PVD)
8/10 Very Good! (1,000 reviews)
The staff was incredibly accommodating and informative with every question we had. Everyone was friendly and gave off such warm, welcoming vibes. I’d definitely recommend this place and would absolutely stay again. Room was spotless bed were comfortable
Reviewed on Feb 1, 2026
### Forty 1 North
Downtown Newport
CA $2,715
per person
Mar 16 - Mar 22
found 15 hours ago
Roundtrip non-stop flight included
Ottawa (YOW) to Providence (PVD)
9/10 Wonderful! (440 reviews)
beautiful property, they paid attention to details, this hotel goes above and beyond expectations. Would definitely recommend and come back.
Reviewed on Oct 21, 2025
### Club Wyndham Long Wharf
Downtown Newport
CA $2,000
per person
Mar 16 - Mar 22
found 15 hours ago
Roundtrip non-stop flight included
Ottawa (YOW) to Providence (PVD)
8.8/10 Excellent! (309 reviews)
We stayed in November, and the heated pool was awesome! You can swim from the inside to the outside and there are hot tubs in both areas. It was a highlight for us! The rooms aren’t the most updated, but they do the trick and were clean. We also had a room with a full kitchen which was really helpful!
Reviewed on Nov 23, 2025
### Popular places to visit
#### Mystic Seaport
You can spend time browsing the exhibits at Mystic Seaport in Mystic. Visit the area's casinos or amble around its waterfront.
[](https://expedia.ca/Mystic-Seaport-Mystic.d6171199.Vacation-Attraction)
#### Mystic Seaport - The Museum of America and the Sea
Learn about life in a recreated 19th-century seafaring village or climb aboard one of the world’s last wooden whaleboats in this expansive outdoor maritime museum.
[](https://expedia.ca/Mystic-Seaport-The-Museum-Of-America-And-The-Sea-Mystic.d6071447.Vacation-Attraction)
#### Olde Mistick Village
Spend your day shopping in a beautifully recreated pioneering village, where stores are housed in traditional timber buildings with an 18th-century aesthetic.
[](https://expedia.ca/Olde-Mistick-Village-Mystic.d6127201.Vacation-Attraction)
#### Mystic Aquarium and Institute for Exploration
Uncover the mysteries of the bottom of the ocean and its amazing marine animals when you explore this aquarium’s interactive displays and touch pools.
[](https://expedia.ca/Mystic-Aquarium-And-Institute-For-Exploration-Mystic.d6071443.Vacation-Attraction)
#### Esker Point Beach
Why not spend a lazy afternoon at Esker Point Beach during your trip to Noank? Stroll along the seaside or visit the shops while you're in the area.
[](https://expedia.ca/Esker-Point-Beach-Groton.d553248635983992573.Vacation-Attraction)
#### Mystic Arts Center
You can spend time exploring the galleries in Mystic Arts Center during your travels in Mystic. Visit the area's casinos or amble around its waterfront.
[](https://expedia.ca/Mystic-Arts-Center-Mystic.d6326701.Vacation-Attraction)
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## Best Lodging Options Near Mystic River Bascule Bridge
## Check availability on hotels close to Mystic River Bascule Bridge
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[Next weekend
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Hilton Mystic
20 Coogan Blvd Mystic CT
[](https://expedia.ca/Mystic-Hotels-Hilton-Mystic.h20204.Hotel-Information)
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The Whaler's Inn
20 E Main St Mystic CT
[](https://expedia.ca/Mystic-Hotels-The-Whalers-Inn.h36267.Hotel-Information)
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Downtown Mystic Home Private Driveway Fenced in Yard Discounted longer stays
Mystic CT
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Historic Seaside Captain’s House in Downtown Mystic
Groton CT
[](https://expedia.ca/Mystic-Hotels-Captains-House-Historic-Mystic-Captains-House.h53435184.Hotel-Information)
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Hyatt Place Mystic
224 Greenmanville Ave Mystic CT
[](https://expedia.ca/Mystic-Hotels-Hyatt-Place-Mystic.h167903.Hotel-Information)
###
The School House Cottage, 1BR Mystic Riverfront Stay, Walk to Downtown
Groton CT
[](https://expedia.ca/Mystic-Hotels-School-House-Restored-Historic-Schoolhouse.h92108465.Hotel-Information)
###
8- Heart of Mystic, lovely home with water views
Groton CT
[](https://expedia.ca/Mystic-Hotels-8-Heart-Of-Mystic.h68539008.Hotel-Information)
###
The Captain’s & School House, Historic Mystic Riverfront Home
Groton CT
[](https://expedia.ca/Mystic-Hotels-Captain-Wolfe-House-Captains-House-Cottage-Breathtaking-Water-Views.h95155005.Hotel-Information)
###
Riverbed, Romantic Waterfront Suite, walk to town
Stonington CT
[](https://expedia.ca/Mystic-Hotels-Riverbed.h91010401.Hotel-Information)
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Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.