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.
### All Seasons Inn & Suites
CA $884
per person
Apr 25 - May 2
found 20 hours ago
Roundtrip non-stop flight included
Edmonton (YEG) to Providence (PVD)
6.6/10 (716 reviews)
We stay at All Seasons often. It’s clean and inexpensive compared to what’s around that area.
Reviewed on Nov 9, 2025
### Wayfinder Newport
CA $1,159
per person
Apr 25 - May 2
found 20 hours ago
Roundtrip non-stop flight included
Edmonton (YEG) to Providence (PVD)
8/10 Very Good! (1,000 reviews)
We arrived about an hour and a half after the original check-in time, but our room still was not ready. The front desk staff also did not mention the $50 fee or explain the reimbursement or resort fee process (still waiting to get that money back). I only learned about it by overhearing another staff member. Once in the room, we noticed several issues: the Nespresso machine was broken, the shower floor felt soft underfoot, the table had only one chair, and the walls were thin, which made it hard to sleep with noisy neighbors. On the positive side, the facility was nice and the on-site restaurant offered good food, although the brunch service could have been better. Overall, it was a decent stay. It was not the best experience I have had, but certainly not the worst either.
Reviewed on Feb 18, 2026
### Pleasant View Inn
CA $1,379
per person
Apr 25 - May 2
found 21 hours ago
Roundtrip non-stop flight included
Edmonton (YEG) to Providence (PVD)
8/10 Very Good! (1,000 reviews)
The front entrance and the parking lot across the street were not sufficiently lighted, walking was a bit treacherous. The shower door in our room needs to be realigned, very difficult to open and close. Otherwise we were very happy with our stay and plan on returning.
Reviewed on Oct 25, 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
[Tonight
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[Tomorrow night
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[This 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
[](https://expedia.ca/Mystic-Hotels-Downtown-Mystic-Home-5-Stars-Free-Parking-Fenced-Yard-Discounted-Longer-Stays.h65987625.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)
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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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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)
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8- Heart of Mystic, lovely home with water views
Groton CT
[](https://expedia.ca/Mystic-Hotels-8-Heart-Of-Mystic.h68539008.Hotel-Information)
###
Riverbed, Romantic Waterfront Suite, walk to town
Stonington CT
[](https://expedia.ca/Mystic-Hotels-Riverbed.h91010401.Hotel-Information)
###
Luxe Historic Bungalow in Heart of Downtown Mystic
Mystic CT
[](https://expedia.ca/Mystic-Hotels-Luxe-Historic-Bungalow-In-Heart-Of-Downtown-Mystic.h108746888.Hotel-Information)
[See all 886 properties in Mystic River Bascule Bridge](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.Hotels.Package®ionId=6071445)
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.
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