Bancroft Tower Day Trip
Welcome to Bancroft Tower in Worcester, Massachusetts
Situated on top of Prospect Hill in Worcester, Massachusetts, Bancroft Tower is a unique miniature castle built in 1900. Dedicated to George Bancroft, the United States Secretary of the Navy, Bancroft Tower was built by Stephen Salisbury III and constructed of large, natural stones pulled up the hill by horse-drawn carriages.
Open to the public from dusk to dawn, this tower is a must see attraction and only a 50-minute drive from Boston or one-hour drive from Springfield.
How to get to Bancroft Tower in Worcester, Massachusetts |
Plot directions to Bancroft Tower Road here. There are free parking spots for about eight cars just a few steps from the grounds.
Folks also will walk up trails through the thick, surrounding woods of Salisbury Park that extend down to Park Avenue (facing Worcester Polytechnic Institute).
What to see at Bancroft Tower
Walk right up to the 56-foot high tower and see the natural granite and stone construction. The architectural details are quite remarkable, especially given how the large stones were transported up the hill.
The 56-foot high Bancroft Tower looking up close from the grounds.
The design consists of two square (mini) towers at the corners, a taller circular tower and an arch gateway you can go right under.
Entrances leading up spiral stairs into the castle are closed. Though several published sources report Bancroft Tower is open on Sundays in October to see the inside, I could not verify this is true.
Tip: The best times to visit are in the fall to see the foliage on the surrounding trees and at sunset to see beautiful sky colors framing the tower. With the right light, the colors pop in your photos.
On days with blue skies and clouds, the tower is really picturesque, and the views of the surrounding landcape are great.
Bancroft Tower under a moody spring evening sky.
On your visit, you may find a few folks hanging out though it is not generally crowded (sometimes people chill in their parked vehicles). There are two small stone viewing platforms at the edge of the tower grounds you can sit on for the cityscape views.
Tip: These platforms or stations are great spots for a picnic date.
When visiting Worcester, it’s quick and easy to visit Bancroft Tower and check out the stone architecture and landscapes. Folks will also bring their dogs here and, of course, come by to take selfies.
Have you seen Bancroft Tower? What’s your favorite spot or attraction to see in Worcester, Massachusetts?
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