Gardens & parks in Massachusetts

The Arnold Arboretum is open to the public every day of the year from sunrise to sunset, offering free access to all visitors. This makes it a perfect destination for those looking to enjoy nature at any time of the year. Whether you're an early bird who enjoys the peace of the morning or a night owl who prefers the tranquility of the evening, the arboretum is available for you to explore at your leisure.

The Mount, located in Lenox, Massachusetts, is a country house that was once the home of renowned American author Edith Wharton. Notably, Wharton herself designed the house and its surrounding grounds, making it a unique reflection of her personal taste and style.

Heritage Museums and Gardens, previously known as the Heritage Plantation of Sandwich, is situated at 67 Grove Street, Sandwich, Massachusetts. This location is easily accessible and offers a unique blend of natural beauty and historical significance. The museum and gardens are a testament to the rich history and culture of the area, providing visitors with an opportunity to explore and learn in a serene and picturesque setting.

The DeCordova Sculpture Park and Museum is a unique destination located in Lincoln, Massachusetts. It specializes in American art, offering a rich collection of works that reflect the diverse and dynamic nature of the country's artistic output. Whether you're an art enthusiast or a casual visitor, the museum provides an engaging and enlightening experience.

The Frederick Law Olmsted National Historic Site is a recognized United States National Historic Site. It is situated in Brookline, Massachusetts, which is a suburb of Boston. This site is dedicated to Frederick Law Olmsted, the founder of American landscape architecture and a prominent parkmaker of the 19th century.

The Elm Bank Horticulture Center is a sprawling 70-acre garden located at 900 Washington Street in Wellesley, Massachusetts. It is home to the Massachusetts Horticultural Society and features expansive open spaces and meadows, several streams and ponds, and various distinct gardens. The garden is a perfect place for nature lovers and those who appreciate the beauty of horticulture.

Garden in the Woods is a botanical garden that spans 45 acres. It is nestled within a forest in Framingham, Massachusetts, in the United States. This serene location offers a unique blend of natural beauty and botanical diversity, making it a perfect destination for nature lovers and plant enthusiasts alike.

The Rotch–Jones–Duff House and Garden Museum, originally known as the William Rotch Jr. House, is a National Historic Landmark located at 396 County Street in New Bedford, Massachusetts. This historic site is deeply connected to the city's 19th-century dominance of the whaling industry, and today, it serves as a museum that educates visitors about this significant period in American history.

The New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill is a sprawling 171-acre botanic garden and arboretum situated in Boylston, Massachusetts. It is conveniently located approximately 8 miles north of central Worcester in Worcester County, Massachusetts, making it easily accessible for visitors.

The Polly Hill Arboretum is a beautiful and historic location situated on Martha's Vineyard at 809 State Road, West Tisbury, Massachusetts, United States. This location is easily accessible and offers a unique opportunity to explore a variety of plant species in a serene environment.

Stonehurst, also known as The Robert Treat Paine Estate, is a country house located in Waltham, Massachusetts. The estate spans over 109 acres, offering a vast expanse of natural beauty and architectural grandeur. It was designed for philanthropist Robert Treat Paine in a collaboration between renowned architect Henry Hobson Richardson and landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted.

Look Park, nestled in the village of Florence in Northampton, Massachusetts, is a privately run non-profit park that is open all year round. The park, which spans about 150 acres, was a generous gift to the City of Northampton from Mrs. Fannie Burr Look, wife of Frank Newhall Look. The park is maintained and operated through a trust fund, visitor fees, grants, and gifts. Despite being owned by the city, Look Park operates as a non-profit organization and does not receive any funding from the city or state.

Stanley Park, located in Westfield, Massachusetts, is a non-profit privately owned park that includes an arboretum and botanical garden. The park is open to the public daily without charge from May to November, offering visitors the opportunity to explore its diverse flora and fauna.

Naumkeag is a significant historical site located in the Berkshire Mountains in the town of Stockbridge, Massachusetts. This 48-acre estate was once the summer home of New York lawyer Joseph Hodges Choate. The property offers a unique glimpse into the past, showcasing the lifestyle of the wealthy during the Gilded Age.

Fort Taber District, also known as the Fort at Clark's Point, is a historic military fort from the American Civil War era. It is located on Wharf Road within the former Fort Rodman Military Reservation in New Bedford, Massachusetts. This fort holds significant historical value and offers a glimpse into the past, making it an interesting site for tourists interested in history and military architecture.

