Middlesex Fells Reservation facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Middlesex Fells Reservation |
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Bridge crossing 18th-century dam
on Spot Pond Brook |
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 Middlesex Fells Reservation
Location in Massachusetts
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| Location | Malden, Medford, Melrose, Stoneham, Winchester, Middlesex, Massachusetts, United States |
| Area | 2,283 acres (9.24 km2) |
| Elevation | 187 ft (57 m) |
| Established | 1893 |
| Operator | Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation |
| Website | Middlesex Fells Reservation |
Middlesex Fells Reservation, often called the Fells, is a huge outdoor area in Massachusetts. It covers over 2,200 acres across five towns: Malden, Medford, Melrose, Stoneham, and Winchester. This state park has two inactive reservoirs, Spot Pond and the Fells Reservoir. It also has three active reservoirs (North, Middle, and South) that supply water to Winchester. Spot Pond and the Fells Reservoir are part of a big water system that provides water to Boston. The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation manages this park. It's also part of the larger Metropolitan Park System of Greater Boston.
Contents
Exploring the Fells: A Look Back in Time
Early Days and Uses
People have explored the Middlesex Fells area for a long time. John Winthrop, an early Governor of the Massachusetts Bay Colony, visited here in 1632. The land in the Fells was once used for many things. People harvested wood (timber), dug up granite stone, and collected ice from the ponds.
There was also a lot of water power from streams. This meant many mills were built here. Some of the first waterproof rubber products were even made in a mill in the Fells. You can still see parts of these old mills in the Virginia Woods area. This spot was once a mill village called Haywardville.
How the Park Was Created
The Middlesex Fells Reservation started thanks to a special gift in 1891. A woman named Fannie Tudor donated a piece of land called Virginia Wood. She gave it as a memorial to her daughter, Virginia. Virginia loved walking in the woods around Spot Pond when she was a child.
In 1893, the state of Massachusetts took over the property. They began managing it as a state park for everyone to enjoy.
The Mystery of "WHERE SHUTE FELL"
Somewhere in the Fells, there's an old stone tablet. It simply says, "WHERE SHUTE FELL." No one is completely sure what this means! There are different stories about why this phrase is important. It remains a bit of a mystery in the park.
Important Places: Historic Status of the Fells
Recognized Historic Sites
The Middlesex Fells Reservation is not just a state park. Many parts of it and buildings within it are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This means they are very important historical sites. For example, the entire area around Spot Pond is part of the Middlesex Fells Reservoirs Historic District. This district includes the old roads in and around the park, known as the Middlesex Fells Reservation Parkways.
Visitor Center and Other Landmarks
The park's visitor center is located in the historic John Bottume House. This house is not far from the old Metropolitan District Commission Pumping House, which was built in 1906. There are also important archaeological sites in the park. These are listed as part of the Spot Pond Archeological District.
Connecting to Other Parks
The Fells is connected to other parks in the area by special roads. These include the Fells Connector Parkways, which link the Fells to the Mystic River Reservation. Another road, the Lynn Fells Parkway, connects the park to the Breakheart Reservation.
Fun Things to Do: Activities and Amenities
The Middlesex Fells Reservation has over 100 miles of trails! These trails are perfect for many outdoor activities:
- Hiking
- Mountain biking
- Cross-country skiing (in winter)
- Horseback riding
You can easily get to the trails from Interstate 93. If you like fishing, you can try your luck at Dark Hollow Pond. The park also has places for picnics, an observation tower with great views, and a tot lot for younger kids.
During the summer, you can rent kayaks, canoes, pedal boats, and row boats on Spot Pond. You can even take sailing lessons there! For those who love adventure, rock climbing is also a popular activity in the Fells.
Sheepfold Meadow
Sheepfold Meadow is a large, open field of 10 acres. It's located in Stoneham, Massachusetts, and is part of the Middlesex Fells Reservation. Today, it's a popular spot for people to walk their dogs and enjoy picnics.
Images for kids
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View of Boston skyline
