Central Massachusetts/Sturbridge are home to nature and science centers

EcoTarium, A Museum of Science and Nature

222 Harrington Way Worcester, MA 01604 Phone: 508-929-2700 Fax: 508-929-2701

A Center for Environmental Exploration

Discover the EcoTarium, a unique indoor-outdoor museum of science and nature. Set in an urban oasis, the EcoTarium offers a chance to walk through the treetops and take a thrilling multimedia journey through the galaxy at a digital planetarium. You’ll meet wildlife like turtles, owls, eagles, an otter and a fox – even a polar bear! Plus, stroll nature trails, ride a narrow-gauge railroad, and get hands-on with family-friendly exhibits. The EcoTarium is always changing with special events, exhibits, digital planetarium shows and programming year round. For a special offer, visit www.ecotarium.org/coupon.

EcoTarium, A Museum of Science and Nature

222 Harrington Way Worcester, MA 01604 Phone: 508-929-2700 Fax: 508-929-2701

A Center for Environmental Exploration

Discover the EcoTarium, a unique indoor-outdoor museum of science and nature. Set in an urban oasis, the EcoTarium offers a chance to walk through the treetops and take a thrilling multimedia journey through the galaxy at a digital planetarium. You’ll meet wildlife like turtles, owls, eagles, an otter and a fox – even a polar bear! Plus, stroll nature trails, ride a narrow-gauge railroad, and get hands-on with family-friendly exhibits. The EcoTarium is always changing with special events, exhibits, digital planetarium shows and programming year round. For a special offer, visit www.ecotarium.org/coupon.

EcoTarium, A Museum of Science and Nature

222 Harrington Way Worcester, MA 01604 Phone: 508-929-2700 Fax: 508-929-2701

A Center for Environmental Exploration

Discover the EcoTarium, a unique indoor-outdoor museum of science and nature. Set in an urban oasis, the EcoTarium offers a chance to walk through the treetops and take a thrilling multimedia journey through the galaxy at a digital planetarium. You’ll meet wildlife like turtles, owls, eagles, an otter and a fox – even a polar bear! Plus, stroll nature trails, ride a narrow-gauge railroad, and get hands-on with family-friendly exhibits. The EcoTarium is always changing with special events, exhibits, digital planetarium shows and programming year round. For a special offer, visit www.ecotarium.org/coupon.

EcoTarium, A Museum of Science and Nature

222 Harrington Way Worcester, MA 01604 Phone: 508-929-2700 Fax: 508-929-2701

A Center for Environmental Exploration

Discover the EcoTarium, a unique indoor-outdoor museum of science and nature. Set in an urban oasis, the EcoTarium offers a chance to walk through the treetops and take a thrilling multimedia journey through the galaxy at a digital planetarium. You’ll meet wildlife like turtles, owls, eagles, an otter and a fox – even a polar bear! Plus, stroll nature trails, ride a narrow-gauge railroad, and get hands-on with family-friendly exhibits. The EcoTarium is always changing with special events, exhibits, digital planetarium shows and programming year round. For a special offer, visit www.ecotarium.org/coupon.

Fisher Museum of Forestry

Route 32 Petersham, MA Phone: 508-724-3302

This unique museum focuses on the topography of New England's countryside and how it has been affected throughout the 18th, 19th and, 20th centuries. Hiking trails lead from the center out into the forest. There is an admission fee.

Fisher Museum of Forestry

Route 32 Petersham, MA Phone: 508-724-3302

This unique museum focuses on the topography of New England's countryside and how it has been affected throughout the 18th, 19th and, 20th centuries. Hiking trails lead from the center out into the forest. There is an admission fee.

James W. Brooks Woodland Preserve

Petersham, MA Phone: 508-840-4446

Trails criss-cross the landscape of this preserve, which is ideal for bird-watching. Areas for fishing and cross-country skiing also are available.

James W. Brooks Woodland Preserve

Petersham, MA Phone: 508-840-4446

Trails criss-cross the landscape of this preserve, which is ideal for bird-watching. Areas for fishing and cross-country skiing also are available.

James W. Brooks Woodland Preserve

Petersham, MA Phone: 508-840-4446

Trails criss-cross the landscape of this preserve, which is ideal for bird-watching. Areas for fishing and cross-country skiing also are available.

James W. Brooks Woodland Preserve

Petersham, MA Phone: 508-840-4446

Trails criss-cross the landscape of this preserve, which is ideal for bird-watching. Areas for fishing and cross-country skiing also are available.