The Lyman Estate, also known as The Vale, is a historic country house situated in Waltham, Massachusetts. It is currently under the ownership of the nonprofit organization, Historic New England. This estate offers a glimpse into the past, showcasing the grandeur of historic American architecture and landscape design.

The Provincetown Art Association and Museum (PAAM), located in Provincetown, Massachusetts, is a respected institution accredited by the American Alliance of Museums. It was established on August 22, 1914, with a mission to collect, preserve, exhibit, and educate people about the work of Cape Cod artists. The museum represents a membership of around 700 contemporary artists and houses a growing permanent collection of over 4,000 works.

The Cushing House Museum and Garden, also known as the Caleb Cushing House, is a Federal style mansion located at 98 High Street, Newburyport, Massachusetts. This historic landmark was once the home of diplomat Caleb Cushing. The mansion is a four-story brick building with entrances at both the front and sides, and two chimneys on each side. The house is a center of attraction for its architectural style and historical significance.

The Wellesley College Botanic Gardens are situated on the campus of Wellesley College in Wellesley, Massachusetts. These botanical gardens are a significant attraction for tourists, offering a diverse range of plant species and a serene environment for visitors to explore.

The Stevens-Coolidge Place, previously known as Ashdale Farm, is a nature reserve that spans across 91 acres. It is located in the city of North Andover, in the state of Massachusetts, United States. This vast area is managed by The Trustees of Reservations, an organization dedicated to preserving and maintaining historical and natural sites.

The Ropes Mansion, also referred to as Ropes Memorial, is a significant piece of Georgian Colonial architecture situated at 318 Essex Street, within the McIntire Historic District in Salem, Massachusetts. This historic mansion offers a glimpse into the architectural style and design of the late 1720s, making it a fascinating destination for those interested in history and architecture.

The Discovery Museum, located in Acton, Massachusetts, United States, is a family-friendly museum that combines elements of science, nature, and play. This hands-on museum offers a unique experience for visitors of all ages, encouraging exploration and learning through interactive exhibits and activities.

The Berkshire Botanical Garden is a significant botanical garden that spans across 15 acres. It is situated in the charming town of Stockbridge, Massachusetts, in the United States. This expansive garden offers a unique opportunity for visitors to explore a wide variety of plant species in a serene and picturesque setting.

The Botanic Garden of Smith College boasts a diverse selection of plant life. This includes woody trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants. A highlight of the garden is The Lyman Conservatory, which houses an impressive collection of tropical and subtropical plants. This variety of plant species provides a rich and educational experience for visitors.

The Hadwen Arboretum is a sizable 26-acre forest nestled in the Columbus Park neighborhood of Worcester, Massachusetts. The main entrance to this green oasis is conveniently located on Lovell St. This location makes it easily accessible for visitors looking to explore the natural beauty of the area.

The Mount Holyoke College Botanic Garden is a comprehensive botanical destination located in South Hadley, Massachusetts. It includes the college campus, an arboretum, various gardens, and the Talcott Greenhouse. This diverse collection of botanical spaces offers visitors a wide range of plant life to explore and appreciate.

The Old Chelmsford Garrison House, located in Chelmsford, Massachusetts, holds the distinction of being the oldest house in the town. This historic house has been preserved meticulously by the Garrison House Society and now serves as a museum, offering a glimpse into the past.

Glen Magna Farms is a historic country estate situated at the end of Ingersoll Street in Danvers, Massachusetts. This location is steeped in history and offers a unique glimpse into the past. The estate is currently owned by the Danvers Historical Society and is open to the public daily.

The Hebert Arboretum, situated in Springside Park in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, United States, is a place where visitors can explore a diverse collection of trees and other plants. The arboretum is set in a natural environment, providing a serene and tranquil setting for those who appreciate nature and its beauty.

The Aptucxet Trading Post Museum, located in Bourne, Massachusetts, is a small open-air historical museum. Its main attraction is a replica of the 17th-century Aptucxet Trading Post. This post was originally built by the Pilgrims of Plymouth Colony with the aim of facilitating trade with the Wampanoag Indians and the Dutch.

Harvard Forest, located in Petersham, Massachusetts, is a 3,000-acre ecological research area owned and managed by Harvard University. This expansive area is dedicated to the study of forest biology and conservation, providing a unique opportunity for visitors to explore a natural environment that is both scientifically significant and beautifully preserved.