Borderland State Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Borderland State Park |
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Ames Mansion
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 Borderland State Park
Location in Massachusetts
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| Location | Easton, Sharon, Bristol, Norfolk, Massachusetts, United States |
| Area | 1,843 acres (7.46 km2) |
| Elevation | 207 ft (63 m) |
| Established | 1971 |
| Operator | Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation |
| Website | Borderland State Park |
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Borderland Historic District
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| Built | 1910 |
| Architect | Ames, Blanche Ames; Ames, Oakes |
| Architectural style | Late Gothic Revival, Georgian, Colonial Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 97000497 |
| Added to NRHP | June 16, 1997 |
Borderland State Park is a special place where history meets nature. It's located in the towns of Easton and Sharon, Massachusetts. This large state park covers about 1,843 acres (that's over 7 square kilometers!). At its heart is the beautiful Ames Mansion, built in 1910.
The park is also known as the Borderland Historic District. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1997. The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation takes care of the park. They work with a special group of advisors to make decisions about the park.
Park History
In 1906, a couple named Oakes Ames and Blanche Ames Ames bought land here. Oakes was a Harvard botanist, someone who studies plants. Blanche was an artist and a feminist, meaning she believed in equal rights for women.
They built a large, three-story stone mansion with 20 rooms in 1910. Blanche Ames designed much of the house herself. You can still see her paintings on the walls and many of the original furniture pieces inside. The Ames family lived here for 65 years.
They also created a nature preserve around their home. They added woodland paths, roads, and man-made ponds. After Blanche Ames passed away in 1969, the state of Massachusetts bought the Borderland estate in 1971. Soon after, it opened as a public state park for everyone to enjoy.
Things to Do at Borderland
Borderland State Park offers many fun activities for visitors. It has over 20 miles (about 32 kilometers) of trails. These trails are great for hiking, mountain biking, and even horseback riding.
- Hiking and Biking Trails: You can explore different paths, including a part of the long Bay Circuit Trail. There's also the Quarry Loop trail. This path leads to Moyles Quarry, which provided stone for the Canton Viaduct way back in 1835.
- Mansion Tours: You can take a tour inside the historic Ames Mansion. These tours usually happen on Sundays in April and May. The mansion is mostly open for these tours and special events.
- Water Fun: The park has ponds where you can go fishing or canoeing. In winter, when it's cold enough, you can even go ice skating.
- Winter Sports: When it snows, the park is a popular spot for sledding.
- Disc Golf: Borderland has a disc golf course. It was even the site of the World Masters Flying Disc Championships in 1996.
Sports and Events
Borderland is a popular spot for local high school sports.
- The Oliver Ames High School cross country team uses Borderland as their home course.
- It used to host the Hockomock League Cross Country championship race until 2014.
- The park also hosts the Old Colony League's annual cross country meet. Many other invitational meets happen here on the 3.1-mile (5-kilometer) loop course.
Parking Information
There is a fee to park at Borderland State Park.
- The day use fee is $5.
- If you are visiting from out of state, the fee is $20.
- You can buy season passes if you plan to visit often.
- Please note that the parking machines do not accept cash payments.
The main parking lot is located near 259 Massapoag Ave in North Easton, MA. You can also find other parking spots:
- Near the intersection of Mansfield St. and Massapoag Ave in Sharon, MA.
- At various locations on Mountain Street in North Easton, MA.
