Montville is a charming town located in New London County, Connecticut, nestled between the cities of Norwich and New London. Known for its picturesque setting and diverse entertainment options, it encompasses several villages including Chesterfield, Mohegan, Oakdale, and Uncasville. The area boasts a mix of natural beauty, family-friendly activities, and bustling casino excitement, making it a popular destination for both relaxation and adventure.
Montville offers a range of attractions catering to thrill-seekers,
nature lovers, and families alike.
Mohegan Sun Casino, 1 Mohegan
Sun Blvd, Uncasville. ☏ +1-888-226-7711, email:
onlinecustomerservice@mohegansun.com. This expansive resort features an
array of dining spots, vibrant nightclubs, cozy lounges, and more than
25 retail outlets. Gaming enthusiasts can enjoy a vast selection of
table games, a dedicated race book for betting on horse races, and
thousands of slot machines. It's a hub for entertainment beyond
gambling, with live shows and events.
Mohegan Sun Arena, located
within the Mohegan Sun complex. This 10,000-seat venue hosts major
concerts, sporting events like basketball and boxing, and other live
performances throughout the year. It's a key spot for catching big-name
artists and shows in an intimate yet energetic atmosphere.
Hopemead
State Park, eastern shore of Gardner Lake. ☏ +1 860-424-3200, email:
deep.stateparks@ct.gov. A serene spot for outdoor activities, offering
hiking trails through wooded areas, fishing opportunities in the lake
(stocked with trout and bass), and picnicking with basic amenities.
Facilities are limited, so it's ideal for a peaceful day in nature,
especially in warmer months.
The Dinosaur Place at Nature's Art
Village, 1650 Hartford-New London Turnpike, Oakdale. This 60-acre
outdoor adventure park features over 50 life-sized dinosaur replicas
along scenic nature trails, a splash pad, maze, and playground. It's
perfect for families with kids, combining education about prehistoric
creatures with fun activities. Open seasonally, typically from spring
through fall, with admission fees around $25-30 per person.
SuperCharged Indoor Karting, 1 Sachatello Industrial Dr. Experience
high-speed go-kart racing on one of the world's largest multi-level
indoor tracks, suitable for adults and juniors (height restrictions
apply). Additional attractions include trampolines and ninja courses.
Prices start at about $25 per race, and it's open year-round for
adrenaline-pumping fun.
Other notable activities include exploring
the Fort Shantok Archaeological District for historical insights into
Native American heritage, or visiting nearby Mystic Seaport Museum for
maritime history (about 15-20 minutes drive).
Montville is easily accessible by car via Interstate 395, which runs north-south through the area, connecting to major highways like I-95 along the coast. From Hartford, it's about a 45-minute drive southeast; from New York City, expect around 2-3 hours northeast. For air travel, the nearest major airports are Bradley International (BDL) in Hartford (50 miles away) or T.F. Green (PVD) in Providence, Rhode Island (about 60 miles, roughly an hour's drive). Rental cars are recommended from airports. Bus services via Greyhound or local providers stop in nearby Norwich or New London, with fares starting around $25 from major cities like Boston. Limited train options via Amtrak arrive in New London (10 miles south), followed by a taxi or rideshare to Montville.
The town is best navigated by car due to its suburban and rural layout, with Route 32 serving as a main artery connecting villages like Uncasville and Oakdale. Rideshares like Uber and Lyft are readily available, especially near Mohegan Sun, which offers free shuttle services to nearby hotels and parking areas. Taxis can be called for short trips, and biking is feasible on quieter roads or trails in parks, though public transit is limited to occasional buses from Southeast Area Transit (SEAT) linking to Norwich.
Shopping options abound, particularly at The Shops at Mohegan Sun, featuring over 30 upscale stores like Coach, Tommy Bahama, and specialty boutiques for jewelry, apparel, and souvenirs. For unique gifts, head to Nature's Art Village Shops, which include an A-to-Z mineral store with crystals, fossils, and gemstones. Local retail includes Montville Commons, a suburban center with everyday essentials like Stop & Shop grocery and Home Depot for home goods. Nearby Tanger Outlets in Foxwoods (10 minutes away) offer discounted brand-name shopping.
Montville's dining scene is dominated by options at Mohegan Sun, but
local spots add variety.
