Things to know before you go
Things to know before you go:
- All programs are free unless noted.
- Please be aware parking fees may apply – visit the park web page for applicable parking fees at Massachusetts State Parks or to learn how to borrow a ParksPass from a community partner.
- All children must be accompanied by an adult.
- Be season smart and safe. Dress for the weather by wearing sturdy footgear and dressing in layers for maximum comfort.
- Carry drinking water and snacks.
- Have a map and cell phone.
- Seasonal weather such as heavy rains and storms affect parks and trails. All events, programs and activities are subject to change. Please take a moment to call ahead to confirm.
- April Vacation Programs are listed by geographical region, date and time.
Central Massachusetts
Purgatory Chasm State Reservation, 198 Purgatory Rd, Sutton
Blackstone River Valley Heritage Center, 3 Paul Clancy Way, Worcester
Wachusett Reservoir, 180 Beaman Street, West Boylston
Quabbin Reservoir, 100 Winsor Dam Rd, Belchertown
Blackstone River and Canal Heritage State Park, 287 Oak St., Uxbridge
Northeastern Massachusetts
Halibut Point State Park, 4 Gott Ave., Rockport
Belle Isle Marsh Reservation, 1399 Bennington Street, East Boston
Walden Pond State Reservation, 915 Walden Street, Concord
Southeastern Massachusetts
Blue Hills Reservation, 860 Hill Side Dr., Milton
Borderland State Park, 259 Massapoag Avenue, North Easton
Pilgrim Memorial State Park, 79 Water St., Plymouth
Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, 131 Waquoit Hwy, East Falmouth
Western Massachusetts
Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls
Holyoke Heritage State Park, 221 Appleton Street, Holyoke
Mount Greylock State Reservation, 30 Rockwell Rd, Lanesborough
DCR Visitor Centers and Exhibits
The Massachusetts’ State Park system, managed and operated by the Department of Conservation and Recreation provides many year-round visitation opportunities at which you can learn about our rich natural and cultural history, a heritage that tells fascinating stories of the past. Recreational opportunities also abound. Below is a list of our Visitor Centers by region.
*Please note, some visitor centers are closed for holidays and hours can vary based on staffing and weather emergencies. Please call ahead.*
Northeastern Massachusetts
Breakheart Reservation, 177 Forest St., Saugus
Christopher P. Dunne Visitor Center
Open Wednesday- Sunday, 8:30am-3:30pm
This picturesque visitor center was built in the style of Ben Johnson’s Lodge. Ben Johnson along with two friends built the lodge that opened in 1891 for their private hunting reserve, the origin of Breakheart Reservation. The Civilian Conservation Corps also built much of the park infrastructure. Enjoy the rustic warmth of the visitor center. The Visitor Center has displays on local animals and indigenous people along with a history with a property. Dogs are allowed within the reservation on a leash. Parking is free, but limited. Parking is also available at the shopping center near the approach. Accessible. For more information, please call (781) 233-0834.
Halibut Point State Park, 4 Gott Avenue, Rockport
Open Saturdays and Sundays, 9:00am - 3:00pm
Quarrying History at Visitor Center
Investigate working on the edge of Halibut Point! We have artifacts, photographs, the “Uncut Block” video, and quarry tools to share the Park’s history. Bring your questions and curiosity!
Walden Pond State Reservation, 915 Walden St., Concord
Walden Pond Visitor Center
Open Daily, 10:00am-4:00pm
Henry David Thoreau’s legacy has rippled across the globe and is tastefully presented in exhibits and displays. Get a look at our Gold LEED-Certified, earth-friendly, energy efficient building constructed from sustainable materials. A replica of the cabin he built and lived in from 1845-1847 is located near the visitor center for public viewing. No pets are allowed within the reservation. Daily parking fee: $8 per vehicle with MA plates, $30 per vehicle for out-of-state plates. Accessible. For more information, please call 978-396-325
Lawrence Heritage State Park, 1 Jackson Street, Lawrence
Open Daily, 9:00am-4:00pm
Come learn about the history and development of Lawrence, Massachusetts, one of the nation’s first planned industrial cities. The 22-minute film shows on request. Visit the Gallery for temporary art and historical exhibits. Free parking and admission. Accessible. For more information, please call 978-794-1655.
Central Massachusetts
Blackstone River & Canal Heritage State Park
287 Oak Street, Uxbridge
River Bend Farm Visitor Center
Daily, 8:00am – 4:00pm
Dunn State Park, 289 Pearl St, Gardner
Daily, 7:00am- 6:00pm
Purgatory Chasm State Reservation, 198 Purgatory Rd. , Sutton, MA
Weekdays, 9:00am- 3:00pm, Weekends, 9:00am- 4:00pm
Wachusett Mountain State Reservation, 345 Mountain Road, Princeton
John Hitchcock Visitor Center
Open daily 8:00am – 3:30pm
The Visitor Center features exhibits detailing the mountain’s unique geologic history, including the effects of the last glacial period. Exhibits also highlight Wachusett Mountain’s human history, from the Native Americans living in the area who gave the mountain its name, to the European colonists who settled the area. The Visitor Center features displays explaining the ancient trees found on the mountain, the only old-growth forest east of the Connecticut River. There is also an antique collection of preserved birds that are found in the area. Interpretive staff are on site Tuesday through Saturday to answer all questions. Accessible. For more information, please call 978-464-2987.
