TOPSFIELD – Bradley Palmer State Park is located at 40 Asbury St. in Topsfield. All programs are free and open to the public. Reasonable accommodations upon request. Adults must accompany children. For outdoor events wear closed toe shoes, consider insect repellent and sunscreen. Bring water. Inclement weather cancels outdoor events. For more information call (978) 887-5931, ext.4, send an email to Neal.Trubowitz@mass.gov, or visit the website https://www.mass.gov/locations/bradley-palmer-state-park.
Parking fees apply at 40 Asbury St. between 8:00 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.
From Country Estate to State Park: Bradley Palmer’s Gift
Sundays, 10:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Experience wealthy attorney Bradley Webster Palmer’s extravagant early 1900s world as you take an outdoor tour of the mansion, stable, a once celebrated formal garden, and other surviving buildings. Learn how Mr. Palmer donated his 721-acre estate, now Bradley Palmer State Park, to the Commonwealth. The walk is moderately paced for 3/4 mile, there is a gentle uphill slope which may pose difficulty for those with limited mobility. Best for ages 8 years and up. Meet at the Main Parking Lot, 40 Asbury St., Topsfield.
Drop-In: Nature Center Open House
Sat and Sundays, 1:00-4:00 p.m.
Explore the Nature Center at your leisure. The Park Interpreter will be on hand to demonstrate and answer questions. Come see and touch animal furs, replica skulls, animal models, and other natural history materials. For little artists, coloring pages and washable markers will be on hand. Open rain or shine. For ages Pre-K and up. This is a great family activity. Meet at the Nature Center north of the Main Parking Lot, 40 Asbury St., Topsfield.
Willowdale Mansion Tour
Mondays, 10:00-11:00 a.m.
Here’s your chance to go inside Bradley Webster Palmer’s “Willow Dale” mansion for a unique interpreter guided tour. Now an event and wedding venue (willowdaleestate.com), this over 100-year-old Arts and Crafts style building has been beautifully restored. Original woodwork and stained-glass windows are highlighted. Learn how the building was remodeled during Palmer’s lifetime, and how its curators returned it to its former splendor. The second floor is not accessible to those with limited mobility. Best for ages 8 years and up. Meet in front of the Mansion, 24 Asbury St., Topsfield.
Drop-In Station: The Equestrians
Mondays, 1:00-2:30 p.m.
Bradley Palmer was an avid equestrian. He laid out bridal paths and a four-mile steeplechase racecourse on his estate. Come see photographs and maps of these historic activities. Drop-in program; come anytime. Best for ages 8 years & up. Meet at the Main Parking Lot, 40 Asbury St., Topsfield.
Kidleidoscope
Thurs, Aug 3, 17 & 31, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Children will learn about nature through coloring pages, books, and pictures. The topic varies every week, so come for all! Best for ages Pre-K (3-6 years). Children must be accompanied by an adult. Meet at the Nature Center north of the Main Parking Lot, 40 Asbury St., Topsfield.
Drop-In Station: Explore the Pond
Fridays, 9:00-11:00 a.m.
What kinds of fascinating creatures live in or visit the ponds? Come and explore with the Park Interpreter to see if any creatures are stirring, and if any plants are flowering. For ages pre-K and up. Meet at the ponds next to the Main Parking Lot, 40 Asbury St., Topsfield.
Nice n’ Easy Hike
Fridays, 1:00-2:00 p.m.
Come for a stroll with the Park Interpreter along the Carriage Road or Accessible Trail. Points of interest will be highlighted. The walk will be fully accessible to strollers and wheelchairs. For ages pre-K and up. Meet at the Main Parking Lot, 40 Asbury St., Topsfield.
BP (Before Palmer):
The Lamson Farm, 1680-Present
Saturdays, 10:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Before Bradley Webster Palmer bought the land that became this park, it was the Lamson Family farm for over 200 years. Take a stroll to see the remaining farmhouse exterior and other features of the farm that survive in the park. Best for ages 8 years and up. Meet at the Main Parking Lot, 40 Asbury St., Topsfield.
