Bradley Palmer State Park

Asbury St., Topsfield
978 887-5931

This 721-acre former estate features pine needled paths, acres of sunny rolling meadows and spectacular rhododendrons which line old carriage roads. Peak bloom is usually in mid-June.

Bradley Palmer was a noted attorney of the early 1900s who represented Sinclair Oil in the Teapot Dome Scandal and President Wilson at the Versailles Peace Conference after the First World War.

Palmer’s stately Arts and Crafts mansion has been rehabilitated by Willowdale Estate in return for credit towards a long term lease through DCR’s Historic Curatorship Program.  Willowdale Estate operates the property as an elegant wedding and events center with overnight facilities. 

Trail Map
Summer View on screen | Download printable version (pdf)
Winter    View on screen | Download printable version (pdf)

Click here to view the Discover Hamilton Trail map

Park Directions

Bradley Palmer State Park is located in north-eastern Massachusetts.

From North or South: Take Rte. 1 to Topsfield, right on Ipswich Rd., right on Asbury St.

From Newbury Port: Take Route 1 south to Topsfield (approximately 8 miles). Turn left onto Ipswich Road at set of lights. Follow Ipswich Road 1.2 miles then take a right onto Asbury Street. The park entrance is located approximately ¼ mile on the left.

Effective August 4, 2008

Directions to Willowdale and the Bradley Palmer State Park in consideration of Asbury Street Bridge temporary closing

From Points South (preferred route from airport / Boston)

From Route 1 or Route 95 North

• Connect with Route 128 North

• Exit 20A (1A North / Hamilton / Wenham)

• Follow 1A North through Beverly to Wenham Center (2.4 miles)

• Turn Left onto Arbor Street  (directly across from Wenham Town Hall & Wenham Fire Department) – follow for 1.4 miles – watch for US Gas on your right

• Turn Left onto Asbury Street (first street passed US Gas – look for signs)

• Park entrance will be on your Right after 2.6 miles

From Points North

Route 1 South (Newburyport)

• Rte 1 South to Rte 133 East (traffic light intersection in Rowley with Agawam Diner on the corner) to the intersection of Route 1A/Route 133

• Turn Right onto 1A South/133 East – Stay on 1A South through Ipswich and Hamilton (5.6 miles)

• Turn Right onto Asbury Street at traffic signal just after Patton Park

• Follow Asbury Street until the Stop sign at US Gas

• At this Stop sign, take a Right

• Turn Left after about 150 feet to follow Asbury Street (look for signs)

• Park entrance will be on your Right after 2.6 miles

Route 95 South (New Hampshire/Maine)

• Exit 53A (Route 97 South, Topsfield)

• Follow Route 97 South through Topsfield, across Route 1, and into Beverly until you see a tall white steeple ahead and cemetery on your left

• At the traffic light with the 2nd Congregational Church on the corner, turn Left and follow Conant Street .2 miles until the intersection with Route 1A (North Beverly Plaza/Shaw’s Supermarket)

• Turn Left onto Route 1A North

• Follow 1A North through Beverly until you get to Wenham Center (2.2 miles) (watch for The Maples and Wenham Museum on your right)

• Turn Left onto Arbor Street (directly across from the Wenham Town Hall) – follow for 1.4 miles – Look for US Gas on your right

• Turn Left onto Asbury Street (first street past US Gas – look for brown and white Bradley Palmer State Park sign)

• Park entrance will be on your Right after 2.6 miles