National Parks In Massachusetts

Out of the more than 400 national parks in the United States, 16 are located in Massachusetts. You’ll find a wide variety of national parks in the state. It ranges from the National Seashore of Cape Cod, mountainous Appalachian National Scenic Trail, to the seventeenth-century iron foundry on the banks of the Saugus River.

Best National Parks in Massachusetts

1. Adams National Historical Park (Quincy, MA)

   Adams National Historical Park tells you the story of the “heroes, statesman, philosophers,… and learned women” who helped 13 desperate colonies to grow and develop into a united country.

   It is spread across a total area of 13 acres. The park includes the birthplaces of John Adams and John Quincy Adams, home to four generations of the Adams family, the Old House at Peace field, and the Stone Library. This historical park was designated as a national park in 1946.

   The Visitor Center of the Adams National Historical Park is situated in Quincy Center, which is placed almost at the middle of the Old House at Peace field and the birthplace homes. Regular tours are conducted here. During the tour, a trolley will transport you to the historic homes. It usually takes around 3 hours to tour the park. The physical address of the park is 1250 Hancock Street, Quincy, MA 02169.

   If you are traveling on US Interstate 93 take exit 7 – Route 3 South to Braintree and Cape Cod. Now, take the first exit off Route 3 south – exit 19. Follow the signs and head towards the Quincy Center. As you continue your journey straight on Burgin Parkway, you’ll have to go through 6 traffic lights.

   Turn rights at the 7th traffic light on Dimmock Street. Continue driving on Dimmock Street for one block and then turn right onto Hancock Street. You’ll find the National Park Service Visitor Center, which is situated at 1250 Hancock Street on your left. A validated parking facility is available in the garage to the back.

   While visiting Adams National Historical Park, expect hot and humid weather. Remember that the historic homes in this park are not air-conditioned. The visitor center remains open round the year. However, the historic homes remain closed from November 1 to April 30.

   US$15.00 is the individual entrance fee (applicable for all 16 years and above). No entrance charge is applicable for children below 16 years. Only debit and credit cards are applicable.

2. Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park (RI, MA)

   It was the Blackstone River that accelerated America’s pace into the age of industry. Samuel Slater’s cotton spinning mill in Pawtucket (RI) was a success story in itself. This success started a chain reaction, bringing a paradigm shift in the way people work and where they live. The reverberation of the revolution that started with Samuel Slater’s cotton spinning mill continues till now.

   There are many sites across the Blackstone River Valley of Rhode Island and Massachusetts that are included in the Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park. These sites are Old Slater Mill National Historic Landmark District, Blackstone Canal, Blackstone River State Park, Blackstone River and the tributaries of Blackstone River, Hopedale Village Historic District, Whitinsville Historic District, Slatersville Historic District, and Ashton Historic District. The physical address of the park is 282 North Main Street, Providence, RI 02903.

   During summer, the temperature ranges within 56 ℉ (13.3 ℃) and 83 ℉ (28.3 ℃). The temperature varies from 30 ℉ (-1.1 ℃) to 70 ℉ (21.1 ℃) during spring and fall. The winter temperatures vary from 20 ℉ (-6.7 ℃) to 45 ℉ (7.2 ℃).

   Visit Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park to see how this industrial revolution transformed the Blackstone Valley’s landscape and then that of the US. This historical park is the 402nd unit of the National Park Service that was established on December 19, 2014. There are still quite some works that need to be done. The NPS is working closely with other stakeholders such as the state agencies, local communities, and others to draw the final park boundary.

3. Boston National Historical Park (Boston, MA)

   Explore Boston National Historical Park to discover how a city became the Cradle of Liberty. It became the location where the first major battle of the American Revolution was fought. This historical park became the center from where the proponents of freedom strived to extend freedom to all.

   This site is a unique collaboration of multiple historic sites that were associated with the colonial struggle for independence, the birth of a nation, and its growth. Most of the park, a part of the National Parks of Boston, is situated along the 2.5 miles (4 km) Freedom Trail.

   The major park as well as the partner sites of the park along the Freedom Trail remains typically open every day. Most of the visitors generally walk along the trail, either partially or all through it, to reach the historic sites that are located along with it. Use their free park mobile app, park brochures, or guide books.

   You can also contact the Boston National Historical Park at 21 Second Ave

   Charlestown, MA 02129, and their phone number are (617) 242-5601.

4. Lowell National Historical Park (Lowell, MA)

   Lowell National Historical Park captures the past of the Continuing Revolution. It was the water-powered textile mills that catapulted the country into a new era of industrialization. Lowell’s textile mills changed the lives of the immigrant families as well as the early female factory workers. Even after 200 years, the changes that started from that textile mill still reverberate around the world economy.

   If you want to witness the living monument to the ever-changing human story of the industrial revolution, explore Lowell National Historical Park. The physical address of this park is 115 John Street, Lowell, MA 01852.

