Check Out Lawrence’s, MA Parks and History this Spring

Looking to visit Lawrence, Massachusetts in the spring? You should, because it’s an amazing city with so much to offer as the snow begins to melt. It may be known for its industrial heritage, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t natural beauty to appreciate. You just need to know where to look.

Springtime in the Park

As the weather turns warm again and the leaves turn green, Lawrence is the perfect town to plan a day in the park. With several to choose from, you’ll have plenty of space and options to put together a grand day out.

Riverfront State Park

Riverfront State Park located directly next to the Merrimack River, is a beautiful recreation facility for people of all ages. It’s easy to plan a full day of fun here, as there’s a street hockey rink and a marina with a public boat launch. If you want something peaceful, pack a picnic lunch to enjoy as you sit by the river to appreciate the beautiful view across it of the city. Or pack your hiking shoes and explore the many wooded paths. If you’re a fan of boating, this park is also home to the Greater Lawrence Community Boating Program, which has been teaching safe boating for over 25 years.

Den Walk Park

If you’re a nature lover, Den Walk Park is the park for you. This 120-acre preserves woodlands in the densely developed and industrial city of Lawrence. It’s a recreational hub for the area that includes walking trails, a granite rock face perfect for climbing, scenic overlooks, and access to the Shawsheen River. It’s no wonder this park attracts hundreds of visitors throughout the year, with spring being especially ideal after being stuck inside for months.

History

Lawrence was built in the 1840s and is known as the nation’s first planned industrial city, so it’s important to the United State’s industrial heritage. You can view historic landmarks like the massive mill building by the Merrimack River, the striking clock and bell tower, and the breathtaking Great Stone Dam.

Lawrence Heritage State Park

As one of the first planned cities, Lawrence’s development was important to the growth of the United States. One of the best places to learn about it is at Lawrence Heritage State Park. You can visit the Visitor’s Center, which is in a restored 1840s boarding house, where exhibits tell the stories of Lawrence mill workers. You can also learn about the 1912 Bread and Roses Strike, the city’s immigrant population, and even plan your own industrial city.

Lawrence History Center

If you’re a history buff, you need to check out the Lawrence History Center. It preserves and shares the history and heritage of Lawrence with its extensive collections. These collections include over 40,000 photographs and glass plate negatives, 800 digitally mastered oral histories, mayoral papers, an array of family and individual records, and more. Its archives even contain the records of the Essex Company that meticulously documents the building and planning of Lawrence.

Whether you love nature or industrial history, Lawrence is a city where you can enjoy both. Plan a weekend getaway this spring to experience the breathtaking duality of this unconventional pairing.