Hash House A Go Go at Mohegan Sun: Known
for oversized portions of creative comfort food like twisted farm
benedicts and sage fried chicken waffles. Open for breakfast, lunch, and
dinner.
The Farm Italy at Ballo Italian in Mohegan Sun: Offers rustic
Italian dishes in a farmhouse-inspired setting, with pasta, pizzas, and
fresh seafood.
Donatello's With A Twist, local spot: Modern
Italian-American fare with a creative spin, including salads,
sandwiches, and entrees in a casual atmosphere.
Big Belly Kelly's
BBQ: Serves up smoky ribs, pulled pork, and sides for barbecue lovers.
The Shed Restaurant at Mohegan Sun: All-day dining with American
classics like burgers, salads, and brunch items.
For quick bites,
try Johnny Rockets for burgers or local cafes in Uncasville.
Nightlife centers around Mohegan Sun's bars and lounges, such as Hall Of Lost Tribes Bar for craft cocktails and live music. Other options include sports bars like Longshots Sports Cafe in Uncasville, offering beers, pub grub, and big screens for games. For a relaxed vibe, lounges within the casino provide themed drinks and entertainment.
Accommodations range from casino resorts to budget-friendly hotels,
many with shuttle services to attractions.
Fairfield by Marriott
Inn & Suites Uncasville Mohegan Sun Area, 2255 Norwich New London
Turnpike. ☏ +1 860 848-0660, toll-free: +1-888-863-7847, fax: +1 860
848-8941. Modern rooms with free breakfast, indoor pool, and proximity
to the casino.
Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Uncasville Casino
Area, 1954 Norwich-New London Turnpike (Rt. 32). ☏ +1 860 367-0880, fax:
+1 860 367-0770. Affordable stays with basic amenities like free Wi-Fi
and continental breakfast.
Hyatt Place Uncasville - Casino Area, 2049
Norwich-New London Turnpike. Features spacious rooms, an indoor pool,
free breakfast, and a 24/7 fitness center.
Mohegan Sun Hotel, within
the casino complex. Luxurious options with over 1,000 rooms, spa access,
and views of the Thames River; rates vary by season.
Hampton Inn
Norwich, nearby at 154 Salem Turnpike. Offers comfortable stays with
free hot breakfast and an indoor pool.
Pre-Colonial and Indigenous History
The area that would become
Montville, Connecticut, was originally inhabited by indigenous peoples,
particularly the Mohegan and Pequot tribes, who descended from cultures
present in the region for thousands of years. The Mohegans, a branch
that split from the Pequots, maintained a presence in southeastern
Connecticut since at least the 16th century, living a roving subsistence
lifestyle based on hunting, fishing, and limited agriculture. Under
Sachem Sassacus, the Pequots were initially hostile to European
settlers, while the Mohegans, led by Sachem Uncas, allied with the
colonists. This alliance proved pivotal during the Pequot War
(1636–1637), where the Mohegans and English forces defeated the Pequots,
leading to the near destruction of the Pequot tribe. For defense, Uncas
established a fortified village at Fort Shantok, a promontory above the
Thames River, protected by palisades rebuilt multiple times during
conflicts like the wars with the Narragansetts (c. 1653–1657) and King
Philip's War (1675–1676). The Mohegans, having moved from what is now
New York just before the colonists' arrival, liberally sold or gifted
land to settlers, though some transactions were fraudulent, sparking
ongoing disputes. Today, the Mohegan Tribe retains a 700-acre sovereign
reservation within Montville's borders, established by the colony of
Connecticut in the 17th century and federally recognized as independent
from local laws.
17th Century: Early Colonial Settlement
European settlement began in 1646 when the boundaries of New London
(initially called Pequot after the indigenous tribe) were defined, with
the Oxoboxo River marking the northern edge. The area south of the river
fell under New London, while north of it was considered Mohegan land.
The first land grants occurred in 1658, when Uncas deeded valuable farm
sites along the Thames River at Massapeag and Pamechaug to Richard
Haughton and James Rogers. Samuel Rogers became the first settler in
1670, followed by others who cleared dense forests and rocky soil for
farming, despite scarce open fields. The Mohegans continued to cede
land, sometimes through fair trade or friendship, but often amid
fraudulent claims by settlers. By 1703, the area between the Oxoboxo
River and Norwich was annexed by New London, solidifying colonial
control over former Mohegan territories. Early economic activities
included basic mills, with settlers eking out a living from agriculture
despite the challenging terrain.
