Hampden County

Written By Alexander Sophinos

Map Of Hampden County

Hampden County Parks

1. Lake Lorraine State Park
2. Lake Wyola State Park
3. Holyoke Heritage State Park
4. Mt. Tom State Reservation

Hampden County Colleges

1. Holyoke Community College
2. Springfield College
3. Springfield Technical Community College
4. Western New England College
5. Westfield State College

Park Information

Lake Lorraine State Park

About: Lake Lorraine is a freshwater swimming area and regional boating safety training center.

Address: 44 Lake Dr., Springfield, MA 01104

Directions: Lake Lorraine State Park is located in south central Massachusetts. From east or west: take the Massachusetts Turnpike (Rte.I-90) to exit 6, Rte. 291 south to Rte. 20 east, take right onto Berkshire Ave., Left onto Michigan St. Follow signs.

Admission Price: $5.00 Per Person

Phone: 413-543-6628

Lake Wyola State Park

About: Lake Wyola State Park, also known as the Carroll A. Holmes Recreation Area, is located in the quaint hill town of Shutesbury, just north of Amherst.This 40-acre day-use area is located on the shores of Lake Wyola, a Native American word meaning “quiet waters”. Here on the crystal clear waters of the 128-acre lake one can swim at the guarded beach or picnic at one of the many picnic sites all with charcoal grills.

Address: 94 Lakeview Road, Shutesbury, MA 01072

Directions: I-90 west (Mass Pike) to exit 8, Rte. 181 to Belchertown to Rte. 202 north. Look for signs.

Rte. 2 west and east take exit 16 to Rte. 202 south for 10 miles. Look for signs.

I-91 north and south to exit 24, Rte 116 south to Rte. 47 north, follow to the end. Look for signs.

Admission Price: $5.00 Per Person

Phone: 413-367-0317

Holyoke Heritage State Park

About: The park's Visitors' Center features exhibits about paper manufacturing and Holyoke's industrial history. A slide show celebrates the city's rich blend of cultures and people. Special programs are offered year-round. The Children's Museum, the restored antique Holyoke Merry-Go-Round and the Volleyball Hall of Fame are also located within the park.

Address: 221 Appleton St., Holyoke, MA 01040

Directions: From east to west: take the Massachusetts Turnpike (Rte. I-90) to exit 4 to Rte. I-91 north; continue to the second Holyoke exit (Exit 16, Route 202); follow Rte. 202 north for a mile and a half; take a right onto Rte. 141 east (Appleton Street), then continue one-half mile to the park.

Admission Price: Free

Phone: 413-534-1723

Mt. Tom State Reservation

About: Mt. Tom boasts an unparalleled view of the Connecticut Valley north and south, the Berkshire mountains to the west and the Pelham hills to the east. This 2,082 acre facility offers 20 miles of hiking and walking trails; picnicking; canoeing and fishing on Lake Bray; and cross country skiing and ice skating in the winter. Mt. Tom also offers a children's play area.

Address: 125 Reservation Rd., Rte. 5 Holyoke, MA 01040

Directions: Easthampton entrance From the south: Rte. 91 north, take exit #17-B, go 4 miles on Rte 141 west. Reservation entrance is on the right. From the north: Rte. 91 south, take exit #18, onto Rte 5 south about 1.5 miles, right on to East St. for 3 miles, left onto 141 East (up the hill), reservation entrance on your left.

Holyoke entrance From the south: Rte. 91 north, take exit #17-A to Rte. 5 north. Travel 4 miles, reservation entrance is on your left. From the north: Rte. 91 south, take exit #18 to Rte. 5 south. Travel 4 miles, entrance is on your right.

Admission Price: $2.00 Per Person

Phone: 413-534-1186