New England's Once-Thriving Industrial Center Is Now A State Park With Canal Walks And A Nostalgic Carousel

New England's sprawling collection of state parks generally fall into one of two categories: those where you mainly go to enjoy nature, and those distinguished by their history and cultural landmarks. If you're drawn to the latter type, you might find a pearl in Holyoke Heritage State Park. Located in Holyoke, Massachussetts, the park showcases the canals once built to supply waterpower to the city's mills. There are a couple landmarks on the park grounds you can check out, including the International Volleyball Hall of Fame and a still-functioning carousel that first opened in the 1920s. All through the park are paved walking paths that trace the canal and old mill buildings.

But perhaps Holyoke Heritage State Park's greatest appeal is its rich history. It tells the story of a city that was once a major center of the Industrial Revolution. Its very grounds were the site of a renowned silk and satin manufacturing company run by William Skinner, which operated from 1874 to until 1961, per Smithsonian. By the mid-19th century, Holyoke became a hub of various mills and factories — at one point, it produced more paper than any other city in the world, according to Explore Holyoke. These factories were powered by a system of dams and canals, which serve as vestiges of the city's past. Aside from its preserved landmarks, Holyoke Heritage State Park has a visitor center with displays of old mill artifacts and photographs. The park also offers occasional tours, pairing a stroll along the water with local history. 

The paths at Holyoke Heritage are easy, paved walks rather than hiking trails. They partly follow the canals that once powered Holyoke's mills, with views of the waterway and surviving buildings. According to local history guide Canal Days, you can see a couple of paper mill facilities and a thread mill by the First Level Canal. Look for the flywheel mounted on the park's pathway, which marks where the William Skinner mill once stood. For a longer self-guided outing, continue beyond the park and embark on the 4-mile Holyoke Heritage Trail, an unofficial route mapped out by Canal Days, which passes several other industrial sites around town.

From the visitor center, walk a few steps to one of the park's more whimsical landmarks: the Holyoke Merry-Go-Round. The antique carousel dates to 1929, its history page explains, when it was built for a former amusement park on Mount Tom. When the amusement park closed, Holyoke residents rallied to keep the ride in their city. So, it was moved into the state park and became a perennial fixture. It features 48 hand-carved wooden horses, dozens of scenic panels, and an original 1929 band organ. Park-goers can take a spin on the ride today for a small fee. For more nostalgic attractions in Massachusetts, consider a trip to Cape Cod's Heritage Museums & Gardens, with its own vintage carousel.

Holyoke is one of the historic towns in Massachusetts' charming Pioneer Valley, many of which are worth visiting if you have the time. The closest major travel hub is Bradley International Airport (BDL), around 30 minutes across the border in Connecticut. You could also drive to Holyoke from Boston in less than two hours. While in Holyoke, drive just 10 minutes north along the Connecticut River to hike among pre-historic dinosaur footprints, a must-see for those who love natural history.