18th Century: North Parish and
Incorporation
In 1658, the region, including parts of present-day
Salem, was designated the North Parish of New London. This parish grew
as a distinct community, with early industries emerging, such as
sawmills and bog ore iron production. Land disputes with the Mohegans
persisted, leading to commissions and legal resolutions. During the
Revolutionary War, residents from the North Parish served in the
conflict, with records listing enlistees and pensioners. The parish
separated from New London and incorporated as the Town of Montville in
1786, named for "mountain village" due to its hilly landscape. At
incorporation, the town boasted nearly 2,000 residents and
infrastructure including four gristmills, seven sawmills, and one
fulling mill.
19th Century: Industrial Growth, Wars, and
Demographic Shifts
The 19th century saw Montville's economy diversify
beyond agriculture, leveraging abundant waterways despite the rocky,
forested terrain that hindered farming. Small factories produced woolen
cloth, cotton textiles, paper, oil, dyes, distilled goods, bicycles,
silk, cotton batting, twine, rope, and wooden wheel clocks. By 1870,
thirteen manufacturing firms operated along the Oxoboxo River, employing
10 to 85 workers each, though businesses were unstable with frequent
ownership changes. Ecclesiastical institutions grew, including the
Congregational Church at Montville Center (established mid-19th
century), Chesterfield Churches, Baptist Church and Mohegan Chapel, and
the Methodist Church in Uncasville. Community infrastructure expanded
with post offices, physicians, and the Raymond Library and St. John's
Church in the late 19th century.
Territorial changes included
Waterford's separation in 1801 and Salem's incorporation in 1819 from
parts of Montville, Lyme, and Colchester. Montville residents
participated in the War of 1812 and the Civil War, with enlistment and
pension records preserved. Population fluctuated: growing slightly after
1786, declining to 1,800 by 1850, then rising to about 2,400 by 1900,
fueled by immigration from Ireland, French-Canada, Russia, and Poland.
Genealogical records from this era document dozens of early settler
families, such as Adgate, Baker, Chapman, Comstock, Fitch, Rogers, and
others, tracing lineages through births, marriages, and deaths, often
amid date discrepancies due to inconsistent records. Notable figures
included Rev. Samson Occum (a Mohegan minister), Rev. Abishai Alden, and
Rev. Lorenzo Dow, who contributed to religious and community life.
20th Century to Present: Modern Developments
In the 20th century,
industrial patterns stabilized, though earlier instability persisted
into the early decades. By 1935, nearly 40% of families were
foreign-born, with 20% native-born first-generation, but nationality
distinctions in immigration have since faded. The town's
villages—Chesterfield, Mohegan, Oakdale, and Uncasville—formed its core
communities. A significant modern development was the establishment of
the Mohegan Sun casino resort on the Mohegan reservation, which opened
in the 1990s and now attracts millions of visitors annually, boosting
the local economy. Montville remains in New London County, on the west
side of the Thames River, midway between Norwich and New London,
preserving its historical ties to indigenous heritage while embracing
contemporary tourism and industry.
Montville, a small town in southeastern Connecticut with roots dating
back to the 17th century, has accumulated a share of eerie folklore and
paranormal tales, often tied to its historic buildings, cemeteries, and
natural features like Gardner Lake. These stories blend local history
with reports of ghostly encounters, drawing interest from paranormal
enthusiasts. Below are some of the most notable haunted legends
associated with the area.
Raymond Library: This historic library,
constructed in 1893, is one of Montville's most reported haunted sites.
Visitors and staff have described seeing ghostly apparitions, hearing
unexplained footsteps and whispers, and experiencing a general sense of
unease, as if being watched. The building's age and past as a community
hub may contribute to these lingering spirits.
Captain Grant's Home
(Now a Bed and Breakfast): Dating to the early 1700s, this former
residence is said to be haunted by the ghosts of its past inhabitants.
