Houghton's Pond facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Houghton's Pond |
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Houghton's Pond
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 Houghton's Pond
Location in Massachusetts
Houghton's Pond
Location in the United States
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| Location | Milton, Massachusetts |
| Coordinates | 42°12′26″N 71°5′44″W / 42.20722°N 71.09556°W |
| Type | Glacial Pond |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Surface area | 24 acres (97,000 m2) |
| Max. depth | 42 ft (13 m) |
Houghton's Pond is a beautiful, spring-fed pond located in Milton, Massachusetts. It's just south of the big city of Boston. This pond is quite old, formed about 10,000 years ago when giant glaciers melted away. Even though it's called a pond, it's actually big enough to be considered a small lake! It covers about 24 acres.
Discovering Houghton's Pond
Houghton's Pond is part of the amazing Blue Hills Reservation. This large natural area is managed by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation. Long ago, the Massachusett tribe lived here. They called the pond Hoosic-Whisick. They fished in its waters and hunted in the forests around it.
Around the year 1690, a British settler named Ralph Houghton bought a large piece of land here. It was about 360 acres, and it included the pond. He used the pond for farming, getting ice, drinking water, and fish. His old farmhouse used to stand where the refreshment stand is today.
Fun Activities at the Pond
Houghton's Pond is a very popular spot for people living in Massachusetts. It's close to Boston, so it's easy for city residents to visit nature quickly. The pond offers many fun things to do all year round.
You can find a visitor's center there, which is a great place to learn more. There's a supervised swimming area, perfect for cooling off in the summer. If you like fishing, the pond is stocked with fish. There are also picnic areas where you can enjoy a meal outdoors. Many different outdoor sports can be played nearby.
The refreshment stand at the pond is a special building. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places because of its history. The pond is also surrounded by many hiking trails. These trails are part of the larger Blue Hills Reservation. The area is most popular in the summer for swimming and cook-outs.
Images for kids
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A plaque thanking those who contributed to the visitor's center exhibit.
