National Parks in Massachusetts
18 NPS units in Massachusetts — complete visitor guides with fees, hours, hiking, camping, and seasonal tips.
Visiting National Parks in Massachusetts
Massachusetts is home to 18 units managed by the National Park Service, ranging from stunning natural areas to historic sites, monuments, and recreation areas. Whether you're planning a weekend road trip or a multi-week adventure, Massachusetts's national parks offer some of the most spectacular scenery in the United States.
Before your visit, make sure to check current entrance fees, operating hours, and any active alerts — all updated daily on each park's page. The America the Beautiful Annual Pass ($80) covers entrance to all NPS units and is highly recommended if you plan to visit multiple parks in Massachusetts.
Other NPS Units in Massachusetts
Adams
National Historical Park
From the sweet little farm at the foot of Penn’s Hill to…
Appalachian
National Scenic Trail
The Appalachian Trail is a 2,190+ mile long public footpath that traverses…
Blackstone River Valley
National Historical Park
The Blackstone River powered America's entry into the Age of Industry. The…
Boston
National Historical Park
Discover how one city could be the Cradle of Liberty, site of…
Boston African American
National Historic Site
Centered on the north slope of Beacon Hill, the African American community…
Boston Harbor Islands
National Recreation Area
. . . where you can walk a Civil War-era fort, view…
Cape Cod
National Seashore
The great Outer Beach described by Thoreau in the 1800s is protected…
Frederick Law Olmsted
National Historic Site
Frederick Law Olmsted (1822-1903) is recognized as the founder of American landscape…
John Fitzgerald Kennedy
National Historic Site
JFK’s parents never expected that their second son would grow up to…
Longfellow House Washington's Headquarters
National Historic Site
Longfellow House-Washington's Headquarters National Historic Site preserves a remarkable Georgian house whose…
Lowell
National Historical Park
Lowell’s water-powered textile mills catapulted the nation – including immigrant families and…
Minute Man
National Historical Park
At Minute Man National Historical Park the opening battle of the Revolution…
New Bedford Whaling
National Historical Park
"The town itself is perhaps the dearest place to live in, in…
New England
National Scenic Trail
From the Sound to the summits: the New England Trail covers 235…
Salem Maritime
National Historical Park
Originally established in 1938 as the first National Historic Site in the…
Saugus Iron Works
National Historic Site
In the 1600's, on the banks of the Saugus River, something extraordinary…
Springfield Armory
National Historic Site
For nearly two centuries, the U.S. Armed Forces and American industry looked…
Washington-Rochambeau Revolutionary Route
National Historic Trail
This 680-mile-long trail follows the paths taken by George Washington's Continental Army…
Planning Your Massachusetts National Park Trip
- →Best time to visit: Shoulder seasons (May and September) offer the best combination of good weather, open facilities, and manageable crowds across Massachusetts's parks.
- →America the Beautiful Pass: At $80/year, this annual pass covers entrance to all 18+ NPS units in Massachusetts and all other NPS units nationwide.
- →Book early: Lodging and campsite reservations at popular parks fill up months in advance. Plan and book as early as possible, especially for summer visits.
- →Check alerts: Road closures, fire restrictions, and seasonal closures can affect your plans. Check each park's page for current alerts before you go.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many national parks are in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts has 0 designated national parks and 18 total NPS-managed units, including monuments, recreation areas, and historic sites.
What is the best national park to visit in Massachusetts?
The best park depends on your interests. Each park offers a unique experience. Browse the parks above to find the one that matches your travel style.
Do I need a pass to visit national parks in Massachusetts?
Most NPS units in Massachusetts charge an entrance fee. The America the Beautiful Annual Pass ($80) covers entrance to all of them and is great value if you plan to visit more than 2-3 parks.
About the Author
James R. Mitchell
Founder & Lead Writer — National Park Data
James has visited all 63 designated US national parks and has been writing about outdoor travel for over 12 years. He spent 8 years as a wilderness guide in the Rocky Mountains before founding National Park Data to help visitors plan better, safer, and more enjoyable park trips.