Old Newgate Prison and Copper Mine is a Connecticut state historic site in East Granby, with prison ruins above ground and an underground copper mine. You can explore the outdoor prison yard and take a guided mine tour during the site’s operating season; the historic site is about 4.8 miles from this inn in Windsor Locks.
- Location: 115 Newgate Road, East Granby, CT 06026.
- What’s there: A visitor center, prison yard, historic ruins and structures, and an underground mine.
- Mine tour: The standard tour lasts 30 minutes and follows a 100-yard loop.
- Seasonal planning: Mine tours and admission arrangements vary by season; check the official site before you go.
The History of Old Newgate
Old Newgate began as a copper mine in 1705 and became a prison after Connecticut acquired it in 1773. The prison was abandoned in 1827.
The state reacquired the site in 1968. After closing for structural repairs in 2009, it reopened to the public on July 14, 2018. The former prison and mine together preserve the site’s two distinct roles in Connecticut history.
For context on the surrounding community, the Windsor Locks area guide covers the town and its visitor attractions.
What Visitors See at the Site
The site brings together an outdoor prison yard, historic ruins and structures, a visitor center, and the underground copper mine. You can explore the yard and exhibits on your own, while access to the mine is through a tour.
The visitor center includes the Old New-Gate Museum of Art, which presents a rotating exhibit of artwork from Community Partners in Action’s Prison Arts Program, and the Connecticut Hall of Change.
The mine tour descends 33 modern steps and follows a 100-yard loop from 35 feet to 75 feet below ground. The passage is uneven and slanted, and its shortest tunnel is 4 feet high. The mine stays at 52°F and is wet, so the site recommends closed-toed shoes.
Tours, Hours and Admission
Opening days and hours vary with the visitor season, and the mine’s tour arrangements can change seasonally. The site’s standard admission from May through September includes a public copper-mine tour and self-guided exploration of the prison yard and exhibits.
Buy tickets at the visitor center; mine-tour preregistration is not available under the standard arrangement. Listed admission is $10 for adults ages 18–64, $8 for seniors age 65 and older, and $5 for youth ages 6–17; children ages 0–5 enter free. Active military members and their families are eligible for free admission through the Blue Star Program.
Plan for a 30-minute mine tour, in addition to time above ground. Before setting out, check the official site for its current hours, admission details and any seasonal changes.
How do you get to Old Newgate from Windsor Locks?
Old Newgate is at 115 Newgate Road in East Granby, roughly one mile west of Connecticut Route 20. Newgate Road branches north from Route 20, and the prison wall and parking lot are along that road.
If you’re also planning local transport around Windsor Locks, the guide to getting around Windsor Locks covers options in the area. The site’s address is a useful destination for mapping your drive.
Access and Visit Planning
The mine tour has physical constraints to consider: it includes steps, low clearance, and uneven, slanted footing. Strollers, wheelchairs, walkers and similar devices are not permitted in the mine.
The main parking lot is just north of the property and has marked accessible parking spaces. The overflow lot south of the property has no accessible parking spaces and connects to the visitor center by a trail. If you need accessible parking, head for the main lot.
When the museum is closed, the site says visitors can explore the exterior perimeter of the prison walls and use the picnic area. The copper mine serves as a hibernation site for bats from November through March, one reason the museum closes during winter.
FAQs
How long is the Old Newgate mine tour?
A standard tour lasts 30 minutes. The route includes 33 steps and a 100-yard loop underground.
What should I wear for the mine tour?
The mine is wet, and its footing is uneven and slanted. The site recommends closed-toed shoes.
Can you enter the mine with a wheelchair or stroller?
No. Strollers, wheelchairs, walkers and similar devices are not permitted in the mine.
Can you visit the grounds when the museum is closed?
The site says you can explore the exterior perimeter of the prison walls and use the picnic area when the museum is closed.