The Quabbin Reservoir is the largest inland body of water in the state of Massachusetts, serving as the primary water supply for Boston and its surrounding communities. But to us, it’s also so much more. The area offers hiking and biking trails, paved paths for waterside strolls, picnic areas, and a fantastic observation tower that is open to the public (and free).

The Quabbin Reservoir is technically located in Ware, although it stretches on for miles.

Shaked007 / TripAdvisor In fact, it covers 39 square miles and has 181 miles of picturesque shoreline.

The reservoir was built between 1930 and 1939, after the Boston area suffered a water shortage.

shuttergardenimages / TripAdvisor While recreational activities here are fairly limited in order to protect the water, fishing has been allowed since 1946. Of course, there are a lot of rules and regulations.

The nature park and observatory is located at the southern end of the reservoir.

shuttergardenimages / TripAdvisor And the views from this area are absolutely stunning.

The Quabbin Observation Tower can be reached from the East Gate and Middle Gate.

Karen R / TripAdvisor If you want to stop by the Quabbin Visitors Center first, you should enter through the West Gate.

The park, including the tower, is open daily as early as one hour before sunrise and as late as one hour before sunset.

Di M / TripAdvisor The vistors center is also open seven days a week, except for major holidays.

Climb the observation tower and take in the stunning views, which are incredible during any season.

Carol Ann P / TripAdvisor Spring and fall are both excellent times to go.

The reservoir was the solution to a huge local problem—but in order to build it, the powers that be had to wipe out four small towns.

Carol Ann P / TripAdvisor The buildings were all demolished and the residents were relocated. The residents didn’t like this, of course, and they fought the measure all the way to the Massachusetts Supreme Court. In the end, though, the reservoir won.

The Quabbin Observation Tower is a fantastic part of this stunning nature park.

Katya P / Foursquare The New Salem and Enfield lookouts are also great spots to go for checking out the views.

It’s almost spring (at last), so plan a trip to the Quabbin Reservoir and check out this observation tower.

Shaked007 / TripAdvisor

In fact, it covers 39 square miles and has 181 miles of picturesque shoreline.

shuttergardenimages / TripAdvisor

While recreational activities here are fairly limited in order to protect the water, fishing has been allowed since 1946. Of course, there are a lot of rules and regulations.

And the views from this area are absolutely stunning.

Karen R / TripAdvisor

If you want to stop by the Quabbin Visitors Center first, you should enter through the West Gate.

Di M / TripAdvisor

The vistors center is also open seven days a week, except for major holidays.

Carol Ann P / TripAdvisor

Spring and fall are both excellent times to go.

The buildings were all demolished and the residents were relocated. The residents didn’t like this, of course, and they fought the measure all the way to the Massachusetts Supreme Court. In the end, though, the reservoir won.

Katya P / Foursquare

The New Salem and Enfield lookouts are also great spots to go for checking out the views.

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Address: Quabbin Reservoir, Massachusetts, USA