James W. Brooks Woodland Preserve

Petersham, MA Phone: 508-840-4446

Trails criss-cross the landscape of this preserve, which is ideal for bird-watching. Areas for fishing and cross-country skiing also are available.

James W. Brooks Woodland Preserve

Petersham, MA Phone: 508-840-4446

Trails criss-cross the landscape of this preserve, which is ideal for bird-watching. Areas for fishing and cross-country skiing also are available.

James W. Brooks Woodland Preserve

Petersham, MA Phone: 508-840-4446

Trails criss-cross the landscape of this preserve, which is ideal for bird-watching. Areas for fishing and cross-country skiing also are available.

James W. Brooks Woodland Preserve

Petersham, MA Phone: 508-840-4446

Trails criss-cross the landscape of this preserve, which is ideal for bird-watching. Areas for fishing and cross-country skiing also are available.

James W. Brooks Woodland Preserve

Petersham, MA Phone: 508-840-4446

Trails criss-cross the landscape of this preserve, which is ideal for bird-watching. Areas for fishing and cross-country skiing also are available.

James W. Brooks Woodland Preserve

Petersham, MA Phone: 508-840-4446

Trails criss-cross the landscape of this preserve, which is ideal for bird-watching. Areas for fishing and cross-country skiing also are available.

National Plastics Center and Museum

210 Lancaster Street Leominster, MA 01453 Phone: 508-537-9529

Open: Wednesday- Saturday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Call for seasonal changes.

Discover the science, history, and many uses of plastic. Included is the Plastics Hall of Fame Exhibit. There is an admission charge.

National Plastics Center and Museum

210 Lancaster Street Leominster, MA 01453 Phone: 508-537-9529

Open: Wednesday- Saturday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Call for seasonal changes.

Discover the science, history, and many uses of plastic. Included is the Plastics Hall of Fame Exhibit. There is an admission charge.

Quabbin Reservoir and Visitor Center

485 Ware Road / Route 9 Belchertown, MA Phone: 413-323-7221

Quabbin Reservoir is one of the largest man-made public water supplies in the United States. Created in the 1930s by the construction of two huge earthen dams, the reservoir is fed by the Swift River and the Ware River. The New Salem and Enfield lookouts offer magnificent views of the reservoir. The Quabbin Interpretive Services Program operates the Quabbin Visitor Center and provides general information. An automated telephone system - 413 323-7221 - provides 24 hour access to current information on fishing, hunting, programs, rules and regulations, and public access. Since this is a public drinking water supply, swimming, wading, and dogs are prohibited. Permitted uses are shoreline fishing, hiking, bicycling walking, bird watching, snowshoeing, hunting, with restrictions, and picnicking. Information: www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/central/quabbin.htm

Quabbin Reservoir and Visitor Center

485 Ware Road / Route 9 Belchertown, MA Phone: 413-323-7221

Quabbin Reservoir is one of the largest man-made public water supplies in the United States. Created in the 1930s by the construction of two huge earthen dams, the reservoir is fed by the Swift River and the Ware River. The New Salem and Enfield lookouts offer magnificent views of the reservoir. The Quabbin Interpretive Services Program operates the Quabbin Visitor Center and provides general information. An automated telephone system - 413 323-7221 - provides 24 hour access to current information on fishing, hunting, programs, rules and regulations, and public access. Since this is a public drinking water supply, swimming, wading, and dogs are prohibited. Permitted uses are shoreline fishing, hiking, bicycling walking, bird watching, snowshoeing, hunting, with restrictions, and picnicking. Information: www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/central/quabbin.htm

Quabbin Reservoir and Visitor Center

485 Ware Road / Route 9 Belchertown, MA Phone: 413-323-7221

Quabbin Reservoir is one of the largest man-made public water supplies in the United States. Created in the 1930s by the construction of two huge earthen dams, the reservoir is fed by the Swift River and the Ware River. The New Salem and Enfield lookouts offer magnificent views of the reservoir. The Quabbin Interpretive Services Program operates the Quabbin Visitor Center and provides general information. An automated telephone system - 413 323-7221 - provides 24 hour access to current information on fishing, hunting, programs, rules and regulations, and public access. Since this is a public drinking water supply, swimming, wading, and dogs are prohibited. Permitted uses are shoreline fishing, hiking, bicycling walking, bird watching, snowshoeing, hunting, with restrictions, and picnicking. Information: www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/central/quabbin.htm

