Dighton Rock State Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Dighton Rock State Park |
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Dighton Rock Museum
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1853
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 Dighton Rock State Park
Location in Massachusetts
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| Location | Berkley, Bristol, Massachusetts, United States |
| Area | 98 acres (40 ha) |
| Elevation | 66 ft (20 m) |
| Established | 1955 |
| Governing body | Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation |
| Website | Dighton Rock State Park |
Dighton Rock State Park is a special place in Berkley, Massachusetts. It's a park where you can have fun outdoors and learn about history. The park is home to the famous Dighton Rock. This huge rock, about 11 feet (3.4 meters) tall, has mysterious carvings on it.
The park covers about 98 acres (40 hectares) along the Taunton River. It is managed by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation.
What is Dighton Rock?
Dighton Rock is a very large rock found near the Taunton River. It is a glacial erratic, which means it's a huge boulder left behind by a melting glacier long ago. What makes this rock so special are the many petroglyphs (ancient carvings) covering its surface.
For hundreds of years, people have wondered who made these carvings. Some think they were made by Native Americans. Others believe they were carved by early European explorers, like the Vikings or Portuguese. The true meaning of the carvings is still a mystery today!
Park History
The land that is now Dighton Rock State Park has an interesting past. For many years, from 1889 to 1955, the park was looked after by the Old Colony Historical Society. This group helped protect the Dighton Rock and its history.
In 1955, the state of Massachusetts took over the park. Since then, it has been a public state park. This means everyone can visit and enjoy it.
Things to Do at the Park
Dighton Rock State Park offers many fun activities for visitors. It's a great place to spend time outdoors.
- Visit the Museum: The park has a small museum. Inside, you can see the famous Dighton Rock up close. The museum is usually open by appointment.
- Boating and Fishing: You can enjoy non-motorized boating on the Taunton River. It's also a popular spot for fishing.
- Picnicking: The park has areas where you can have a picnic with your family and friends.
- Trails for Adventure: There are trails for hiking and biking. In the winter, if there's enough snow, you can even go cross-country skiing!
