WWII Tower & Visitor Center
The tower at Halibut Point State Park is a 60-foot World War II fire-control tower, completed in 1944, that now houses the park's visitor center and museum. During the war it gave aiming information to the crews of the big coastal guns protecting Boston and Portsmouth. DCR calls it the only tower of its kind open to the public on the New England coast. It reopened after a renovation on November 30, 2021. In fall 2026 the visitor center is open Fridays to Sundays, 9:00 am to 3:00 pm.
The Tower at a Glance
What the Tower Was For
DCR's program notes tell the story in short. The day after the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941, the United States stepped up coastal defenses, with patrols and a chain of watch towers at the ocean's edge. Halibut Point's tower was finished in 1944. According to DCR's brochure, it gave aiming information to the crews of the massive guns that protected Boston and Portsmouth from attack by sea.
The tower sits near the edge of the Babson Farm Quarry, so the granite era and the war years sit side by side.
Inside the Visitor Center
DCR describes the tower and its barracks as the visitor center now. DCR's brochure says the exhibits cover the park's natural and cultural history. The Friends of Halibut Point State Park, a nonprofit formed in 1985, provided museum-quality exhibits and bought tools for granite-splitting demonstrations, and its volunteers help staff the center.
The building also runs on some quiet green technology: composting toilets, a graywater recycling system, photovoltaic panels, solar thermal hot water, and a geothermal pump. DCR uses it as the park's administrative headquarters too, and The Trustees note it has public restrooms.
Hours
DCR's fall 2026 program sheet lists the visitor center and exhibits as open Fridays to Sundays, 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. DCR's park page doesn't print visitor center hours for the rest of the year, so call (978) 546-2997 before a winter or spring visit. The park grounds keep longer hours; see hours.
Can You Climb the Tower?
Not on your own, as far as DCR's published material goes. Its fall 2026 Tower Tour includes an opportunity to climb the tower. It is listed for two Sundays, December 6 and 13, from 11 am to noon, for ages 12 and up. DCR says the tower's views reach as far north as the coast of Maine.
If climbing is the reason you're coming, call the park first and ask when the next tower tour is.
Programs and Group Visits
DCR's public programs are free. They change daily and seasonally, heavy rain cancels them, and an adult must come with children. Groups can book a visitor center visit or a guided tour at (978) 546-2997 or halibut.point@mass.gov. Recent examples include the quarry history walk, birding walks, and a plant walk.
Good For
- History fans: DCR calls it the only tower of its kind open to the public on the New England coast.
- A rainy or cold day, when the ledges are less appealing.
- Anyone who needs a restroom: the visitor center has public restrooms.
Maybe Skip If
- You're visiting on a day the center is closed. Walk the quarry loop and go down to the ledges instead.
Tower & Visitor Center FAQ
What is the tower at Halibut Point?
A 60-foot World War II fire-control tower, completed in 1944, that fed aiming information to the guns defending Boston and Portsmouth. It is now the park's visitor center.
Can you go up the Halibut Point tower?
DCR offers a climb as part of guided Tower Tours, such as two Sunday tours in December 2026. Call the park at (978) 546-2997 to ask about the next one.
When is the Halibut Point visitor center open?
In fall 2026, Fridays to Sundays, 9:00 am to 3:00 pm, according to DCR's program sheet. Call ahead in other seasons.
Are there restrooms at Halibut Point State Park?
Yes. The visitor center has public restrooms, and DCR's park page lists restrooms among its facilities.
Who runs the exhibits?
DCR runs the visitor center. The Friends of Halibut Point State Park, a nonprofit formed in 1985, funded exhibits and tools and provides volunteers.
