Holyoke Heritage State Park has a new and innovative program for groups this spring. This is a customizable program for all ages –  youth groups, church groups, school groups, university groups, and senior living facilities. Additional interpretive opportunities are offered for individuals and families.

Because the Robert Barrett Fishway will be closed to the public this year, we are teaming up with the Fishway Guides for a collaborative program called, “Connecting with the Connecticut River.”

This interactive program is offered on select dates. (see below). In this program we will explore various connections to our river through stories of:

• how the river made this planned industrial city possible
• how migratory fish get a lift over the Holyoke dam
• how you and rivers are connected.

Depending on the age and objective of your group, you may:

• visit the first level canal
• participate in a demonstration of model turbines
• practice being a fish counter
• play the fish migration game (for elementary school age)
• interact with museum exhibits
• post your river connection stories on the bulletin board
• hook a model “shad” in the wading pool (for elementary school age)
• meet a costumed sea lamprey character

If you are interested in participating in this group program, please complete the Tour Request Form.

Not part of a group?
When not providing a group tour, fishway guides are ready to engage you and your family in learning about fish, the fish lift, dam history, and some of the above listed activities at Holyoke Heritage State Park Visitor Center. Stop in between 12pm and 4pm on the following program dates. No reservation required.

Program Dates:
April 19, 20, 27
May 1,4,8,10,11,15,17,22,24,25,29,31
June 1,5,7,8,12,15

See the Tour request form for program hours.

On behalf of Holyoke Heritage State Park and HG&E’s Robert Barrett Fishway, we look forward to celebrating the annual migration of fish up our river this spring. Please fill out the tour request form or call or email with questions.  We hope to see you this spring at Holyoke Heritage State Park.