Massasoit National Wildlife Refuge

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Massasoit National Wildlife Refuge is a 1,235-acre protected area located in Plymouth County, Massachusetts.


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Summary

The refuge is known for its diverse wildlife and offers visitors the opportunity to hike, fish, birdwatch, and participate in other outdoor activities.

One of the main reasons to visit Massasoit National Wildlife Refuge is to observe the variety of bird species that inhabit the area. The refuge is home to over 200 bird species, including waterfowl, songbirds, raptors, and shorebirds. Visitors can also spot other wildlife such as deer, foxes, coyotes, and turtles.

A point of interest at Massasoit National Wildlife Refuge is the cranberry bog, which is a unique habitat that supports a variety of wildlife species. The bog is an important part of the area's cultural heritage and is still actively managed by local farmers.

Interesting facts about Massasoit National Wildlife Refuge include its history as a former cranberry farm and the fact that it is named after the Wampanoag leader Massasoit, who played a significant role in the early history of Plymouth Colony.

The best time of year to visit Massasoit National Wildlife Refuge is during the spring and fall migration seasons when birdwatching is at its best. The refuge is open year-round, and visitors can also enjoy hiking and outdoor activities during the summer and winter months.

Overall, Massasoit National Wildlife Refuge offers a unique opportunity to experience the natural beauty and wildlife of Massachusetts. Whether you are an avid birder or simply looking for a peaceful outdoor retreat, the refuge is worth a visit.

       

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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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