Bradley Palmer State Park

Many of the most impressive parks in the United States were once in the hands of private citizens who deeded their holdings to the public upon their passing. Massachusetts's Bradley Palmer State Park is a fantastic example.

"Old Money"

Bradley Palmer was a famed attorney in the early 1900s who represented President Woodrow Wilson at the Versailles Peace Conference, among his other achievements. Naturally, this earned Palmer a handsome sum, and he used it to buy a 721-acre parcel of land about forty-five minutes from Boston. The estate was ultimately transformed into a spectacular public park that welcomes thousands of visitors yearly.

Explore the park

The natural beauty of this park is spectacular and affords plenty of recreational opportunities. The Ipswich River runs along the estate's edge, and you can often see boaters making their lazy way downstream. A wide variety of hiking trails network the park, many leading to impressive outlooks.

Time to relax

The center of the park is occupied by a large open meadow that is perfect for a picnic, an impromptu game of Frisbee or nearly any other activity you fancy. A number of picnic shelters and charcoal grills are also available.

Visit the grand house

Of course, no trip to the Palmer estate is complete without a visit to the mansion, a lovely Arts and Crafts-style building that has undergone significant restoration and is now used as a facility for weddings and other events.

Bradley Palmer State Park is one of the hidden jewels of Massachusetts' state park system. Discover it for yourself.