Myles Standish Monument State Reservation
Rate this placeNearby: Crooker Memorial Pawtuxet Park
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Myles Standish Monument State Reservation is located in Duxbury, Massachusetts and is known for its beautiful views of the surrounding landscapes, historical significance, and recreational opportunities.
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Summary
The reservation is home to the Myles Standish Monument, a 116-foot granite structure that commemorates the life and accomplishments of Myles Standish, a military leader and founding member of the Plymouth Colony.
Visitors to the reservation can climb to the top of the monument and enjoy stunning panoramic views of the area, including Duxbury Bay and the surrounding forests. The reservation also offers hiking trails, picnic areas, and a playground for children.
In addition to the monument, visitors can explore the Duxbury Rural and Historical Society, which features exhibits on the history of the area and its inhabitants. The nearby Alden House Historic Site offers a glimpse into the lives of the Alden family, who were among the first settlers of the Plymouth Colony.
Interesting facts about the area include that Myles Standish was known for his military prowess and played a key role in the defense of the Plymouth Colony against attacks from Native American tribes. The monument was constructed in 1898 and is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.
The best time to visit Myles Standish Monument State Reservation is in the summer and fall when the weather is mild and the foliage is at its peak. However, the reservation is open year-round and offers scenic views and activities for visitors in all seasons.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
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.
Related References
Crooker Memorial
Pawtuxet Park
Nelson Street Recreation Area
Pilgrim Memorial State Park
Webster Street