7 Strangest Landmarks in Massachusetts

When you visit Massachusetts, you step into a world rich in history and full of manmade and natural wonders. While the state helped shape the country's culture, its charm doesn't just lie in history. There are also many quirky sights to enjoy. Some of them are buildings with stories carved onto their walls or museums holding priceless treasures from long ago.

Each place paints a picture more vibrant than before — deepening our understanding of the regional culture. This mix of educational enrichment and enjoyment means Massachusetts is home to all sorts of hidden and odd gems. That is, if you are eager to explore paths less used by the typical tourist.

Read on to learn about seven of the strangest landmarks in Massachusetts.

The Paper House (Rockport)

While firefighters might have raised an eyebrow during its construction, the Paper House in Rockport is a unique testament to ingenuity and endurance. It remains a one-of-a-kind, built in 1922 by mechanical engineer Elis F. Stenman. Originally intended as a summer home, Stenman experimented with newspaper as insulation. As time went by, his idea grew. He built the walls, the furniture, and even the decorations, all from layers of newspaper. All held together with glue and varnish.

The name "Paper House" emerged naturally, as nearly every visible surface—inside and out—was composed of layered newsprint, with some sections revealing readable headlines from the early 1900s. The Paper House remains an interesting place to visit today, and it even has a small museum inside. When you walk in, you see furniture made of paper everywhere you look. There is a desk, chairs, and even a paper-covered piano, which, as you can guess, is covered in bits of newspaper. You may think the paper is not very strong, but the house has stood strong through New England weather for a hundred years. Open to the public, it remains a testament to creativity and sustainability long before it was trendy.

The Witch House (Salem)

The Witch House was built in 1675 and was the home of Judge Jonathan Corwin, who was a well-known businessman and who played a big role during the Salem Witch Trials. Corwin took part in deciding the fate of those thought to practice witchcraft, and his house is the only building left in Salem that has a clear connection with these investigations.

Now, the building works as a museum and gives a peek into life from the 17th century. Plus, it gives us an idea of the sheer terror that held Salem tight during those trials. Inside, period furnishings and exhibits explore Puritan beliefs, daily life, and the superstitions that fueled the hysteria.

Visitors can discover how a rich family made its life in old Salem and also can gain knowledge about the court cases through papers and tales. Special programs and guided tours dive deeper into the town’s history, making it a key stop for those interested in both the supernatural and the past. The house stands as a reminder of hysteria’s consequences, drawing thousands each year.

The Dighton Rock (Berkley)

This interesting landmark is a massive boulder weighing as much as 40 tons. This rock has puzzling pictures carved onto it and was found on the borders of the Taunton River. People have been scratching their heads for hundreds of years over these strange marks cut deeply into the surface of the rock. Some people think the marks were created by Indigenous Americans, yet others argue they originate from Viking voyagers or Portuguese explorers, and there are even whispers of alien artisans behind them.

Some of the drawings look a bit like letters, faces, and even things similar in shape, like sailboats. These days, you can find this unique rock inside the Dighton Rock Museum at Dighton Rock State Park. Here, visitors can get a clear look at it and learn all about different ideas people have come up with over time about where the drawings came from. Even after many years of searching for answers, no one has found out who made the marks or their meaning, and this unique location in Massachusetts remains a mystery.

Glacial Potholes (Shelburne Falls)

Tucked along the Deerfield River in Shelburne Falls, this landmark is one of Massachusetts’ most unusual natural wonders. These soft, circular indentations were formed in the solid ground by powerful water eddies during the Ice Age. As ice mountains melted, fast-moving water lugged rocks and debris that revolved about, chipping away to make deep, neat circles in the rock. Today, more than 50 potholes of various sizes remain, with some stretching over 30 feet wide.

The formations create a surreal landscape, almost resembling craters on another planet. During dry seasons, the riverbed exposes these potholes, allowing visitors to see them up close from a viewing area near the Bridge of Flowers. Local legends add to the mystique, with some saying the potholes were created by giant spirits or that they hold mystical energy. Whether you are into geology or just love to see unique and weird landscapes, the Glacial Potholes are an unforgettable stop in western Massachusetts.

The Bancroft Tower (Worcester)

In Worcester, you can find a stone tower you would swear was from from medieval times. Stephen Salisbury III made a building in 1900. The name of it is Bancroft Tower, which was built to honor George Bancroft. Who was he? He was born in Worcester and would become the Secretary of the Navy and the founder of the U.S. Naval Academy. While the tower stands tall at 56 feet and looks just like an old European castle, it never had any defensive purpose. It was built purely for decoration. With its twirling stairways and archways, it casts a mysterious presence sitting on Prospect Hill.

Nowadays, Bancroft Tower is a well-liked city spot and park that's looked after by the town of Worcester. Even though people generally aren't allowed inside the tower itself, visitors can check out its outside parts. Plus, they can take pleasure in the lovely sights and spend time in the nearby park. The place is a top choice for folks who love history or photography, as well as those just wanting some peace and quiet. Once a symbol of Worcester’s wealthy elite - now everyone - locals and visitors - enjoy learning about its unique history.

The Skinny House (Boston)

The Skinny House traces its origins to a bitter family dispute. As the story goes, the two brothers inherited land in Boston. While one of them was off fighting the Civil War, the other constructed a huge house on their land, leaving only a tiny patch of ground untouched. When the soldier came back home, he discovered that there was hardly any room left for him. Fueled by resentment, he constructed the narrowest house possible, blocking his brother’s sunlight and view. Just 6.2 feet at its thinnest point, the house was designed less for comfort and more for revenge.

The Skinny House is at 44 Hull Street in Boston’s North End. Here, you can find strong traces of Italian-American traditions and America's colonial past. Just a short walk away, you can find other spots like the Freedom Trail and Hanover Street, which are lined with pastry shops. The house itself remains privately owned, though its peculiar size makes it a magnet for tourists. Whether people visit for its legend or its unusual architecture, it has become a permanent part of Boston’s historic landscape.

The Bridge of Flowers (Shelburne Falls)

In Shelburne Falls, the Bridge of Flowers was not always a plant-filled marvel. It was built in 1908, and at first, it was just a trolley bridge linking Shelburne and Buckland. This construction carried goods and people over the Deerfield River. In 1929, the local people decided to go in a different direction and turned the bridge into a community green space. They put in all sorts of flowers and climbing plants that would soon hug the metal structure tight.

Today, the Flower Bridge is a treasured regional spot, bringing in folks from all over to see it. From the beginning of spring till late autumn, it is bursting with countless blooms in all the shades you can think of. Worked by community helpers, this garden shifts its dress according to the seasons. Close by, folks have the chance to discover stores, gallery spaces, and the Glacial Potholes. The Bridge of Flowers is more than just a spot for sightseeing. It is a living symbol of community effort and creative reuse, proving that even an abandoned trolley bridge can become something beautiful.

Massachusetts: A Tapestry of the Unconventional and Historic

Massachusetts, a crucible of American history and innovation, keeps on revealing its dual character as both an educational treasure and a haven for the peculiar. From the historical depths of the Salem Witch Trials to the resilience of the Paper House, the state offers a blend of deep cultural understanding and distinctive experiences.

These spots not only enrich your knowledge - they also show the state's special ability to mix old stories with today's wonder. So get ready for a weird and wonderful time in Massachusetts!