13 Hidden Gems in Massachusetts Tourists Never Visit
Famous for its rich history, vibrant cities, and beautiful beaches, Massachusetts may sound like a potent tourist draw, but there’s so much more off the beaten tourism path that it almost feels like a well worn cliché. Offering so much for those who love to get off the beaten path, it’s full of quaint towns and untouched natural wonders. This list is for you if you’ve already strolled Boston’s Freedom Trail or admired Cape Cod’s beaches. Lesser known treasures provide a heart for Massachusetts that many popular places can’t.
From a history buff to a nature lover and anyone in between, these spots will more than likely deliver you peace. Charming villages, dense forests, unusual museums, all with stories that are far removed from the typical New England experience. Below are 13 hidden gems in Massachusetts that you may not know much about, but if you don’t go visit, you’ll likely regret it.
Halibut Point State Park in Rockport
Heading down to the Halibut Point State Park from the lower parking lot, you’ll see just how perched on the edge of the Atlantic it is with sweeping ocean views in the distance. The rugged shoreline, combined with stunning cliffs that make it feel like you’ve travelled to another world. You can even see Mount Agamenticus in Maine on clear days. The park has peace trails, which is great for people who loves to bird watch and those just wanting to go into nature.
Shelburne Falls
Shelburne Falls sits in the Berkshire foothills, one of the most lovely bridges in New England being the Bridge of Flowers. This old trolley bridge, now a lush garden – one of the prettiest around – is a must see for those who enjoy natural beauty. The town has a pleasant, hipster vibey feel to it, with galleries, cafes, the mesmerising glacial potholes of the Deerfield river carved into the town.
World’s End in Hingham
Don’t be scared off by the name. A 250 acre coastal park on the South Shore of Boston, World’s End is a park of rolling hills with views of the Boston skyline in the distance. Famed landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted designed this hidden oasis, which is 15 miles south of Boston, but feels miles away from city life. Enjoy walking the carriage paths and the mixture of woodlands and open fields that kind of stretches on forever.
Museum of Russian Icons in Clinton
It’s in the small town of Clinton, and it’s one of the largest Russian icon collections outside the country. The Frankfurt Museum of Russian religious art has over 1,000 pieces of religious art, and provides a wonderful insight into the history and culture of Russia. The scope and depth of this museum is rarely mentioned in Massachusetts travel guides, and visitors are often surprised by it.
Quabbin Reservoir
The Quabbin Reservoir is now the largest, inland body of water in the state, and was once a series of small towns, though now it supplies Boston and surrounding areas with drinking water. It’s a hauntingly beautiful spot: plaques and quiet memorials remain for the towns that once lived there under the reservoir’s waters. There are miles of hiking trails for nature lovers as well as good opportunities to see bald eagles and moose.
Mount Greylock
No place comes close for breathtaking views of Massachusetts than Mount Greylock. Panoramic vistas of five states on clear days are offered from the state’s highest peak. Head up the road and hike or drive to the summit to find the towering War Memorial beacon, and check out the trails just below the summit that pass through lush forests and past waterfalls.
Newburyport’s Plum Island
Cape Cod gets all the beach going attention, but Plum Island, just off Newburyport’s coast, is quieter. It is a sandy beach strip bordered by coastal marshes, wildlife sanctuaries. In particular birdwatchers love it as it’s a favorite with migrants, especially rare species. Plum Island is an amazing place to go to if you don’t want to be in big crowds or crazy towns.
Glacial Potholes in Shelburne Falls
Shelburne Falls is a cute little village, but the real wonder is the series of glacial potholes beneath the Bridge of Flowers. Thousand years ago, these smooth, cylindrical holes were formed by the swirling action of glaciers and rushing water. It’s a quiet place to sit by the river, take in the natural formations and watch the Deerfield River flow by. It’s something soothing about the way nature has chiseled these rocks over the millennia.
Rockport’s Paper House
The Paper House is a twist on Rockport’s share of picturesque seaside charm. This house is literally made of newspapers, built in 1922. Tightly rolled and varnished newspapers make every wall, piece of furniture, and even the piano. And it’s a quirky and creative marvel that you just have to see to believe. No one knew that something so mundane as a newspaper could become a lifelong art project.
Dogtown in Gloucester
Dogtown might be the perfect destination if you’re looking for a bit of an eerie place. But this abandoned colonial settlement, high in the woods of Cape Ann, has become a matter of local legend. Dogtown has a bit of history and mystery in the form of stone carvings and long buried cellar holes. If you’re into offbeat adventures, this is a great spot to hike.
Natural Bridge State Park in North Adams
Natural Bridge State Park flies under the radar for most tourists heading to the Berkshires to visit the popular attractions. The only natural white marble arch in North America is found here in this park. It’s such a stunning geological feature by the force of the glacial meltwater, it almost seems otherworldly. Short trails which provide a glimpse of this area’s beauty, are the park’s upsell.
Wellfleet’s Marconi Beach
Wellfleet isn’t a top secret, exactly, but Marconi Beach is a little less visited spot that’s worth your time. The beach takes its name from Guglielmo Marconi, who transmitted the first transatlantic wireless communication from here in 1903; outstanding dunes and powerful waves make it an impressive place. A stunning place for a quiet walk or a challenging surf session, and far less crowded than other Cape Cod beaches.
Chesterfield Gorge
Chesterfield Gorge is the hidden wonder perfect for those who love natural beauty without the crowds. The Westfield River cuts a beautiful but steep, rocky gorge through the land which is a great place for hikers and photographers alike. Specifically situated in Chesterfield, this is a good place to escape from those busier parks in the area.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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