   To reach this place, you have to take Exit 35C from Interstate Route 495 to the Lowell Connector. If you are traveling southbound, take Exit 30A from Route 3. In case traveling northbound, take Exit 30B from Route 3. Now, take the Lowell Connector to Exit 5B and continue right on to Thorndike Street, which becomes Dutton Street. Continue driving straight under the overpass at the third traffic light. You’ll reach the Visitor Center Parking Lot Visitor Center at the next light turn right. The center is closed currently. That’s why you have to walk for 10 minutes to reach the Boott Cotton Mills Museum (115 John St.).

   At the Visitor Center parking lot at 304 Dutton Street, the free parking facility is limited. Hotels and camping sites are available near the city of Lowell.

   The climate remains warm throughout summer. During the day, the temperature ranges from mid-60s ℉ (above 18 ℃) to mid-90s (above 35 ℃). During July and August, rain and thunderstorms are more common. Except for extreme weather, thunder, and lightning, boats, and trolleys are available round the year.

   During winter, it remains cold. The temperature varies from mid-30s ℉ (around 1.7 ℃) and 40s ℉ (around 7 ℃) to single-digit temperatures. Throughout the winter, snowstorms are common.

   Check out the National Weather Service Lowell page or call the National Park Visitor Center at (978) 970-5000 for more information on weather and climate. At the Visitor Center (246 Market Street), a free, public WiFi facility is available. You’ll get cellular services across the park.

5. Minute Man National Historical Park (Concord, Lincoln, Lexington, MA)

   This historical park commemorates the opening battle in the American Revolutionary War. It includes Wayside, which is home to 3 famous American authors. In and around Lexington, Concord, and Lincoln (three towns in Massachusetts), the Minute Man National Historical Park protects 970 acres (392.5 ha). Visitors can explore the battlefields as well as the structures associated with the opening battle of the Revolution on April 19, 1775.

   Some of the most important sites to visit during your tour of Minute Man National Historical Park are:

   1. Concord’s North Bridge
   2. The Minute Man statue of 1874
   3. Obelisk Monument
   4. The grave of two regular army soldiers killed at the bridge and the Old Manse
   5. Battle Road Trail (5 miles or 8 km long) between Lexington and Concord
   6. A monument where Paul Revere was captured during his midnight ride
   7. A restored eighteenth-century inn and house on the Battle Road named Hartwell Tavern
   8. The Battle Road Trail
   9. National Historic Landmark called The Wayside
   10. Barrett’s Farm

   All the park visitor centers are situated along Battle Road, at the hill overlooking the North Bridge. On Route 2A/Battle Road, the main visitor center is situated. A 25-minute multi-media show, “Road to Revolution”, is featured here, giving a good introduction to the Lexington-Concord events. You can watch the 8-minute film at the North Bridge Visitor Center. It provides a comprehensive account of events that led to the encounter at North Bridge.

6. New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park (New Bedford, MA)

   New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park was established on November 12, 1996. It preserves, protects, and interprets the cultural resources associated with the history of the 19th-20th century whaling industry. This collaborative partnership in the National Park Service is located in the urban setting of downtown New Bedford, spanning over thirteen city blocks.

   Besides whaling, the park showcases cultural diversity, women’s history, stories of global immigration, the Underground Railroad, art, and architecture. You can explore the park in multifarious ways. Participate in their volunteer opportunities or ranger programs. You can also explore the Belgian-blocked lined streets of the park to the Artist-in-Residence to check out the “City that Lit the World”.

   The physical address of New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park is 33 William Street, New Bedford, MA 02740. To reach your destination, you have to take Exit 15 (Route 18 / Downtown) from either I-195 East or West. Now, take exit 15 to merge onto MA-18 S toward Downtown/New Bedford. Continue driving straight onto MA-18 and then turn right as you see the first set of lights on Elm Street. Turn left onto Acushnet Ave and then again turn left onto William St. The park is situated on the left.

   The temperature remains within 56 ℉ (13.3 ℃) and 83 ℉ (28.3 ℃) during summer. The spring and fall temperatures hover within 30 ℉ (-1.1 ℃) and 70 ℉ (21.1 ℃). It remains cold in winter with an average temperature ranging between 20 ℉ (-6.7) and 45 ℉ (7.2m).

Best National Historic Sites in Massachusetts

1. Boston African American National Historic Site (Boston, MA)

   Boston African American National Historic Site is centered on Beacon Hill’s north slope. It was the 19th century when the African American community fought against slavery and injustice. They were the early leaders of the struggle for equal rights and education. These people along with their allies led the Abolition Movement, the Underground Railroad, and the Civil War.

2. Frederick Law Olmsted National Historic Site (Brookline, MA)

   Frederick Law Olmsted National Historic Site tells you the story of Frederick Law Olmsted (1822-1903). He was the founder of American landscape architecture as well as the foremost park maker of the country. In 1883, Olmsted moved his home to suburban Boston. He went on to establish the first full-scale professional office in the world for practicing landscape design. Olmsted’s design ideals, philosophy, and influence were perpetrated by his sons and successors in the next century.

3. John Fitzgerald Kennedy National Historic Site (Brookline, MA)

   The parents of John Fitzgerald Kennedy never expected their son would grow up to be president of the nation. However, JFK learned his values in his birthplace, which inspired him to lead a life in public service. Rose Kennedy, the mother of JFK, recreated the first home of her family so that she can share her memories of JFK’s early years and boyhood with visitors. John Fitzgerald Kennedy National Historic Site commemorates JFK’s early life and also the ideas/principles he left behind.

4. Longfellow House Washington’s Headquarters National Historic Site (Cambridge, MA)

   This historic site preserves the home of one of the world’s foremost 19th century poets, Henry W. Longfellow. During the Siege of Boston from July 1775 to April 1776, Longfellow House Washington’s Headquarters National Historic Site served as headquarters for General George Washington. It not only tells you the rich history but also provides you unique opportunities to explore the literature and arts of the nineteenth century.

5. Salem Maritime National Historic Site (Salem, MA)

   Salem Maritime National Historic Site, located in the urban setting of Salem, is spread across a total land area of 9 acres. It includes 12 historic structures, a Salem waterfront, and a downtown visitor center. This historic site was established on March 17, 1938, and was the first-ever National Historic Site in the US. Salem Maritime National Historic Site preserves and interprets more than 600 years of maritime history and global connections of New England.

6. Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site (Saugus, MA)

   In the 1600s, the European iron makers brought with them their special skills to a young colony on the banks of the Saugus River in Massachusetts. Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site is spread over a total area of 12-acres. It includes a historic 17th century home, forges, mills, working waterwheels, and a lush river basin.

7. Springfield Armory National Historic Site (Springfield, MA)

   Whether it is innovative engineering or superior firearms, both the American industry and the US Armed Forces looked up to Springfield Armory for around 200-years. This historic site commemorates the important role the first armory of the country played in American history. Springfield Armory National Historic Site preserves the world’s largest historic US military small arms collection, buildings, historic archives, and landscapes.

Best Scenic and Historic Trails in Massachusetts

1. Appalachian National Scenic Trail (Maine to Georgia, CT, GA, MA, MD, ME, NC, NH, NJ, NY, PA, TN, VA, VT, WV)

   The Appalachian Trail is a more than 2,180 miles (3,508 km) long public footpath. It traverses through the Appalachian Mountains. The idea of creating such a scenic trail was first conceived in 1921. The private citizens started building this and it was completed in 1937. Take a trip down this scenic trail to explore the beauty of the wild, scenic, wooded, and pastoral lands of the Appalachian Mountains.

2. New England National Scenic Trail (MA, CT)

   The New England National Scenic Trail is 215 miles (346 km) long. It starts from Long Island Sound across long ridges and continues to Connecticut and Massachusetts’ scenic mountain summits. This trail offers you panoramic vistas and close-ups of the natural and cultural landscape of New England. Enjoy waterfalls, steep river valleys, quiet streams, unfragmented forests, farmlands, historic village centers, and traprock ridges.

3. Washington-Rochambeau Revolutionary Route National Historic Trail (MA, RI, CT, NY, NJ, PA, DE, MD, VA, DC)

   Washington-Rochambeau Revolutionary Route National Historic Trail preserves the historical alliance between General Washington’s Continental Army and General Rochambeau’s French Army in 1781. These two forces joined to fight the British Army in Virginia’s Yorktown. This allied army moved hundreds of miles and became the American Revolution’s largest troop movement. The historic cooperation and joint effort helped the allied forces triumph over the British Army at Yorktown, securing American independence. Witness the history unfold before you along the Washington-Rochambeau Revolutionary Route National Historic Trail.

4. Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area (Boston, MA)

   Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area enables you to explore many historical sites and offers a wide array of recreations. Within reach of downtown Boston, this recreation area offers you the opportunity to walk a Civil War-era fort, visit historic lighthouses, relax while fishing/picnicking/swimming, camp under the starry nights, hike lush trails, and explore tide pools. Boston Harbor Islands Partnership coordinates 34 islands and peninsulas.

5. Cape Cod National Seashore (Wellfleet, MA)

   Cape Cod National Seashore protects the great Outer Beach within the national seashore that was described in the 1800s by Thoreau. It includes 40 miles (64 km) of pristine sandy beach, diverse species on the uplands, ponds, and marshes. You can sneak peek into the past of Cape Cod by exploring the cultural landscapes, wild cranberry bogs, and lighthouses. You can enjoy your time with your family at swimming beaches and also walk and bike through the trails.