Massachusetts' National Parks

Visitors to the state of Massachusetts will find that the state is filled with wonderful destinations. This state has historical sites, excellent destinations for recreating and much more. Many of these great spots for recreation and learning about history are located in the same spot, and many of these can be found in the National Parks of Massachusetts. Here are some of these wonderful Massachusetts National Parks.

Boston African American National Historic Site

The Boston African American National Historic Site commemorates the struggle faced by those in the Abolition Movement. The free African American community were instrumental in fighting slavery, and were leaders of the Abolition Movement as well as the Underground Railroad. Visitors to this park can explore the Black Heritage Trail, which travels through 14 sites, starting at the Robert Gould Shaw Memorial on Beacon Street. In addition to self-guided tours of the trail, visitors also have an option for a Ranger guided tour. There are other tours and special events that visitors can enjoy and learn from as well.

Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area

This National Recreation Area is a wonderful destination to enjoy visiting historic sites as well as the outdoors close to Boston. Visitors to the Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area can hike on the trails, or go fishing and even enjoy swimming while at this park. The park is composed of 34 islands and peninsulas and is filled with activities and destinations. Visitors will also find a Civil-War era fort and lighthouses while at this park.

Cape Cod National Seashore

Visitors will find many beaches to enjoy, including many public beaches, and the 40 miles of pristine coastline and sandy beaches on the Cape Cod National Seashore. The sandy beaches of Cape Cod are amazing for relaxing, swimming and enjoying the sun. Cape Cod National Seashore also has walking paths for those visitors that want to explore the beaches beyond relaxing in the sun.

Frederick Law Olmsted National Historic Site

The Frederick Law Olmsted National Historic Site commemorates the nation's foremost parkmaker. Frederick Law Olmsted was the founder of American landscape architecture, and visitors can learn about his history and influence at this park. Visitors can take a guided  tour of the park's grounds, as well as self-guided tours of ground. In addition there are walking tours offered at certain times of the year and much more.

John Fitzgerald Kennedy National Historic Site

This Massachusetts Historic Site is dedicated to the life of John F. Kennedy, the 35th president of the United States. The site preserves the home where Kennedy spent his childhood. This restored home offers visitors guided tours, and self-guided tours, which take visitors through the home with the personal items of the family and much more.

Minute Man National Historical Park

Minute Man National Historical Park commemorates the opening battles of eh American Revolution. Visitors can explore historic sites, the park also has historical reenactments and other events throughout the year. The Minute Man Visitor Center has a program that depicts many stories and information about the Revolutionary War. Visitors can also hike along the Battle Road Trail, which connects different historic sites, visitors can also go to the Hartwell Tavern, which is an authentic period home and was an important landmark. The North Bridge is another interesting landmark, where visitors can see the Minute Man Statue, enjoy Ranger Program and more.

New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park

This National Historical Park preserves the buildings and sites of New Bedford, which was described in the novel Moby-Dick. Visitors to the park can walk through the cobblestone streets, explore the historic buildings, shop, dine and more at this park. Within the park visitors can stop at the New Bedford Whaling Museum, which has amazing collections about the history of whaling. Visitors can also visit the Rotch-Jones-Duff House and Garden Museum with its amazing architecture and fun house and garden tours. The Schooner Ernestina is the official vessel of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and is another wonderful destination within the park.

Salem Maritime National Historic Site

The Salem Maritime National Historic Site tells the story of the ships that carried cargo to and from Asia. Visitors to this site will find plenty to learn and enjoy. Within the park there are historic buildings, wharves and even reconstructions of tall ships. Visitors to the park can enjoy a film about the site, as well as exhibits and guided tours.

Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site

This National Historic Site provides visitors with a fascinating view into life during the 1600s in this region. Visitors can take tours of the reconstructed industrial site as well as the iron works, and learn all about how iron was produced at this site. During a guided tour visitors also learn about the archeological dig that uncovered the site as well as the reconstruction of the site. Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site also has a museum and an orientation video for visitors, and tours may also include operating waterwheels and blacksmithing.

Springfield Armory National Historic Site

Visitors to this site will learn about the important role that Springfield Armory played in the military and industrial history of the country. Springfield Armory also has the largest collection of historic firearms in the world. In addition to learning about American history and seeing the firearms collection visitors can take self-guided or ranger guided tours of the grounds and buildings.