Title: Mystic River Bascule Bridge in Mystic | Expedia.co.uk
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# Mystic River Bascule Bridge
## Visit Mystic River Bascule Bridge
Activities
[Mystic travel guide](https://expedia.co.uk/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.
### The Taber Inne & Suites
£908
per person
16 Mar - 20 Mar
found 1 day ago
Return direct flight included
Glasgow (GLA) to Providence (PVD)
9.6/10 Exceptional! (1,000 reviews)
Very clean & charming environment. Staff was friendly & attentive. We will definitely be back.
Reviewed on 20 Jan 2026
### The Beatrice
Downtown Providence
£2,277
per person
22 Apr - 29 Apr
found 15 hours ago
Return flight included
London (LHR) to Providence (PVD)
9.8/10 Exceptional! (463 reviews)
The room was nice. The toilet was not working (the bidet part) and it was freezing in our room at 1230am, which woke us up. We called and they handed us a space heater...strange for an upscale hotel. No apologies, no how was the rest of your stay...disappointed overall.
Reviewed on 5 Feb 2026
### Marina Bay Cottages
£956
per person
16 Mar - 20 Mar
found 1 day ago
Return direct flight included
Glasgow (GLA) to Providence (PVD)
9.6/10 Exceptional! (71 reviews)
Everything was clean and well organized. The location was quiet and beautiful.
Reviewed on 1 Nov 2025
### Popular places to visit
#### Mystic Seaport
You can spend time studying the exhibits at Mystic Seaport during your trip to Mystic. Visit the area's casinos or amble around its waterfront.
[](https://expedia.co.uk/Mystic-Seaport-Mystic.d6171199.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.co.uk/Mystic-Seaport-The-Museum-Of-America-And-The-Sea-Mystic.d6071447.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.co.uk/Olde-Mistick-Village-Mystic.d6127201.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.co.uk/Mystic-Aquarium-And-Institute-For-Exploration-Mystic.d6071443.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.co.uk/Esker-Point-Beach-Groton.d553248635983992573.Attraction)
#### Mystic Arts Center
You can spend time browsing the exhibits at Mystic Arts Center during your trip to Mystic. Visit the area's casinos or amble around its waterfront.
[](https://expedia.co.uk/Mystic-Arts-Center-Mystic.d6326701.Attraction)
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## Top Hotel Deals
## Check availability on hotels close to Mystic River Bascule Bridge
[Tonight
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Hilton Mystic
20 Coogan Blvd Mystic CT
[](https://expedia.co.uk/Mystic-Hotels-Hilton-Mystic.h20204.Hotel-Information)
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The Whaler's Inn
20 E Main St Mystic CT
[](https://expedia.co.uk/Mystic-Hotels-The-Whalers-Inn.h36267.Hotel-Information)
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Hyatt Place Mystic
224 Greenmanville Ave Mystic CT
[](https://expedia.co.uk/Mystic-Hotels-Hyatt-Place-Mystic.h167903.Hotel-Information)
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Riverbed, Romantic Waterfront Suite, walk to town
Stonington CT
[](https://expedia.co.uk/Mystic-Hotels-Riverbed.h91010401.Hotel-Information)
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Luxe Historic Bungalow in Heart of Downtown Mystic
Mystic CT
[](https://expedia.co.uk/Mystic-Hotels-Luxe-Historic-Bungalow-In-Heart-Of-Downtown-Mystic.h108746888.Hotel-Information)
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A Family Heirloom - Historic 1839 Downtown Mystic Home
Stonington CT
[](https://expedia.co.uk/Mystic-Hotels-A-Family-Heirloom-Historic-1839-Downtown-Mystic-Home.h18977599.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.