Massachusetts has some of the oldest and most fascinating history of any state in the country. And visiting the sites that illustrate this history is a great way to spend a free day. The next time you’re looking for a way to get closer to the state’s history, consider a visit to this spot in Sturbridge. It’s educational and it offers a way to enjoy the outdoors.

Tantiusques in Sturbridge is an open space reservation comprising 57 acres.
justinhm2fs / TripAdvisor
The Nipmuc people, who were in the country long before any settlers, once used the area for graphite mining. Eventually European settlers arrived and continued to use the area for the same purpose.
Daderot / Wikimedia Commons
The Nipmuc people descends from the Algonquian peoples of Nippenet. The name means "the freshwater pond place." The names refers to this region of central Massachusetts and nearby parts of Connecticut and Rhode Island.

The tribe were first encountered in 1630 by Europeans when settlers came to sell food to the colonists in Boston who were starving.

This didn't end well for the tribe, who ultimately met their demise through interaction with these settlers.
Tantiusques is one of New England’s very first mining operations. And there’s evidence here allowing visitors to see it.
Daderot / Wikimedia Commons
This hike through Tantiusques in Sturbridge is an easy and fun expedition to the archaeological remains of old mines.
Daderot / Wikimedia Commons

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This forested area is beautiful and unlike some other archaeological areas where there’s a formal museum making things feel a bit staged, Tantiusques is completely natural.
Daderot / Wikimedia Commons
In fact, one of the best ways to explore it is by taking the 1.5-mile trail loop. The short trail means this is a great activity for kids or those who don’t consider themselves avid hikers.
Turbo Genocide / Google
You’ll start the trail near an old mine shaft. It’s fun to look through the bars and see inside! As you continue down the path, there are even more opportunities to see old mine shafts.
dave d / TripAdvisor
Be sure to look at your surroundings to see ditches, mind cuts and tailing piles.
justinhm2fs / TripAdvisor
These are all part of the history of the area. You’ll even see a mining trench from 1902 that once stretched a few thousand feet!
Turbo Genocide / Google
There's so much to imagine while exploring the area, that you might want to stop for a while to take in the things that might have happened long before we ever existed.

Tantiusques in Sturbridge is typically open year-round from sunrise to sunset. It’s best to leave at least an hour for the hike. You can learn more about it here.

As you get ready to explore more of the state, consider hopping in the car for a road trip. Here are 8 amazing places you can go on one tank of gas in Massachusetts.

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Tantiusques, 493 Leadmine Rd, Sturbridge, MA 01566, USA