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221 Appleton St.,
Holyoke MA 01040
413 534 1723
The park's Visitors' Center features exhibits
about paper manufacturing and Holyoke's industrial history. A slide
show celebrates the city's rich blend of cultures and people. Special
programs are offered year-round. The Children's Museum, the restored
antique Holyoke Merry-Go-Round and the Volleyball Hall of Fame are
also located within the park.
Outside the Visitors' Center, relax and have a
picnic in the beautifully landscaped park overlooking Holyoke's
three water power canals and several of the mill buildings. The
historic railroad is not running at present, but when in operation
it takes passengers on a 10 mile route through Holyoke and the surrounding
countryside.
History
When Boston industrialists saw the water pouring over Hadley Falls,
they were immediately impressed with its tremendous power and economic
potential. 50 cotton mills and 4-1/2 miles of canals were soon constructed,
making Holyoke an industrial giant in the middle of the 19th century.
Immigrant workers flocked to the new city. Paper mills quickly overshadowed
the original cotton mills, and soon Holyoke was manufacturing much
of the world's fine writing paper. Water powered turbines, and the
steam and electric machinery that replaced them pushed Holyoke to
its peak around 1920. Today, the city offers a glimpse of another
age in reclaimed mills, canals, workers' housing, and Victorian
homes.
Things to know before you go…
Admission is free. When visiting the park, allow at least one hour
to go through the Visitors Center. Groups and schools may arrange free programs and guided walking tours featuring historical and
environmental themes. For reservations, call 413 534-1723. The Visitors
Center is open year-round Tuesday through Sunday (closed Monday)
from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.
Park Directions
The park is located in the southern Ct River valley.
FROM THE WEST:
1. Head east on I-90 E
2. Take exit 4 for I-91 toward Holyoke/Springfield - 0.6 mi
3. Keep left at the fork, follow signs for I-91 and merge onto I-91 N -3.1 mi
4. Take exit 16 to merge onto Cherry St-1.6 mi
5. Turn right at Appleton St - 0.4 mi
FROM THE EAST:
1. Head west on I-90 W
2. Take exit 4 for I-91toward Springfield - 0.2 mi
3. Keep left at the fork, follow signs for I-91 and merge onto I-91 N -3.1 mi
4. Take exit 16 to merge onto - Continue -1.6 mi
5. Turn right at Appleton St - 0.4 mi
FROM THE NORTH:
1. Take I-91 S
2. Take exit 17 for MA-141 - 0.3 mi
3. Turn left at Easthampton Rd- Continue - 1.1 mi
4. Slight right at Appleton St - 0.8 mi
FROM THE SOUTH:
1. Take I-91 N
2. Take exit 16 to merge onto Cherry St- Continue -1.6 mi
3. Turn right at Appleton St - 0.4 mi
Other Heritage State Parks
You can learn more about Massachusetts' industrial heritage at these
state parks: Blackstone River and Canal HSP,
Western Gateway HSP, Lawrence
HSP, and Lynn HSP. |