5 Places in Massachusetts Locals Hope Tourists Never Discover

As a New Englander with strong ties to Massachusetts, I have visited numerous historic sites, attractions, cities, small towns, parks, and beaches throughout the state. Some are obviously extremely popular, teeming with hordes of tourists, while others seem like closely guarded secrets that only locals know about. These hidden gems may not be as well-visited as places that are hyped up through advertising, media, or word of mouth, but they are ones you may want to get off the beaten path to visit. Here are five lesser-known, secret places in Massachusetts that I think are worth seeing.

1. New England Peace Pagoda, Leverett

As I age, I seek out more and more places that bring peace into my life. I'll escape the chaos of the cities to spend time in nature or at a serene place like the New England Peace Pagoda. Open since 1985, this year marks the Peace Pagoda's 40th anniversary. It's one of only three peace pagodas in the U.S. and an incredibly peaceful place to stroll the lush grounds with a pagoda, a temple, and gardens, if you need some solitude. Visitors are welcome between sunrise and sunset daily.

2. Quabbin Reservoir Observation Tower, Ware

If you feel like taking a long hike, the 6-mile Quabbin Hill Trail will lead you to one of the best parts of Quabbin Park—the Quabbin Reservoir Observation Tower. When it's open, there are approximately 80 steps to the top, where you'll discover 360-degree views of the vast Quabbin Reservoir and beyond. If you visit when it's closed, the historic tower's stone exterior is beautiful and impressive, and you can still experience stunning views from the hill it sits upon.

(Editor's Note: The Quabbin Reservoir Observation Tower is currently closed for repairs, so you cannot enter it. However, you can still take the hike to view the exterior of this beautiful stone structure. Visit Mass.gov for updates on its reopening.)

3. Plum Island Lighthouse, Newburyport

Plum Island is an 11-mile barrier island in Newburyport, where the Merrimack River and Atlantic Ocean meet. Here, you'll find pristine beaches, the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge, and the Plum Island Lighthouse. The historic lighthouse, built in 1898, is still in use, guiding boats safely into the harbor, and its gorgeous grounds are open to the public. Guided tours are also offered throughout the year if you're like me and love learning about lighthouses that dot the Bay State's coastline. Visit the Newburyport website for tour dates, directions, and parking information.

4. World's End, Hingham

Don't let the name of this glorious park scare you away; however, it does feel as though you're at the end of the world when you visit, but in the best way possible! One of my favorite places for peace, just outside Boston, World's End is a 251-acre peninsula offering visitors 4.5 miles of hiking trails through a fairytale landscape of forest, fields, and water views. Best of all, you can see the Boston city skyline from here, giving you a different vantage point without the crowds. There is an admission fee to visit; $10-$15 per non-member of The Trustees and free for members. Visit The Trustees' website for more on World's End.

5. Dinosaur Footprints, Holyoke

You may not know this, but there's a spot in the Connecticut River Valley in Holyoke where you can see dinosaur footprints embedded in sandstone. This remarkable park is only 8 acres, but what it lacks in size is made up for with evidence of prehistoric life that once roamed the area. Paleontologists have theorized that many footprints are from early dinosaurs, including small plant eaters and large carnivores.

Fun fact: Did you know that the state fossil of Massachusetts is a dinosaur footprint? That's enough for me to visit the Dinosaur Tracks in Western Mass! Head to The Trustees' website for more about this incredible Holyoke park.

Undiscovered Places in Massachusetts

While visiting even the Bay State's most popular attractions is worthwhile, the sites above are a great start if you prefer a more serene experience away from the tourists and crowds. If you know of any other hidden gems you think we should check out, please send us a note through our nomination page.

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