Holyoke Heritage State Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Holyoke Heritage State Park |
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 Holyoke Heritage State Park
Location in Massachusetts
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| Location | Holyoke, Hampden, Massachusetts, United States |
| Area | 7 acres (2.8 ha) |
| Elevation | 115 ft (35 m) |
| Established | 1986 |
| Operator | Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation |
| Website | Holyoke Heritage State Park |
Holyoke Heritage State Park is a special state park in Holyoke, Massachusetts. It's a place where you can learn about the city's past. The park opened in 1986. It was built on the land where a big silk factory, called the William Skinner Silk Mill, once stood. That factory was destroyed by a fire in 1980. The park is looked after by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation.
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Fun Things to Do and See
Discovering Holyoke's History
The park has a visitors center where you can explore exhibits. These exhibits teach you about how paper was made and about Holyoke's history. You can learn about the factories and the culture of the city long ago. The park also has nice outdoor areas. You can enjoy a picnic there and see great views of the city's canals and old factory buildings.
Exciting Attractions for Kids
Right inside the park, you'll find some really cool places to visit. One of them is the Holyoke Merry-Go-Round. It's a classic carousel that's a lot of fun for all ages. There's also the Children's Museum at Holyoke, which is perfect for younger visitors. If you love sports, you can check out the Volleyball Hall of Fame, also located within the park.
Riding the Rails
The park even has its own train line! It's a small part of an old railroad called the Holyoke & Westfield Railroad. This is one of only four special tourist train lines in Massachusetts. In the past, from 1988 to 1996, you could take scenic train rides from the park. Today, the Pioneer Valley Railroad offers special trips. You can take a beautiful fall foliage ride from Holyoke Heritage State Park to Westfield. They also have a popular annual Santa Train ride, which is a big hit during the holidays!
