Dighton Rock State Park, State park and historical museum in Berkley, Massachusetts.
The 85-acre park along the Taunton River features a glass-enclosed museum protecting a 40-ton boulder covered with ancient carvings and petroglyphs.
First documented in 1680 by Reverend John Danforth, the inscribed rock remained in the Taunton River until its relocation to a protective structure in 1963.
The petroglyphs on Dighton Rock have generated multiple interpretations, from Native American origins to theories about Portuguese, Viking, and Phoenician visitors.
The museum operates Wednesday through Sunday from June to September, with appointments required during other months, and includes free parking for visitors.
Specialized lighting techniques within the museum reveal different angles of the rock inscriptions, allowing researchers to study the mysterious markings with precision.
Location: Massachusetts
Inception: 1955
Website: https://mass.gov/locations/dighton-rock-state-park
GPS coordinates: 41.81288,-71.10643
Latest update: March 7, 2025 18:46
Massachusetts offers a range of locations beyond Boston and Cape Cod that receive fewer visitors. In the western part of the state, stone tower lookouts rise above forested hills, while waterfalls are located within state forests. Historic buildings from the 19th century stand in smaller communities, and gardens featuring native plant species are open to the public. The coastal region includes lighthouses on rocky points and beaches away from main travel routes. A museum houses a walk-through glass globe, geological formations show traces of past ice ages, and Victorian houses document different architectural styles. These places often require specific planning as they lie away from typical tourist routes.
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