Western Gateway Heritage State Park - Temporarily closed

The Heart of the park is the Visitors Center Museum. Several beautifully retore buidings that were once used to store freight and commodities surround a cobblestone courtyard at this former railroad yard. The buildings are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This ubran park uses historical artifacts and exhibits to bring to life the controversial and danger-filled construction of the Hoosac Tunnel, one of the greatest engineering feats of the 19th century. The tunnel was dug 4.75 miles through Hoosac Mountan, linking Massachusetts to Albany, NY.  200 men lost their lives building the tunnel, which is still being used today. An audio-visual presentation takes visitors back in time, where the sounds of dripping water, pickaxes against stone, explosion, and debates re-create the hradship and heroism of the tunnel's constuction. Programs and exhibits on history, science, culture and environmental are offered regularly to the public. Visitors Center hours: Open 10am-5pm day except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's days. Admission and parking is free.