It’s a ferry. If it gets you to other side, it’s gotta get at least 3 stars, right? The extra one is because this isn’t just any ferry… it’s the oldest one in the country, operating since the days of tri-cornered hats. So next time you have to get east or west of the river, take a few extra minutes and take this instead of the boring, non-historical highway. Pro Tips: Both sides have something to offer. On the Rocky Hill side, there’s Shad Row, a casual seafood shack, and on the Glastonbury side, there’s the absolutely beautiful South Glastonbury area, filled with fields and farm stands.
Nicole D.
Place rating: 5 Los Angeles, CA
I’ve taken this ferry back and forth between Rocky Hill and South Glastonbury a bunch of times… very cute, scenic, and nice people working there. A little New England charm :)
Dan R.
Place rating: 5 Simsbury, CT
OK class, today’s lesson is «Historic American Transportation». Would you believe that somewhere in the US of A you can find a ferry crossing that has been providing unbroken public transportation service since 1655? That’s not a typo –that is indeed 1655! That’s over 350 years! Well, since a time that preceded the Declaration of Independence by 120 years, that ferry has crossed the CT River to connect the towns of Rocky Hill and Glastonbury, CT. A plaque from the CT Historical Commission reads: Nation’s oldest continuously operating ferry. Since 1655, public transportation across the Connecticut River has been provided at this site, connecting the towns of Rocky Hill and Glastonbury, both formerly parts of Wethersfield. Motive power has been supplied at various times by poles, oars, a horse treadmill and a steam engine. Privately operated for 260 years, this ferry became a State facility in 1915. It is now operated by the State Department of Transportation. Crossing time, 4 minutes. State of Connecticut Department of Transportation in cooperation with The Connecticut Historical Commission 1973 It’s a 2-sided marker with the same inscription on both sides. It’s located at the entrance to Ferry Park with a ship’s anchor displayed on the side facing the street. Ferry Park is a pretty area with waterfront access. I saw several crew boats sculling in the river on the afternoon I visited.
