Saint Croix Island International Historic Site – Calais, Maine

Saint Croix Island International Historic Site in Calais was my “hometown” national park unit. My parents had their retirement home very near to this park and as a National Park fan I used to come here very often. Saint Croix Island sits in the middle of the river between Maine and New Brunswick. In 1604, a French settlement began on the island, three years before English settlements in Jamestown. Saint Croix Island’s settlement was soon abandoned, following a terrible winter. When I visited the park years ago there was little more than a boat ramp and information placard at the site. Today there are extensive informative displays accompanied by statues representing various historical figures. There are rest room facilities and a fully staffed visitor center. There is no access to the island itself to protect its archeological and natural elements but the mainland area is well worth the visit. The neighboring shore in New Brunswick, Canada also has a park and display. It is great seeing small parks like this being properly represented.

Cony Park – Eastport, Maine

Cony Park, located adjacent to Shackford Head State Park, in Eastport boasts beautiful views of Cobscook Bay, a large pavilion with picnic tables and 3 horseshoe pits. A porta-potty is provided during the summer months. The park can be used for picnics, gatherings and other get togethers. There is also a hand carry boat launch and some historic markers.

Historical placards commemorating Civil War ships on Cony Beach

Part of the Bold Coast which is a potential National Seashore designee

Salmon farms can be viewed offshore

Adjacent to Shackford Head State Park

Old shipyard just outside entrance to park

Great Brook Farm State Park – Carlisle, Massachusetts

Great Brook Farm State Park is a public, day-use recreation area featuring an active dairy farm in the town of Carlisle, Massachusetts. The state park was established in 1967. The park has 19.5 miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking, cross-country skiing, dog-walking and equestrian use. Canoeing and fishing are offered on Meadow Pond. Tours of the dairy farm are available from May to October along with an ice cream stand which is open from April to October.

Stark Park – Manchester, New Hampshire

Revolutionary War General John Stark died at the age of 94 in 1822 and is buried in the Stark Family Gravesite, along with his beloved wife “Molly” and other members of his family, in Stark Park in Manchester, NH. In addition to the grave site there are hiking trails, a bandstand and the equestrian statue of Stark.

Equestrian statue of Major General John Stark

Gravesite

Bandstand has summer activities

Spacious grounds

Hiking Trails