Lawrence Heritage State Park RV & Campground Guide
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Lawrence Heritage State Park in Lawrence, Massachusetts is the perfect destination for history buffs who want to tour historic buildings on the Merrimack River. At this state park, there are three distinct park units, including the Visitors Center, Pemberton Park, and Lawrence Riverfront State Park. At the Visitors Center, guests can explore a restored boarding house from the 1840s, exhibits on milling in the 19th century, and exhibits on the industrial history of Lawrence. The Visitors Center building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This building has two floors of interactive exhibits, and it is fully accessible. Some of the most popular exhibits include a video presentation of the Bread and Roses Strike, in which 30,000 local laborers, many of whom were immigrants, went on strike in the city, and the antique mill worker kitchen replica.
Spring 38-57 F
Summer 63-82 F
Fall 42-62 F
Winter 17-35 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Lawrence Heritage State Park
There is no campground at this state park.
What to Do at
Lawrence Heritage State Park
At Lawrence Heritage State Park, visitors can tour the Visitors Center's exhibits or head outside to use the park's basketball and tennis courts. There are also a few wooded walking trails, and there is a street hockey court made for playing hockey on concrete. Some picnic sites are also found in both the Pemberton Park and Lawrence Riverfront State Park areas, including large picnic shelters that are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Fishing
The Pemberton Park area of Lawrence Heritage State Park offers fishing opportunities near a historic dam on the Merrimack River. Over 15 species of fish may be caught in this river, including smallmouth bass, striped bass, largemouth bass, common carp, northern pike, channel catfish, yellow perch, bluegill, and trout. All visitors who want to fish in the river should obtain a fishing license from the state of Massachusetts prior to their trip, which they can do online.
Nature Watching
There is a nature watching area along the river at Lawrence Heritage State Park, and many birdwatchers use this area to spot water birds, like mallards, American wigeons, and northern pintails. Some local songbirds can be spotted, too, such as blue jays, common grackles, eastern bluebirds, northern cardinals, Carolina wrens, American goldfinches, American robins, and Baltimore Orioles, among many others.
Hiking
Hikers can use any of the multi-use trails at this state park. Most of the trails are paved and are rated easy in terms of inclination, making for a family-friendly outing.
Boating
Non-motorized boats can launch from the Pemberton Park area of this state park. Additionally, there is a boathouse called the Bashara Boathouse in the Lawrence Riverfront State Park area, which offers sailing lessons during the summer.
Biking
Lawrence Heritage State Park offers a lot of biking trails that can be found in the five-acre Pemberton Park area. Some additional trails marked for multi-use can be found around the group facilities of Lawrence Riverfront State Park.
How to Get to
Lawrence Heritage State Park
Lawrence Heritage State Park is located on Jackson Street in Lawrence, Massachusetts. This park can be reached easily from Boston by taking Interstate 93 North toward Concord, New Hampshire, which is 23 miles away. After that, you should merge onto I-495 North by taking exit 40A. Continue four miles, then take exit 102-103 to merge onto Marston Street. You can then continue straight on Canal Street, turn right onto Union Street, and turn left onto Methuen Street. Continue 0.2 miles, and you will find the park entrance on the left.
Entering Lawrence Heritage State Park
Visitors can park in the parking lot behind the Visitors Center on Mill Street or in the parking garage on Appleton Street when they visit this state park. The main entrance to the park can be accessed from Methuen Street.
Lawrence Heritage State Park Entry Fee : $0.0
Frequently Asked Questions About Lawrence Heritage State Park
While Lawrence Heritage State Park is open year-round at the same daily times, visitors may enjoy visiting the park during special events, such as the annual Fourth of July Parade event. Another good time of year to visit is during the Bread and Roses Festival, which typically takes place on Labor Day.
Many small animals, such as squirrels and raccoons, may be found at this state park. Bird watchers may also see species such as mourning dove, red-winged blackbird, chipping sparrow, American goldfinch, American robin, and northern cardinal at the park.
Lawrence Heritage State Park is an urban area state park that does not have any campsites for tents or RVs to use. For camping near the park, check out other campgrounds around the city of Lawrence.
No camping reservations are taken at Lawrence Heritage State Park since no campsites exist.
Pets are allowed in the outdoor areas at this state park, but they are not permitted inside the Visitors Center. Pet owners must clean up after their animals while visiting this park, and all pets must be kept on a short leash at all times.