Ultimate Guide to Upton Heritage Park, Massachusetts (Tours, Pricing, History, Map)
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The stone cave at Upton Heritage Park has intrigued many people over the years, and many experts have come over the years to study its construction and the possible origin of this artificial cave. It is a historic stone structure, and the residents of Upton leave no stone unturned to look after the cave through the Community Preservation Act funds.
The structure of the cave is very puzzling. The cave is designed like an igloo, has a long entrance, a round central chamber, and an intricately engineered stone roof. There have been various theories about the origin of this cave, but none is concrete enough to be deemed acceptable.
History of Upton Heritage Park
Upton Heritage Park is on the eastern shore of Mill Pond in Massachusetts. It is also home to the state’s largest cave, Upton Cave. It is the most intricately formed cave in the northeast United States. Another noteworthy feature of the cave is that it is wholly man-made, but nobody is sure who has built it! Upton Cave is one of the 300 similar-looking stone chambers found throughout New England.
The cave starts as a tunnel having a length of 14 ft and a height of 6 ft. The tunnel bores into the side of a hill and leads to a beehive-shaped stone chamber which has a height of 11 ft and a width of 12 ft. The cave is topped with several over stones weighing several tons each.
There are many theories available regarding the origin of the cave. Some people believed that the European explorers built it before the time of Columbus. Others thought that caves were sacred sites built by the native people of the region much before the arrival of the colonists. There are other explanations too that the cave was used only as crop storage for the early colonial farmers, or maybe it was a leather tanning space of the 1800s.
Geological Cave Formations
Upton Cave is one of the largest, and it has a 14-ft tunnel and a dome topped by a large capstone. The chamber inside the dome is very dark. It is one of the best examples of this type in the US as it has a corbelled roof that resembles a beehive in shape. The technology behind all these is quite advanced, as evident from the transition from that tunnel into the domed shape.
Wildlife in Upton Heritage Park
It is not particularly known for its wide variety of wildlife species. Still, a visitor would come across the usual critters, small animals, and lots of frogs that are usually seen in this area.
Is Upton Heritage Park Haunted?
Upton Cave is a mysterious chamber, undoubtedly, and is visited by many people every year. There is no evidence to show that the park or the cave is haunted.
How Big is Upton Heritage Park?
The cave’s tunnel leading to the chamber is 14 ft in length.
Upton Heritage Park Tours
Upton Cave is a mysterious-looking structure that has managed to puzzle the locals for many hundred years. However, the structure of this artificial cave does impress everyone who comes here. It starts with a 14 ft long tunnel that leads anyone who dares to venture inside the dark, underground dome. No one is sure how or who built this mysterious-looking chamber, and it has been a matter of serious debate for many years among the archaeologists.
There are more than 300 mysterious-looking stone chambers found across New England. Many experts believe that these are the ruins of the Native American structures. In contrast, many archaeologists believe the chambers to be erstwhile root cellars that were used by the early European settlers.
It is a small cave, and the entrance is only about 4 ft in height. It never reaches even 6 ft until you reach the chamber. However, the cave is very accessible, and you will have no problem fitting in. The inside of the cave is dark, and you need to carry a sufficient number of flashlights to see inside.
Tour Prices and Discounts
There is no fee involved in viewing Upton Heritage Park. The tours are usually available from 1 pm to 3 pm, and all participants must sign a waiver.
Is Upton Heritage Park Cold?
The temperature inside Upton Cave is expected to be a shade cooler than the surrounding temperature.
What to Wear?
All visitors are advised to wear comfortable clothes and rubber boots. Since the cave is pitch black, you must carry two to three sources of flashlights or wear a headlamp.
Upton Heritage Park Hours
The park is accessible from 6:30 am to 8 pm.
What to Do at Upton Heritage Park (Beside Tours)
The stone cave or chamber is the chief attraction. Visitors who see the stone cave find this as the only reasonable attraction. You can take a walk through the surrounding areas to enjoy the sylvan atmosphere.
Best Time to Visit Upton Heritage Park
It can be visited any time of the year.
How to Get to Upton Heritage Park
The stone cave is on 18 Elm Street and very close to the eastern shore of Mill Pond.
Hotels Nearby
There are excellent accommodation options near Upton Park, and most of the hotels are located within a radius of 10 km. Best Western Milford Inn and Holiday Inn Express are some of the most popular hotels here.
Upton Heritage Park Fun Facts
- Upton Cave is the most perfectly built of all the stone chambers found in this region.
- There are numerous large oval stones over the cave, and each weighs several tons.
- The park and the cave were closed to the public previously, but it has been open for all since 2012.
Upton Heritage Park Details
- Length: The tunnel that leads to the cave chamber is 14 ft long.
- Time Recommended: 1 to 1.5 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Kid-friendly: No
- Dog-friendly: No
- Fees: None
- Hours: 6:30 am to 8 pm
Visiting Upton Heritage Park
Do you need more information before visiting? Call (508) 529-3019 for an information packet.
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