Winnekenni Castle: Haverhill, MA

Directions: Click here for Google map

I grew up near Haverhill, MA and have many childhood memories of this wonderful park with an enchanting castle on the grounds (what little girl wouldn't love that?). I love to revisit Winnekenni Castle as an adult and it's an especially great place to bring my dog! With over 200 acres of conservation land and 9 miles of foot-trails (which loop around a beautiful lake), your dog is sure to enjoy it, too!

"Winnekenni" is Algonquian language for "Very Beautiful". The castle was built in 1875 by a local physician using 35,000 cubic feet of glacial boulders found on the property. The summer home covers 3,500 square feet, rising 250 feet above lake level. The castle was sold to the city of Haverhill in 1895 and it became Haverhill's first public park. The grounds are now open to the public and the castle is often used for cultural and educational events. Allowable activities in the park include: hiking, X-C skiing, snow-shoeing, mountain biking, horseback riding, picnicking, tennis, fishing, sledding, and skating. This info comes from a pamphlet I picked up at the park. You can also find great info (including a trail map) on their website: Winnekenni.com

Please note that dogs must be leashed on the grounds.

Here are the positive features:

• Beautiful, well maintained trails offer many options for short or long walks
  
• There are many opportunities for your dog to jump in the lake, cool off, and get a drink
• Abundant free parking is available
  
• The park offers tennis courts and a great playground
  
• Lots of nice green grass make for great picnic areas
• We didn't have one mosquito or tick bite us on a humid day in July. Maybe that was a fluke, but maybe they spray for them (not sure).
• It's close to I-495, but still peaceful and quiet in the park
• You and your dog can walk right up to the beautiful castle
• The walking trails are easy, well shaded and cool

Negative features:

• Dogs must be leashed, so if you're looking for an off-leash park, this isn't it