Quabbin Reservoir, 100 Winsor Dam Rd, Belchertown
Open every day except Wednesdays, 8:30am - 4:30pm
Visitor Center & Exhibits
Quabbin Reservoir is one of the largest unfiltered water supplies in the United States. Along with the Wachusett Reservoir and Ware River, it is the source of high quality water for the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority water supply system. The 412 billion gallon reservoir covers 39 square miles with 181 miles of shoreline. Come learn about the history of the Quabbin Valley and how the reservoir was built. Also, learn about wildlife at the Quabbin and some of the research being done there. Visitors may request viewing one of several short videos about the area as well. For more information, please call 413-323-722. Check out self-guided self-guided activities.
Southeastern Massachusetts
Houghton Pond Visitor Center, 840 Hillside Street, Milton, MA 02186
Open Daily, 8:00am - 4:00pm
Borderland State Park, 259 Massapoag Ave, North Easton
Open Daily, 8:00am - 7:00pm
Visitor Center "Ames Family History Gallery"
Borderland is one of the most historically significant tracts of publicly owned land in the Commonwealth. Created in the early 1900s by artist and suffragist Blanche Ames and her botanist husband Oakes, Borderland offers many of the same pleasures that the Ames family enjoyed. Learn about the family through the park’s exhibits. Then enjoy the winter recreational experiences once enjoyed by this famous family at their “Borderland.” A variety of self-guided walk brochures are available in the Visitor Center vestibule. Accessible. For more information or directions, please call (508) 238-6566. There is a $5.00 per vehicle parking fee; $20.00 for out-of-state vehicles.
Fall River Heritage State Park, 200 Davol St., Fall River
Open Daily, 8:00am - 3:30pm
The Visitor Center at Fall River Heritage State Park offers insight into the City’s unique past as a thriving textile center and confluence of cultures. Sit back in the comfort and warmth of the park’s movie theater and watch a marathon of four films about Fall River’s past from its role as the leading textile hub in America, to its critical role in the Underground Railroad leading up to the Civil War. Enjoy the majesty of the luxurious Fall River Line ships that sailed here from New York. Re-live the fun days of locals at play at everyone’s favorite local amusement park. Try your hand at crafts. Enjoy a cup of hot cocoa while you enjoy the beautiful views of Battleship Cove and the waterfront. Linger in the galleries for historic photos and an exhibit on African Americans in the Civil War. There is something for everyone and it’s all free! Parking is free at the adjacent DCR Lot at 5 Water Street. Accessible. For more information or directions please call (508) 675-5759, ext. 0.
Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, 131 Waquoit Hwy (Rte. 28), E. Falmouth
Western Massachusetts
Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls
Wednesdays-Sundays 10am-4pm
Explore the natural, cultural and industrial history of the Connecticut River Watershed in our dynamic exhibits. Next to the Canalside Rail Trail, the center includes the Great Hall exhibit gallery, restrooms, and drinking water. Wheelchair accessible.
Holyoke Heritage State Park, 221 Appleton Street, Holyoke
Tuesday - Sunday, 12pm - 4pm
Explore Holyoke’s industrial history. Exhibits celebrate the city's rich blend of cultures and people. Special programs are offered year-round. Also located within the park are The Children's Museum, the restored antique Holyoke Merry-Go-Round and the Volleyball Hall of Fame. Visitor information available. Wheelchair accessible. For more information or directions, please call (413) 534-1723.
Mount Greylock State Reservation Visitor Center, 30 Rockwell Road, Lanesborough, MA
Open daily, 9:00am-4:00pm
The Visitor Center is the primary information and orientation site for visitors to Mount Greylock State Reservation. Located within a mix of open fields and woods and offers a spectacular panoramic view south across the Berkshire Hills and the Taconic Mountains. Dynamic exhibits and an orientation film explore the history and nature of the highest point in the Commonwealth. A recreational opportunity here includes an easy 1.8 mile loop hike along the Bradley Farm Interpretive Trail. Visitor information available. Wheelchair accessible. Call 413-499-4262 for more information.
Western Gateway Heritage State Park
Thursdays through Mondays, 10:00am-4:00pm.
115 State Street, Building # 4, North Adams, MA 01247
Visitors to this former railroad yard in North Adams, MA may discover about the controversial and dangerous construction of the 4.75-mile Hoosac Tunnel, which spanned 1851-1875. Offered is a short documentary film about the tunnel, still in use today.Visitors can see historical artifacts and exhibits to better understand this historic engineering feat and the cultural-industrial story of this smallest in Massachusetts. Visitor information available. Wheelchair accessible. Call 413-663-6312 for more information.
Ongoing Resources
- Self-Guided Hikes
- Recommended Hikes
- Introductory hikes for families and children and Signature hikes of that highlight the best park features
- Fun in Nature Series
- Downloadable activities to enhance your experience at any DCR park! Fun and engaging activities include seek and find scavenger hunts to awaken all of your senses, a conversation starter set to encourage talks along the trail and creating your own story cube to inspire story- telling!