Discovering something new in your home state is always a thrill. Historic places in Massachusetts can be found all over the state. Most people don’t have a clue that this little Massachusetts historic park in Berkley exists and that it is hiding one truly fascinating archaeological wonder. This historic park in Massachusetts is certainly full of fascinating history. Let’s take a closer look at this Massachusetts hidden gem:
Dighton Rock State Park is a public recreation area and historic preserve that has a little bit of everything. It’s tucked away on the eastern shore of the Taunton River in Berkley and is pretty as a picture. The park itself is about 85 acres and is full of natural curiosities.
The park’s namesake is Dighton Rock, which is an 11-foot glacial erratic boulder that is covered in petroglyphs. The mysterious once sat on the banks of the Taunton River but was moved to its own small museum in 1963 after dam construction threatened to damage the historic find.
The rock is pretty cool. The petroglyphs have yet to be deciphered, and scholars have come up with some pretty wild theories to explain the strange markings. Some have thought that the writing is Norse, Chinese, or even ancient Phoenician. Most scholars believe the writing was left by ancient indigenous peoples of the area. You can study the markings for yourself in the park’s museum, which is open by appointment. Call (508) 644-5522 to schedule a visit.
Even if you couldn’t care less about the rock, the park is still a great place to visit. It’s filled with scenic spots to take photographs and grassy stretches that are perfect for spreading out and enjoying a picnic. You can fish, canoe, boat, or hike through the park. There’s a free parking lot by the entrance and restrooms are also available.
Have you ever been to this historic park in Massachusetts? If so, tell us all about your experience in the comments. You can find Dighton Rock State Park at 3rd Ave., Berkley, Mass. If you feel like exploring, take a look at this other park in North Easton, Massachusetts where you can check out a fairytale castle:
