All aboard for a unique weekend explore in Chester!
Anyone interested in New England history and/or railway history needs to visit the Chester Railway Station & Museum. Did you even know that our area is home to the first keystone arch bridges built in America? AND that at the time this railway was laid it was the longest and most difficult railroad project ever completed?
I'm always highlighting my status as a New England History Nerd with these posts, but I just can't help it. I love learning about firsts. And this little museum is a gem of New England history. You can not only learn all about this revolutionary railway line, there is a great collection of lanterns, uniforms, photographs and other memorabilia.
To be honest, the museum collection might be found lacking by the youngest train enthusiasts (there's no Thomas here) but the kids will LOVE to explore the caboose, run around the grounds, and my six-year-old was fascinated by the Keystone Arches diorama inside.
Here's perhaps the coolest thing about the Chester Railway Station: you can rent out the caboose for an overnight stay. How fun would that be?! What a great family camping adventure. You can reserve the caboose for only $60/night including grill, firewood, and electricity is available. We're definitely putting this on next summer's bucket list.
The Chester Railway Station & Museum is open Saturday & Sunday from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m., July through September. You can also request an appointment to view the museum by calling 413-354-7878. The museum is located at 10 Prospect Street in Chester. There is plenty of free on-site parking and several restaurants withing walking distance for lunch. The entire building is ADA compliant (including the very clean bathrooms).
Admission is by donation only -- please be generous -- it would be such a shame if this truly unique New England gem was not operable. You can follow their Facebook page for special event updates.
After you learn all about railway history in Western Mass you can drive two miles down the road to visit the history in person by hiking the Keystone Arches Trail. This is a moderate, 2.5 mile trail (five miles total if you completely hike in and back out) but you certainly don't have to hike the whole thing to get a feel for the history of railway. You'll find the trail head on Middlefield Street at Herbert Cross Road in Chester.
After you park in the small parking area and head down the hill, you'll very quickly come upon a beautiful waterfall. There is access to the water here which the kids will love on a hot day. (The West Branch of the Westfield River is easily accessible throughout the trail with alternating calm and rapid water, but there are plenty of safe, splashable spots for little hikers). After you pass the waterfall, look for a narrow path on the left heading down to the river -- follow this and you'll have a beautiful view of the first set of keystone arches. If you have not-so-enthusiastic outdoor enthusiasts in your party, you can hike in and out pretty quickly and still feel like you've seen what you came for. But if you keep going on the trail there's plenty more to see. There are five keystone arches you can hunt for along the trail.
The trail is clear but rocky. You cannot bring a stroller through here. We hiked a day after rain and much of the trail was wet and muddy -- make sure everyone has water resistant footwear. There are lots of opportunities for water play even without going in the river so definitely bring a change of clothes for the littles. Some of the bridges on the trail are open -- do NOT let the kiddos run ahead. While some sections of the trail feel very secure, it's not a lazy family hike. You need to stay alert for changes in terrain.
You can easily visit the museum and hike a section of the trail within a few hours -- 2 to 5 depending on how long you want to hike for. There are plenty of restaurants in Chester center to grab some lunch or pack a picnic and eat it at the museum or on the trail. This is a beautiful way to spend a weekend afternoon. I hope you enjoy it as much as we did. See you on the trail!
Very comprehensive and well-written article. Thanks so much for your support!
Posted by: David Pierce, President, The Chester Foundation, Inc. | 09/23/2018 at 06:38 AM
So lovely to read your article on the amazing Chester Station and Keystone Arch Bridge Hike.
Wild & Scenic River Exploration!
I wanted to share a few upcoming opportunities to enjoy the Westfield River with families!!
Calling all Families to leap in & sign up for a free and exciting river exploration & imaginative storytelling program!
The Becket Athenaeum is one of two local libraries, within walking distance of the Wild & Scenic Westfield River tributary system, hosting a fun river experience for families.
In the first session, families will walk from their local libraries to the nearby Wild & Scenic Westfield River section, guided by environmental educators Meredyth Babcock and Cindy Delpapa, to learn about the river ecology, function and stewardship. The treasures and memories from the stream walk will be woven into a story of the family’s creation and illustrated by shadow puppets with the assistance of professional puppeteer Meredyth Babcock in the following session at the library.
Families with children from 5 to 12 years of age are invited to register. You live along a remarkable Wild & Scenic River, so come learn more about the Westfield through exploration, imagination, art and storytelling.
Sign up today for this free workshop. Space is limited!!
Becket Athenaeum:
Two Saturdays:
River Exploration: 1-3:30pm, September 15
River critter shadow Puppets: 1-3:30pm, September 29
Call 413-623-5483 for Becket Athenaeum program.
Huntington Library:
Two Saturdays:
River Exploration: 1-3:30pm, October 6
River Critter Shadow Puppets: 1-3:30pm, October 13
413-512-5206 for Huntington Library program.
This program is made possible through a generous grant from Patagonia & River Network.
Happy to send you a flier if you want to email me at [email protected]
Posted by: Meredyth Babcock | 09/23/2018 at 01:00 PM