Maudslay State Park

Maudslay State Park is a fine example of what happens when a local businessman decides to share his wealth with the public. The former estate of Frederick Strong Mosely was acquired by the state in 1985 and turned into an impressive public park.

Wild meets cultivated

The park has an interesting intersection between cultivated gardens and wild forests, with a stand of white pine along the bluffs of the Merrimack River. No one has ever logged these pines, and walking through them is lovely. The trees also provide a home for a colony of bald eagles, who often soar around the grounds.

Walk the gardens

The impressive English gardens provide the most popular reason to visit Maudslay State Park. Planted in the 19th century style, they feature massive rhododendron bushes, gorgeous azaleas, ornamental trees and more. A number of trails wend through the property, and some are designated for horseback riding. Lush meadows spread out in between groves of trees, perfect for an afternoon picnic.

See a show

One of the most interesting entertainments in Maudslay State Park is Theater in the Open, a great public performance company that stages a trio of awesome shows every year. Every May, the group leads a pageant of giant puppets through the park for the annual Rites of Spring, and in October, they take a haunted walk through the grounds.

No matter what your reasons for visiting, a trip to Maudslay State Park will bear impressive rewards. It is truly one of the jewels of Massachusetts's park system.