The original area of High Rock Reservation consisted of approximately four-and-one-half acres located at the summit and along the south slope of High Rock. The area is a steeply sloping hillside which is studded with large outcroppings of porphyry and views of Boston, Nahant, and Salem. High Rock Tower and the Stone Cottage possess integrity of location, design, setting and for the most part materials.
Rising to a height of 170 feet, High Rock is less than three quarters of a mile from the ocean and commands unobstructed views of Boston, Nahant, and Swampscott. Although local historians suggest that the hill’s summit was used as a look-out point by Indians and early settlers, the site’s major fame dates from the mid-nineteenth century when High Rock and its porphyry outcroppings became appreciated for their “Romantic” qualities.
During the 1840’s, a parcel of five and one-half acres, including the summit of High Rock, was purchased by Jesse Hutchinson, who, together with other members of his family, built two Gothic cottages, an auditorium and an observation tower on the property. Both the fame of the Hutchinson Family, who lived there until the early twentieth century, and the “picturesque” qualities of the property made up of High Rock Stone Cottage, Daisy Cottage and the first High Rock Tower, frequent illustrations in wood-cut, lithographic and stereopticon views of nineteenth-century Lynn. These structures are significant for their associations with the Hutchinson family, a group immersed in many radical nineteenth century causes such as the temperance, abolitionist and women’s movements and are unusual physical representatives of this important phase of nineteenth censure culture.
CLICK ON THE PHOTO FOR A VIDEO FLYOVER
This amazing flyover sequence is courtesy of Philipp Harlov who certainly has taken High Rock tower to new heights!
Sun’s sunspots and prominences as seen through our solar filter and Coronado P.S.T.
August 2023
High Rock Driving Directions | CLICK HERE FOR A MAP
From the North (Salem area) |
From the South ( Boston/Revere area) Go north on the Lynnway/Route 1A to Market Street Take a left on Market Street (From Swampscott area) Go south on Lynn Shore Drive/the Lynnway/ Route 1A to Market Street Take a right on Market Street Once on Market Street Go north on Market Street, thru City Hall Square to Franklin Street Bear right onto Franklin Street Take first right onto Hanover Street Follow Hanover Street to Washington Street Go straight across onto Beacon Hill Avenue Take first right onto Lawton Avenue Once on Lawton Avenue Take 2nd left onto High Rock Street Take 1st right onto Circuit Avenue High Rock Tower is at the top of the hill. |
| 2022 Update! Our freshly repaired and refurbed LX200 telescope has been installed at High Rock Tower! Check out the video below and watch for upcoming 2022 Starry Starry Night Program dates!  |
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HIGH ROCK PARK, TOWER AND OBSERVATORYS STARRY STARRY NIGHT PROGRAM
High Rock Tower will be open to the public on the schedule listed below. The observation will be cancelled if the weather forecast calls for mostly cloudy skies. Registered visitors will receive cancellation updates by 2 PM.
Masks are highly encouraged inside the observatory dome, especially for those unvaccinated, as we will be in a relatively small space. Dome occupancy will be limited to 15 people at a time. Dress in layers, it can be cooler in the dome. A secondary telescope will be available for viewing outside the tower on the grass, except for nights denoted with an asterisk*.
Reserve Your Starry Night Visit Online!CLICK HERE TO RESERVE YOUR SPOT!
If you have any questions you can contact Jamie Marsh. We look forward to seeing you see the stars!
We will be open to the public on the schedule listed below provided the weather forecast calls for mostly clear skies.
| Day/Evening | 2024 Dates | Time | Objects of Interest |
| New SUMMER/FALL 2024 Dates | |||
| Wednesday | August 14th |
8 PM until 10 PM | |
| Wednesday | September 4th | 7:30 PM until 9:30 PM | |
| Wednesday | October 9th | 6:30 PM until 8:30 PM | |
| Visit High Rock Tower | |
| Email Address Hours |
jmarsh@lynnma.gov High Rock Tower Telescope is located on High Rock Street in Lynn Massachusetts. High Rock Street (See Directions Below) (See Above) |
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