Massachusetts’ national parks run the gamut from wide-open spaces, such as the Cape Cod National Seashore, to urban parks that preserve the state’s – and the nation’s – rich historic past, such as the Freedom Trail – Boston National Historical Park.

Some, like the Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area, offer both windows into the past and recreational activities.

The Minute Man National Historical Park in Concord is where “the shot heard ’round the world” was fired. Springfield Armory National Historic Site houses a world-renowned firearms collection. The Lowell National Historical Park and the Blackstone River Valley Heritage Corridor testify to the rise and fall of Massachusetts’ textile industry. The historic buildings and wharves of the Salem Maritime National Historical Site tell the stories of the sailors, Revolutionary War Privateers, and merchants who brought goods and riches to America.

  • Barnstable Village Walking Tour

    Barnstable

    Free self guided walking tour of historic Barnstable village. more

  • The Crosby Mansion

    Brewster

    Standing tall on a rise of land with sweeping views of Cape Cod bay, the three-story mansion is also a... more

  • French Cable Station Museum

    Orleans

    This station when it was in operation was the American termination point for a telegraph cable that came directly to... more

  • Highland House Mueum

    North Truro

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  • Old Colonial Courthouse

    Barnstable

    The Olde Colonial Courthouse was the second courthouse constructed in Barnstable County, MA. This building was used exclusively for court... more

  • The Old Grist Mill and Herring Run

    Brewster

    The Gristmill (c. 1873) uses the falling water of Stony Brook to power its waterwheel. Inside, the miller grinds corn on... more

  • Old Harbor Life Saving Station

    Provincetown

    Established in 1897, Old Harbor U.S. Life Saving Station was originally situated on Nauset Beach at the Chatham Harbor entrance.... more

  • Old Higgins Farm Windmill

    Brewster

    Brewster's Windmill, also known as, Old Higgin's Farm Windmill was placed on the National Register of Historic Places on June 10, 1975 more

  • Orleans Historical Society Museum

    Orleans

    A Greek Revival structure that is on the National Register of Historic Places. Formerly used as the Meeting House for... more

  • Scargo Tower

    Dennis

    Scargo Tower began as a tourist observatory in 1874. Made of wood, it was destroyed in a gale two years later.... more

  • Wasque Reservation

    Chappaquidick Island

    This southeastern corner of Martha's Vineyard is undergoing dramatic change due to the seismic currents which are re-shaping this coastal... more

  • Wing Fort House

    East Sandwich

    17th/18th century house with period rooms. more

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