International ParksFind Your Park
  • Home
  • Explore
  • Map
  • Ratings
  • Review
  • Wiki
  • Suggestions
  • About
Log In
  1. Home
  2. United States Parks
  3. Oxbow

Quick Actions

Park SummaryUnited States WikiWiki HomeWrite Review

More Parks in United States

Owen-PutnamOwls HeadOzarkOzarkOzark Folk Center

Platform Stats

16,134Total Parks
190Countries
Support Us
Scenic landscape view in Oxbow in Massachusetts, United States

Oxbow

United States, Massachusetts

  1. Home
  2. United States Parks
  3. Oxbow

Oxbow

LocationUnited States, Massachusetts
RegionMassachusetts
TypeNational Wildlife Refuge
Coordinates42.5167°, -71.5667°
Established1974
Area3.07
Nearest CityHarvard (1 mi)
Major CityBoston (40 mi)
See all parks in United States →
Contents
  1. Park Overview
    1. About Oxbow
    2. Wildlife Ecosystems
    3. Flora Ecosystems
    4. Geology
    5. Climate And Weather
    6. Human History
    7. Park History
    8. Major Trails And Attractions
    9. Visitor Facilities And Travel
    10. Conservation And Sustainability
  2. Visitor Information
    1. Visitor Ratings
    2. Photos
    3. Frequently Asked Questions
    4. More Parks in Massachusetts
    5. Top Rated in United States

About Oxbow

Oxbow National Wildlife Refuge protects 1,667 acres of floodplain, upland forest, and wetlands along the Nashua River in central Massachusetts.

Wildlife Ecosystems

The refuge supports Blanding's turtles, a state-threatened species. The restored wetlands provide habitat for numerous waterfowl and wading birds.

Flora Ecosystems

Floodplain forests, emergent wetlands, and upland forests provide habitat diversity. Active management enhances conditions for wildlife.

Geology

The refuge occupies the Nashua River floodplain, with glacial deposits underlying the valley.

Climate And Weather

The central Massachusetts location produces typical continental climate with warm summers and cold winters.

Human History

The refuge was established on former military property (Fort Devens). Cleanup addressed contamination from military activities.

Park History

Established in 1974, the refuge has expanded through acquisitions and habitat restoration.

Major Trails And Attractions

Trails provide wildlife observation opportunities. The refuge connects to the Nashua River corridor.

Visitor Facilities And Travel

Limited parking at trailheads. The refuge is accessible from Route 2 and local roads.

Conservation And Sustainability

Habitat restoration has enhanced conditions for Blanding's turtles and other wildlife.

Visitor Ratings

Overall: 49/100

Uniqueness
35/100
Intensity
12/100
Beauty
48/100
Geology
18/100
Plant Life
52/100
Wildlife
62/100
Tranquility
55/100
Access
90/100
Safety
88/100
Heritage
32/100

Photos

3 photos
Oxbow in Massachusetts, United States
Oxbow landscape in Massachusetts, United States (photo 2 of 3)
Oxbow landscape in Massachusetts, United States (photo 3 of 3)

Frequently Asked Questions

More Parks in Massachusetts

Cape Cod, Massachusetts
Cape CodMassachusetts64
Boston Harbor Islands, Massachusetts
Boston Harbor IslandsMassachusetts56
Bash Bish Falls, Massachusetts
Bash Bish FallsMassachusetts55
Blue Hills Reservation, Massachusetts
Blue Hills ReservationMassachusetts53
Beartown, Massachusetts
BeartownMassachusetts51
Granville, Massachusetts
GranvilleMassachusetts50

Top Rated in United States

Glacier, Montana
GlacierMontana79
Dinosaur, Colorado, Utah
DinosaurColorado, Utah77
Mount St. Helens, Washington
Mount St. HelensWashington76
Glacier Bay, Alaska
Glacier BayAlaska76
Katmai, Alaska
KatmaiAlaska75
Wrangell-St. Elias, Alaska
Wrangell-St. EliasAlaska75