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What to do and see in Massachusetts, United States: The Best National Parks
Discover the best top things to do in Massachusetts, United States including Minute Man National Historical Park, Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area, Lowell National Historical Park, Parker River National Wildlife Refuge, Adams National Historical Park, Frederick Law Olmsted National Historic Site, New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park, Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park, Christiantown Woods Preserve.
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1. Minute Man National Historical Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 774 reviews
The more than 900 acres of this national park run along the route of the battle of Lexington and Concord.
Reviewed By djanel2016 - Knoxville, United States
I would recommend starting your tour of the Minute Man National Historical park with a stop by the visitor center and watching their great multimedia presentation. They use a variety of methods to explain the Battles of Lexington and Concord. I have been to several national historical parks and this was, by far, the best multimedia presentation i have seen, both entertaining and educational. Make sure to go to the North Bridge visitors center as well,
2. Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 570 reviews
This National Park consists of 34 small islands just off shore in Boston Harbor. The most popular, George's Island, is home to Fort Warren, a Civil War Landmark that housed Confederate prisoners. Visitors to the 12 islands open for exploration can camp, kayak, tour lighthouses, ride harbor ferries, hike and swim.
Reviewed By jenray1 - Boston, United States
Everything about this trip was perfect, from the friendly and informative park rangers, to the entertaining boat captain, to the lighthouse keeper in period costume and the helpful Coast Guard Auxiliary on the island. Make sure to get a climbing ticket if you can, the actual light is gorgeous and the view is stunning. I have sailed in and around Boston Harbor for 20 years and still found this trip to be informative and great fun.
3. Lowell National Historical Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 304 reviews
This park commemorates Lowell's integral part in America's Industrial Revolution.
Reviewed By karenp2017
We enjoyed every minute of the day we spent in Lowell and at the National Historical Park. After parking in the lot (free) behind the visitor center, we watched a good introductory video and then met our group for 11AM canal tour. (I had called ahead to reserve places for two tours – recommended, since space is limited, especially on the boats.) Our ranger told us interesting details about how the canals were made and how water powered the mills as we motored along the Pawtucket Canal, through the lock at the Francis Gate, and into the Merrimack River to see the Pawtucket Falls. We had enough time before our afternoon tour to have a good Greek lunch at the Athenian Corner Restaurant across from the Visitor Center, and a walk to the Boott Cotton Mill. The weaving floor here is filled with working looms, and we had a fascinating talk with a volunteer, a former mill worker, who was operating several of the machines, making dishcloths that you can buy at the museum store. Next was the 2:30 Mill and Trolley Tour where a restored, historic trolley took us to the Wannalancit Mill for more information on the machinery and the Industrial Revolution. Every ranger we met was knowledgeable, helpful, and enthusiastic, and the Park Service did a great job of interpreting what makes Lowell so historically important. We finished our day with dinner at good Columbian restaurant called Panela (7 Hanover St.) a few blocks from the Visitor Center.
4. Parker River National Wildlife Refuge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 334 reviews
Covering 4,662 acres of diverse upland and wetland habitats, this refuge was established to preserve the feeding, resting and nesting areas of migratory birds.
Reviewed By MsSatin - Lawrence, United States
I walked the Hellcat Boardwalk Loop for the first time back in November and fell in love with the pampas grasses then caught the sunset before heading home. There is ample parking in the lot and the whole trail is stroller and handicap accessible, with a strong, even boardwalk and plenty of benches to stop and rest. There is also an observation tower that is perfect for 360 views and photos, especially at sunset! All in all, it's a great way to stretch your legs and enjoy the day!
5. Adams National Historical Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 637 reviews
From the sweet little farm at the foot of Penn's Hill to the gentleman's country estate at Peace field, Adams National Historical Park is the story of "heroes, statesman, philosophers ... and learned women" whose ideas and actions helped to transform thirteen disparate colonies into one united nation. Please note: Adams National Historical Park is open for tours from April 19 through November 10 every year. The first tour leaves the Visitor Center at 9:15 a.m. and the final tour leaves the Visitor Center at 3:15 p.m. Tickets are sold on a first come, first served basis.
Reviewed By E4971IXjamesh
We spent most of a day touring the Adams birthplaces, Peacefield, the Adams Library, as well as the church where John and Abigail Adams and John Quincy Adams and Louisa Adams are interred. Our guides were great and we very much enjoyed the tour. Peacefield and the library are packed with actual Adams memorabilia. You will need tickets from the National Park Service (available online, and free, other than a $1 processing fee, if you have a NPS pass.) The day we went, they had plenty of walk-in availability, but this is not so during the summer months. Be sure to allow 30 minutes before your tour to enjoy the film that "sets the stage" for the tour. Highly recommend this if you can make time in your Boston visit. It is easily accessible by subway and worth the time.
6. Frederick Law Olmsted National Historic Site
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 53 reviews
Open to the walk in public Fridays and Saturdays during the fall/winter. Expanded hours in late-spring/summer. Please visit website or call for hours.
7. New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 182 reviews
New Bedford was the mid 19th century's preeminent whaling port and for a time the richest city in the world. Whaling, a leading 19th century enterprise, contributed to America's economic and political vitality. New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park helps to preserve, protect, and interpret certain districts, structures, and artifacts that are associated with the history of whaling and related social, economic, and environmental themes for the benefit and inspiration of this and future generations. The park encompasses 34 acres spread over 13 city blocks and includes the New Bedford Whaling Museum, the Seamen's Bethel, the schooner Ernestina, and the Rotch-Jones-Duff House and Garden Museum. These efforts will be undertaken in partnership with the city of New Bedford, local and regional institutions, and the Inupiat Heritage Center in Barrow, Alaska. Address is for the National Park Visitor Center.
Reviewed By 513frederickk - New Bedford, United States
The whaling National Park in New Bedford us a treasure, an urban National Park, anchored by one of the nation's finest specialty museums. The New Bedford Whaling Museum is magnificent, with treasures from whaling days, gorgeous and important art and even the twin to the Resolute desk from the White House! The museum is only the beginning. The cobblestone streets, the wonderful restaurants, the Seamans Bethel all add to a wonderful ambiance that triumphantly conveys the history of the city that lit the world.
8. Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
9. Christiantown Woods Preserve
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 2 reviews
