Burnham's Field

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Burnham's Field is a public park located in the city of Gloucester, Massachusetts.


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Summary

The park is a popular spot for locals and visitors alike, offering a range of activities and attractions throughout the year.

One of the main reasons to visit Burnham's Field is to enjoy the natural beauty of the area. The park features a large open field with plenty of space for picnics, games, and other outdoor activities. There are also several trails and paths that wind through the park, providing opportunities for hiking and exploring.

In addition to its natural beauty, Burnham's Field also has several points of interest that are worth checking out. One of the most notable is the Fishermen's Wives Memorial, which honors the women who have supported Gloucester's fishing industry throughout history. Other attractions include a playground, basketball court, and community garden.

Interesting facts about Burnham's Field include its history as an important gathering place for the local community. The park was first established in the late 1800s and has been a hub for social activities ever since. It is also home to several rare plant species, including the Eastern Red Cedar and the American Holly.

The best time of year to visit Burnham's Field depends on what you're looking for. In the summer months, the park is a popular spot for outdoor activities and events. Fall is a great time to visit if you want to see the changing leaves and experience the cooler weather. And in the winter, Burnham's Field is a great place to go sledding or have a snowball fight.

Overall, Burnham's Field is a great destination for anyone looking to enjoy the natural beauty of Massachusetts and experience the rich history and culture of the Gloucester community.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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