Six Parks to Visit in Worcester

Late summer is a perfect time to get out and explore Worcester’s green spaces and gardens. New England’s second-largest city is home to some of the oldest and most beautiful parks, as well as the biggest urban wildlife sanctuary in the region. This unique mix of urban and natural environments makes Worcester a perfect destination when the weather is nice. Here are six standout park picks to help you plan your next outdoor excursion.  

Green Hill Park

Green Hill Park is aptly named as it sits atop one of Worcester’s seven main hills. Once a country estate owned by the Green family, this land is now the largest municipal park in Worcester, covering 500 acres. It’s also on the National Register of Historic Places. The park’s arboretum, two ponds, gazebos, and picnic areas are lovely places to relax. The park’s small zoo, Green Hill Park Farm, is a great place for families, and the Green Hill Golf course is perfect for adults.

Elm Park

The U.S. bought the land for this historic park back in 1854. The city added to the park with the purchase of Newton Hill in 1888. As one of the country’s first land purchases, the 60-acre park is on the National Register of Historic Places. Restored footbridges over the ponds add to Elm Park’s charm. The park offers walking trails and tennis courts, as well as playground and picnic areas.

Institute Park

Institute Park sits on land donated to the city in 1887. It’s located next to Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) near downtown Worcester. Along with Institute Pond, you’ll find walking paths, a multi-use field, tennis courts, and a bandstand. The parks and bridges on the WPI campus are a great place to visit at any time of year.

Salisbury Park

How many parks can say they offer panoramic views and a castle on a hill? Salisbury Park sits on top of Prospect Hill and features a small, feudal-style castle, Bancroft Tower, built in 1900. Stephen Salisbury III constructed it to honor George Bancroft, former Secretary of the Navy, and a childhood friend of Salisbury’s father. While the park is worth visiting any time of year, enjoy the hiking trails and the 360-degree views of the city while the weather is pleasant.

Cascades Park

This park gets its name from the cascading waterfall that leads to Cook’s Pond. This is a great place to find hiking trails that connect to the Cascades area. A particular favorite is the Cascade Falls Loop Trail, where the you can follow waterfalls and wildflowers along the trail path.

Broad Meadow Brook Conservation Center and Wildlife Sanctuary

Broad Meadow Brook is the largest urban wildlife sanctuary in New England and a must-visit place in the spring and summer. Explore the five miles of walking trails through the woods, fields, and marshes. The sanctuary boasts at least 700 plant species, as well as birds, butterflies, and wildlife habitats. It’s a lovely oasis in the middle of the city.   With all these outdoor opportunities, the toughest part will be choosing which park to visit first. No matter which park you choose, you’ll find lots of ways to connect with nature without leaving Worcester. Get more information and start to plan your own trip at Discover Central Massachusetts.