Quabbin Reservoir and Visitor Center

485 Ware Road / Route 9 Belchertown, MA Phone: 413-323-7221

Quabbin Reservoir is one of the largest man-made public water supplies in the United States. Created in the 1930s by the construction of two huge earthen dams, the reservoir is fed by the Swift River and the Ware River. The New Salem and Enfield lookouts offer magnificent views of the reservoir. The Quabbin Interpretive Services Program operates the Quabbin Visitor Center and provides general information. An automated telephone system - 413 323-7221 - provides 24 hour access to current information on fishing, hunting, programs, rules and regulations, and public access. Since this is a public drinking water supply, swimming, wading, and dogs are prohibited. Permitted uses are shoreline fishing, hiking, bicycling walking, bird watching, snowshoeing, hunting, with restrictions, and picnicking. Information: www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/central/quabbin.htm

Quabbin Reservoir and Visitor Center

485 Ware Road / Route 9 Belchertown, MA Phone: 413-323-7221

Quabbin Reservoir is one of the largest man-made public water supplies in the United States. Created in the 1930s by the construction of two huge earthen dams, the reservoir is fed by the Swift River and the Ware River. The New Salem and Enfield lookouts offer magnificent views of the reservoir. The Quabbin Interpretive Services Program operates the Quabbin Visitor Center and provides general information. An automated telephone system - 413 323-7221 - provides 24 hour access to current information on fishing, hunting, programs, rules and regulations, and public access. Since this is a public drinking water supply, swimming, wading, and dogs are prohibited. Permitted uses are shoreline fishing, hiking, bicycling walking, bird watching, snowshoeing, hunting, with restrictions, and picnicking. Information: www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/central/quabbin.htm

Quabbin Reservoir and Visitor Center

485 Ware Road / Route 9 Belchertown, MA Phone: 413-323-7221

Quabbin Reservoir is one of the largest man-made public water supplies in the United States. Created in the 1930s by the construction of two huge earthen dams, the reservoir is fed by the Swift River and the Ware River. The New Salem and Enfield lookouts offer magnificent views of the reservoir. The Quabbin Interpretive Services Program operates the Quabbin Visitor Center and provides general information. An automated telephone system - 413 323-7221 - provides 24 hour access to current information on fishing, hunting, programs, rules and regulations, and public access. Since this is a public drinking water supply, swimming, wading, and dogs are prohibited. Permitted uses are shoreline fishing, hiking, bicycling walking, bird watching, snowshoeing, hunting, with restrictions, and picnicking. Information: www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/central/quabbin.htm

Quabbin Reservoir and Visitor Center

485 Ware Road / Route 9 Belchertown, MA Phone: 413-323-7221

Quabbin Reservoir is one of the largest man-made public water supplies in the United States. Created in the 1930s by the construction of two huge earthen dams, the reservoir is fed by the Swift River and the Ware River. The New Salem and Enfield lookouts offer magnificent views of the reservoir. The Quabbin Interpretive Services Program operates the Quabbin Visitor Center and provides general information. An automated telephone system - 413 323-7221 - provides 24 hour access to current information on fishing, hunting, programs, rules and regulations, and public access. Since this is a public drinking water supply, swimming, wading, and dogs are prohibited. Permitted uses are shoreline fishing, hiking, bicycling walking, bird watching, snowshoeing, hunting, with restrictions, and picnicking. Information: www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/central/quabbin.htm

Wachusett Reservoir

River Road Clinton, MA Phone: 978-365-3272

An artificial reservoir featuring bird watching, fishing areas, and walking trails. There is an admission fee.

Wachusett Reservoir

River Road Clinton, MA Phone: 978-365-3272

An artificial reservoir featuring bird watching, fishing areas, and walking trails. There is an admission fee.

Wachusett Reservoir

River Road Clinton, MA Phone: 978-365-3272

An artificial reservoir featuring bird watching, fishing areas, and walking trails. There is an admission fee.

Webster Lake

Webster, MA

Other than being a nice lake to visit, this lake is notable for an unusual reason--it's native American name is Lake Chargoggagomanchaugagochaubunagungamaug. The translation: "I fish on my side, you fish on yours, and no one fishes in between us."

Central Sanctuaries

226 Union Street Leominster, MA Phone: 781-259-9500 Toll-Free: 800-AUDUBON

Maintained by the Massachusetts Audubon Society, these four separate preserves offer visitors ample opportunity for wildlife observation and study. Nature programs are scheduled throughout the year. There is an admission charge.