Douglas, Massachusetts is a small town in southern Worcester County. According to the latest census, the area's current population is close to 9,000. English settlers first occupied Douglas in the early 1700s. Before that, the city was home to members of the Nipmuc tribe. Like many New England villages, Douglas is known for its industrial contributions. Axes and decorative stones were just a few of the area's biggest and earliest exports. Today, visitors can learn about the area's rich history by visiting the E. N. Jenckes Store Museum in the village of East Douglas. This historic storefront has been fully restored and converted into a museum thanks to the efforts of the Douglas Historical Society.
Douglas is the starting point of the Rhode Island North-South Trail and the Midstate Trail. The area's annual summer flea market brings thousands of visitors to the town. Douglas State Forest, a 5,907-acre swath of land that stretches to the borders of Connecticut and Rhode Island, is another major area attraction. The park is also home to the 322-acre Wallum Lake and several miles of forest trails.
The city's historic downtown is located along the Mumford River. This 18.3-mile waterway is a tributary of the Blackstone River, the waterway that once powered many of Central Massachusetts' mills. Other noteworthy area landmarks you may want to visit during your travels to Douglas include Wallum Lake, Wallum Pond Hill, and Whitins Reservoir.
Douglas borders the Massachusetts towns of Oxford, Sutton, Uxbridge, Webster, and Northbridge. Its southern border touches the states of Rhode Island and Connecticut. Some of the area's top landmarks include Irish Round Tower, Waters Farm Preservation, the Shunned House, and the Stanley Woolen Mill.
Campgrounds Near Douglas, Massachusetts
Sutton Falls is a family-oriented campground situated on the shores of Aldrich Mill Pond in nearby Sutton, Massachusetts. The facility's two beaches, floating deck, and fishing pond make it a popular destination for water-based recreation. A picnic table and a fireplace are available at each campsite. The facility's playground and game room offer recreational activities during your stay. The park's dump station, propane filling station, and camp store ensure that visitors have everything they need to keep their RVs in good running order.
Kings Family Campground is an impressive open space on Lake Machaug in Worcester County. The facility's secluded campsites come with and without electricity. The campground is open from April to October. Favorite campground activities include fishing, boating, biking, and swimming. Amenities at this facility include a playground, hot showers, and free Wi-Fi. Your pets are welcome at this RV park.
Lake Manchaug Camping is located in the heart of Massachusetts' Blackstone River Valley. The park offers a spectacular array of lakeside campsites. The seasonal spots come with 20, 30, or 50-amp electrical outlets. The campground encompasses over 90 acres of woodland and parts of Lake Manchaug. Weekend stays must be a minimum of three nights long. Discounts are available for stays longer than a week.
State Parks Near Douglas, Massachusetts
Pulaski State Park is a 100-acre space located within the 4,000-acre George Washington Management Area in Chepachet, Rhode Island. The park is home to the 13-care Peck Pond and over 10 miles of hiking trails. It's a popular destination for year-round outdoor recreation. If you're visiting during winter, be sure to check out the park's extensive network of cross-country ski trails.
Snake Den State Park 1,000-acre undeveloped space located off Route 6 in Johnston, Rhode Island. Visitors can park their vehicles in the small lot located behind Dame Farm. The park's self-guided walking trails and natural scenery make it the perfect place for outdoor relaxation.
Mashamoquet Brook State Park was once the home of Chief Uncas of the Mohegans. It's now the site of a small seasonal campground and a popular day-use area. Picnic tables, bathrooms, barbeque grills, and picnic shelters are available. The park's small pond is a popular place for swimming and fishing. Other popular park activities include hiking and camping. Nonresidents should expect to be charged a small entrance fee on weekends and holidays.
National Sites Near Douglas, Massachusetts
Blackstone River Valley National Historic Park is an expansive public space that's dedicated to the history of the Age of Industry. The park serves as the backdrop for a vast array of outdoor activities, including everything from hiking to paddling. Enjoy a self-guided tour of Hopedale, a mill town that was once the largest loom manufacturer in America. Don't miss the chance to visit the Kelly House Museum of Transportation and Ashton Village in Lincoln, Rhode Island. This impressive space is situated along the Blackstone Bikeway. Grab a Blackstone River Valley Passport and use it to track all your progress.
Roger Williams National Monument is a meticulously maintained public park in Providence, Rhode Island. This impressive memorial is dedicated to the life and work of the Ocean State's founder, Roger Williams. Learn about William's dedication to religious freedom. Visit the park's visitor center in the 18th-century Antram-Gray House. Check out the stone memorial dedicated to Isaac Hahn, the first Jewish person elected into public office. Congress established the 4.5-acre park in the 1960s. The park encompasses several unique structures, a freshwater spring, and a visitor center. Guided tours and other programs are available throughout the year.
Minute Man National Historic Park is an impressive space that stretches across the towns of Lexington, Lincoln, and Concord, Massachusetts. The park is dedicated to the history of the American Revolution. The park's grounds are open from sunrise to sunset. Stop by the Minute Man Visitor Center, the North Bridge Visitor Center, the Hartwell Tavern, and the Wayside to learn more about the area's rich legacy. Guided tours and ranger-led programs are held on weekends throughout May and October.
National Forests Near Douglas, Massachusetts
Green Mountain National Forest encompasses over 400,000 acres in southwestern and central Vermont. Popular nearby attractions include Stratton Mountain Resort, Lye Brook Falls, and Mount Equinox Skyline Drive. Start your trip at the visitor center in Rutland, Vermont. The area is home to picturesque peaks, scenic drives, and charming villages. Highway 100 offers spectacular views of the area's autumn foliage and springtime greenery. The park is also home to hundreds of lakes, small ponds, waterfalls, and swimming holes.
White Mountain National Forest presents visitors with some of New England's most majestic sights. This 800,000-acre swath of wilderness is situated between western Maine and northeastern New Hampshire. It encompasses some of the most famous peaks in the Northeast. Top White Mountain Attractions include the Kancamagus Highway, Santa's Village, and Flume Gorge. Tuckerman Ravine Trail, Franconia Ridge Loop, and the Huntington Ravine are just a few of the park's most frequented trails.
Finger Lakes National Forest encompasses 16,259 acres in New York's Seneca and Schuyler counties. The multi-use land is a mecca for outdoor recreation, such as hiking, biking, hunting, fishing, and paddling. Top area hikes include the Interloken, Burnt Hill, and Fingerlakes Backbone Trails. There are also plenty of opportunities for primitive and established camping.
