Our favorite local park is Dunn State Park in Gardner. Whether you are there to BBQ, swim, or hike, there is something for everyone at Dunn Park.
Below is all the information you need to know for your next visit to Dunn State Park:
Location & Parking
Dunn Park is located in Gardner, not far from the 140. Plug in 289 Pearl St, Gardner, or the park’s name and navigation will take you right there. Conveniently located near the Gardner schools, it is a close and convenient park to visit. Parking costs $8 for MA resident plates between May 25 and September 2. You can easily purchase your parking pass through the Yodel app and register your vehicle. There is no need to display a ticket on your car, just plug it in, pay, and play!
Trails
There are several hiking routes available for varying fitness levels. If you are after a relatively cruisy stroll around the lake (with a few ups and downs), you’ll find it a clear and easy path to follow around that beautiful lake. The Dunn Pond Loop Trail is about a mile long and perfect for walking the dog and taking gorgeous pictures.
Dogs have to be leashed at all times. I would watch out in the wet and wintery months as the path can get slippery, (sorry Dad, hiking boots next time!) The Woodland Trail highlighted in blue on the picture is wheelchair and stroller-friendly and also about a mile long. Another stunning walk through the trees.
BBQ & Picnic Area
Gather your family and friends for an outdoor BBQ on one of their many coal BBQs and adjacent picnic tables. There is plenty of space for multiple families without feeling like you are on top of each other. The are multiple private areas because the picnic tables and BBQs are scattered throughout the trees. The coal BBQs are kept clean so please BYO coal and keep the place as tidy as you find it.
Playground
There are two playgrounds beside each other. There are slides, claiming frames, and infant swings. The playgrounds are well-equipped and in great shape. There is also a small swim area corded off in the lake that is patrolled by lifeguards when swimming is safe and available. Check the flag at the entrance of the park to see if it is safe to swim when you visit. If you or your kids play Pokemon Go as I do, it’s a great park to play with multiple pokestops and gyms around the park.
Fishing
You can see many people fishing off the side of the lake. If fishing is your thing, don’t forget to bring down your rod and give it a go! I can’t guarantee that you will catch anything – that’s on you!
Facilities
The visitor center is open until 8 PM, and it has bathrooms inside. I find it on the creepy side with all the taxidermy animals around the room. Also, there are a few chairs and tables for resting. There are two portapotties available when the visitors center is closed. They are near the pavilion at the edge of the parking lot. Outside the visitor center, there is a water bottle station complete with a spot to water the pooch.
Pavilion
There is a large outside pavilion available for rent for your special events. The pavilion is a great covered location to celebrate with a large coal BBQ and many tables. Alcohol is not allowed and trash cans are limited, so you’ll need to take out what you can’t easily throw away there.
We love Dunn State Park, and it will continue to be one of our favorite local parks to visit. Let us know in the comments if you love this park too! Is it on your list to visit?
