Holyoke HSP Visitors Center

221 Appleton St.,
Holyoke MA 01040
413 534-1723

The park's Visitors' Center features exhibits about paper manufacturing and Holyoke's industrial history. A slide show celebrates the city's rich blend of cultures and people. Special programs are offered year-round. The Children's Museum, the restored antique Holyoke Merry-Go-Round and the Volleyball Hall of Fame are also located within the park.

Outside the Visitors' Center, relax and have a picnic in the beautifully landscaped park overlooking Holyoke's three water power canals and several of the mill buildings. The historic railroad is not running at present, but when in operation it takes passengers on a 10 mile route through Holyoke and the surrounding countryside.

History
When Boston industrialists saw the water pouring over Hadley Falls, they were immediately impressed with its tremendous power and economic potential. 50 cotton mills and 4-1/2 miles of canals were soon constructed, making Holyoke an industrial giant in the middle of the 19th century. Immigrant workers flocked to the new city. Paper mills quickly overshadowed the original cotton mills, and soon Holyoke was manufacturing much of the world's fine writing paper. Water powered turbines, and the steam and electric machinery that replaced them pushed Holyoke to its peak around 1920. Today, the city offers a glimpse of another age in reclaimed mills, canals, workers' housing, and Victorian homes.

Things to know before you go…
Admission is free. When visiting the park, allow at least one hour to go through the Visitors Center. Groups and schools may arrange free programs and guided walking tours featuring historical and environmental themes. For reservations, call 413 534-1723. The Visitors Center is open year-round Tuesday through Sunday (closed Monday) from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm

Recreational Opportunities
Universal Access, Accessible Restrooms, Historic Site, Picnicking, Scenic Viewing Area, Visitor's Center.

Park Directions
Holyoke is located in central Massachusetts.
From east to west: take the Massachusetts Turnpike (Rte. I-90) to exit 4 to Rte. I-91 north; continue to the second Holyoke exit (Exit 16, Route 202); follow Rte. 202 north for a mile and a half; take a right onto Rte. 141 east (Appleton Street), then continue one-half mile to the park.

Other Heritage State Parks
You can learn more about Massachusetts' industrial heritage at these state parks: Blackstone River and Canal HSP, Western Gateway HSP, Lawrence HSP, and Lynn HSP.