Guests report hearing footsteps in empty rooms, spotting full-bodied
apparitions, and feeling sudden cold spots. The property's long history
as a home for sea captains and families fuels tales of unrestful spirits
tied to the site's colonial era.
The Green Lady of Gardner Lake: This
legend centers on a woman named Elizabeth, who lived near Gardner Lake
(which borders Montville, Salem, and Bozrah) and was known for her green
dress. She mysteriously vanished in the surrounding woods, and her ghost
is said to appear as a misty figure in green, wandering the area. The
story evokes a sense of tragic loss, with sightings contributing to the
lake's haunted reputation.
Comstock Cemetery: An old burial ground in
Montville, this cemetery is linked to reports of ghostly apparitions,
strange noises like whispers or rustling, and an overwhelming feeling of
unease among visitors, especially at night. Its isolated location and
aged gravestones amplify the eerie atmosphere, making it a spot for
local ghost hunters.
Gardner Lake Piano Legend: In the late 1800s,
locals attempted to move an old house across the frozen surface of
Gardner Lake during winter. A warm rain caused the ice to break, and the
house sank to the bottom, taking most of its contents—including a
piano—with it. Today, fishermen and boaters claim to hear faint,
ethereal piano music emanating from the depths of the lake, as if the
instrument is still playing underwater. This tale combines historical
fact with supernatural elements, persisting as one of the region's most
intriguing stories.
While some of these legends have been
investigated by paranormal groups, evidence remains anecdotal, often
shared through local histories and online forums. Note that sites like
Captain Grant's are operational businesses, so respectful visits are
encouraged.
Montville also features several abandoned or neglected sites, ranging
from decaying structures to mysterious ruins hidden in the woods. These
spots reflect the town's industrial past, natural landscapes, and
occasional urban decay, often attracting explorers interested in history
or urbex (urban exploration). Safety and legal access should always be
prioritized, as many are on private or restricted land.
Montville
Souterrain (Underground Stone Chambers): Located on the north side of
Beaver Dam Hill in the Oakdale section, this enigmatic underground
tunnel-like structure was first exposed in 1938 by a hurricane that
uprooted a large oak tree, creating a collapsed opening. Rediscovered in
1984, it measures about 38 feet long, 24-26 inches wide, and up to 60
inches high, built with local gneiss stone in a drywall style, ending in
a corbelled chamber. The narrow entrance requires crawling to enter,
adding to its claustrophobic and creepy vibe. Surrounded by stone
cairns, rows, and other mysterious features like a serpent-shaped stone
alignment, it's theorized to be an ancient ritual site possibly dating
back centuries (some estimates suggest around 310 B.C. via dowsing),
similar to Iron Age souterrains in Europe. Abandoned and largely unknown
before modern times, it's on undeveloped common land, evoking theories
of ceremonial use for vision quests or rebirth rituals. The site's
isolation in tangled laurel and underbrush, far from any historical
habitation, enhances its abandoned, forgotten feel.
Abandoned Water
Tower: An old, rusted water tower stands as a relic in Montville,
symbolizing the town's industrial history. Overgrown and weathered, it
has been vacant for years, with its haunting silhouette visible amid the
landscape. It's often photographed for its decayed beauty but lacks
specific ghostly associations.
Vacant Buildings on Route 32: Several
structures along Route 32 have fallen into disrepair, including a former
laundromat at 855 Route 32, which stood empty and dilapidated for years
before potential demolition. These "disappearing buildings" highlight
urban blight in the area, with some properties cleared out over time due
to poor condition.
Scattered Vacant Properties and Homes: Montville
has a history of abandoned homes and lots, leading to complaints from
residents about eyesores, break-ins, and squatters. In the 2010s, issues
with foreclosure and neglect were prominent, with some properties listed
for sale as "haunted" or fixer-uppers. These aren't famous landmarks but
represent everyday abandonment in rural-suburban areas.
Although
searches for a specific "abandoned medieval mansion" in Montville
yielded no confirmed sites (possibly confused with other CT locations
like Victorian ruins elsewhere), the souterrain's ancient, tunnel-like
design gives it a medieval-esque mystery. Overall, Montville's abandoned
spots are more subtle and historical than dramatic, often intertwined
with its natural terrain and past land use. If exploring, check for
permissions to avoid trespassing.