Dana Recreation Park

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Dana Recreation Park is a scenic park located in the state of Massachusetts.


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Summary

The park offers a wide range of activities and attractions that make it an ideal destination for nature lovers, hikers, and families.

The park is situated on a 1,800-acre parcel of land that includes forests, fields, and streams. Visitors to the park can enjoy hiking, mountain biking, fishing, camping, and picnicking. The park also features a playground, a swimming area, and a picnic shelter.

One of the most popular attractions in the park is the Quabbin Reservoir, which is a vast body of water that provides drinking water for millions of people in Massachusetts. Visitors can take a tour of the reservoir, learn about the history of the area, and enjoy the scenic views.

Another point of interest in the park is the Winsor Dam, which is a large concrete structure that was built in the 1930s to create the Quabbin Reservoir. The dam is an important part of the area's history and provides a fascinating look at engineering and construction.

The best time to visit Dana Recreation Park is from May to October when the weather is warm and the park is open for activities and events. Visitors should be aware that the park is closed during the winter months.

Overall, Dana Recreation Park is a beautiful and unique destination that is well worth a visit. Whether you are interested in hiking, fishing, or simply enjoying the scenery, there is something for everyone at this stunning park in Massachusetts.

       

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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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