Nestled in Massachusetts’ picturesque cranberry country, Lakeville is a charming town known for its abundant natural beauty, with nearly 20% of its area covered by water. The town is home to Assawompset Pond, the largest natural lake in Massachusetts, which plays a vital role as a drinking water source for New Bedford and is protected by extensive conservation lands. Visitors to Lakeville can immerse themselves in nature, enjoy recreational activities, explore cranberry farms, or delve into the area’s rich history.
Assawompset Pond: A Natural Treasure
Spanning close to four square miles, Assawompset Pond is a defining feature of Lakeville’s landscape. It is part of a network of interconnected water bodies that supply drinking water to New Bedford. Historically significant, this pond was the site where the body of John Sassamon, a “praying Indian,” was found in 1675, sparking King Philip’s War.
Assawompset Pond is surrounded by approximately 10,000 acres of protected land, including open water, swamps, and oak-conifer forests, which visitors can explore on foot or by boat. This area has been designated an Important Bird Area by the Massachusetts Audubon Society, with bald eagles nesting here during the winter. The Nemasket River, flowing out of the pond, becomes a spectacle each spring as it fills with alewife herring migrating to their spawning grounds.
Cranberry Bogs: A Glimpse Into Local Agriculture
Lakeville is a prime location to experience cranberry farming, as it serves as the headquarters for the Ocean Spray cooperative. Visitors can explore numerous cranberry bogs, some open to the public, to learn about this significant agricultural practice. Nearby, Spring Rain Farm in East Taunton offers a chance to witness the cranberry harvest in the fall and pick strawberries in June. Stone Bridge Farm in Acushnet conducts bog tours in October, allowing visitors to see the harvest in action. At Benson’s Pond in Middleboro, visitors can even don waders and participate in a hands-on cranberry farming experience.
Long Pond: A Recreational Haven
Located southwest of Assawompset Pond, Long Pond is Massachusetts’ largest natural pond that is fully open to recreation. Covering 1,780 acres, this shallow pond, with an average depth of just 6 feet, is a popular spot for boating, fishing, and wildlife observation. Anglers flock to Long Pond for its large populations of largemouth bass, and the area regularly hosts fishing competitions. The Long Pond Conservation Area at the northern end provides access to the pond’s salt marshes via a small boat ramp, while another boat ramp on the southeast corner allows easy entry for recreational activities.
Great Quittacas Pond: A Scenic Retreat
Great Quittacas Pond, located in the southeastern part of the lake network, offers a tranquil setting with picturesque views. The pond is connected to Poksha Pond to the north and Little Quittacas Pond to the southwest. A popular activity is walking the 3.6-mile waterfront trail along the pond’s eastern shore, offering breathtaking sunset views over the water. The area known as “Between the Lakes” provides vistas of both Great Quittacas and Poksha Ponds, with trails leading to active cranberry bogs, making it a perfect spot for nature enthusiasts.
Betty’s Neck: A Historical and Natural Gem
Betty’s Neck, a broad peninsula on Assawompset Pond’s southeastern shore, is steeped in history as a traditional summer encampment site for the Wampanoag Native Americans. Today, it is a popular place for hiking, with approximately three miles of trails that wind through fields, woods, and along the shoreline. The area offers beautiful views, particularly from Jeremy’s Point, where visitors can admire panoramic vistas of the pond. Betty’s Neck is part of a large tract of protected land, ensuring its natural beauty is preserved for future generations.
Massasoit State Park: Exploring the Great Outdoors
Straddling the Lakeville-Taunton line, Massasoit State Park encompasses over 1,200 acres of woodlands, lakes, ponds, and cranberry bogs. The park’s landscape is especially vibrant in the fall when the cranberry bogs are ripe, contrasting beautifully with the evergreen trees. A paved road runs through the park, perfect for easy walking or cycling, with numerous side trails leading to secluded ponds and bogs. Lake Rico, the park’s largest body of water, features a rugged shoreline that kayakers can spend hours exploring.
Tamarack Park: A Community Conservation Success
Situated between Assawompset and Long Ponds, Tamarack Park was developed on land acquired by Lakeville in the early 2000s. The park is a testament to community conservation efforts, featuring restored habitats and native grasses that produce vibrant wildflowers in the spring and early summer. The Meadow, a key part of the park, is a thriving habitat for birds, supported by strategically placed birdhouses. Visitors can enjoy glimpses of Long Pond’s marshes through the trees as they stroll through the park.
Poquoy Brook Golf Club: A Premier Golfing Destination
Golf enthusiasts will appreciate the Poquoy Brook Golf Club, one of the region’s top public-access courses. Designed by renowned architect Geoff Cornish, this parkland-style course has hosted prestigious events, including qualifiers for the US Senior Open and the Massachusetts Open Championship. The 6,762-yard course features tight fairways and numerous water hazards that challenge golfers of all skill levels. In addition to the course, the club offers a driving range, a short game area, and a putting green for practice.
Baldie’s Craft Pizzeria: A Local Favorite
For a casual dining experience, Baldie’s Craft Pizzeria offers a delightful combination of handcrafted Italian-style thin-crust pizzas and a vast selection of craft beers. The pizzas are baked in an authentic brick oven, with options ranging from traditional Margherita to unique creations like Prosciutto n Pear or Nashville Hot Chicken. The restaurant boasts 40 beers on tap, sourced from craft breweries across New England, served from a striking custom-made copper bar.
Lakeville Historical Museum: A Peek Into the Past
The Lakeville Historical Museum, housed in a former chapel built in 1875, provides a glimpse into the town’s rich history. Operated by the Lakeville Historical Society, the museum showcases a wide array of artifacts, including Wampanoag arrowheads, Victorian-era items, and early 20th-century household objects. Notable exhibits feature two kitchens from different periods, highlighting the evolution of domestic life. Open on weekends, the museum is a charming spot for history buffs to explore.
Lakeville, with its blend of natural beauty, recreational opportunities, historical sites, and local flavor, offers something for everyone. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, history lover, or just looking to relax, this charming town in Massachusetts’ cranberry country is a must-visit.
FAQs:
What is the largest lake in Lakeville, Massachusetts?
Assawompset Pond is the largest natural lake in Lakeville and in Massachusetts.
Can you visit cranberry bogs in Lakeville?
Yes, Lakeville is home to many cranberry bogs, some of which offer public tours, especially during the fall harvest season.
Are there any good fishing spots in Lakeville?
Long Pond is a popular spot for fishing, known for its largemouth bass. It also hosts various fishing competitions.