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Lake Quinsigamond, Massachusetts, USA

Worcester, Massachusetts is well known for many things: John Adams taught school here before becoming the second President of the United States. Songwriter Cole Porter attended Worcester Academy. Before English settlers named the town after its counterpart in Worcester, England, Native Americans called it Qunnosuogamaug or “fishing place for pickerel (or long nose)”. The lake that borders the western side of Worcester still bears that name, though…
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    • All About Lake Quinsigamond, MA

    Lake Locations: USA - US New England Region - Massachusetts - Central Massachusetts -

    Lake Quinsigamond is a water wonderland smack dab in the middle of urban sprawl. Due to its length and shape, the lake was once called Long Pond, but since there is another lake by that name in Massachusetts, it should be noted it is not the modern Long Pond. Lake Quinsigamond is roughly 4 miles long, and less than a mile wide for most of that length.

    It is a natural glacial lake but it was first dammed in 1891 for recreational purposes. Four Dams now control the water level. Two are owned by the Massachusetts Commission of Lakes – Stringer Dam and Lake Quinsigamond Dam. A third is owned by the city of Grafton – Lake Ripple Dam. And finally, the Quinsigamond Pond Dam is owned by the Riley Stoker Company of Worcester.

    Worcester, Massachusetts is well known for many things: John Adams taught school here before becoming the second President of the United States. Songwriter Cole Porter attended Worcester Academy. Before English settlers named the town after its counterpart in Worcester, England, Native Americans called it Qunnosuogamaug or “fishing place for pickerel (or long nose)”. The lake that borders the western side of Worcester still bears that name, though it has been modernized to Lake Quinsigamond. Other towns surrounding the lake are Grafton and Shrewsbury.

    Water sports of all types are welcome on Lake Quinsigamond. Since the lake was dammed, it has been an annual summer destination for residents of the area, as well as people from across the nation. The fishing is particularly good and several types abound. Bass, catfish, trout, panfish and salmon are readily available for sport or for supper.

    Quinsigamond State Park is available for public use and consists of two sites. Regatta Point State Park, on the northwestern side of the lake, is the place to go for sailing, fishing, or swimming. Lake Park, on the west side towards the middle of the lake, has tennis courts as well as a swimming area. And either is a great place to have a picnic.

    Lake Quinsigamond’s claim to fame is its 2000 meter rowing course. Every weekend from March through May, the lake area is filled with rowing crews from across the nation. The first rowing association in the area was formed in the mid-1850s, and it began a craze with the sport that lasts even now. Many rowing associations have formed since. Lake Quinsigamond hosts many annual rowing regattas to include the Men’s Eastern Sprints Regatta, The Big East Championship and The New England Interscholastic Rowing Association’s Championship Regatta to name a few. Lake Quinsigamond currently ranks fourth among the best rowing lakes in the world.

    Other historical tidbits include a now defunct amusement park that stood on the Worcester, Mass side of the lake for over 50 years. “The White City” opened its gates in 1905 to thrill-seekers and did not disappoint with its rides and attractions. It even had one act that featured high-diving horses!

    The cities surrounding the lake are taking great steps to ensure that their aqua paradise is preserved for the future. The local watershed association meets regularly to monitor and assess the state of the lake. Currently the lake is suffering from eutrophication, but steps are being taken to improve the quality of the water. The Massachusetts Commission of Lakes and the Lake Quinsigamond Watershed Association are making sure that several more generations will have the chance to enjoy Lake Quinsigamond.

    Things to Do at Lake Quinsigamond

    These are some activities in the Lake Quinsigamond, MA area visitors can enjoy:

    • Vacation Rentals
    • Fishing
    • Sailing
    • Swimming
    • Tennis
    • Picnicking
    • Horseback Riding
    • Wildlife Viewing
    • State Park
    • Amusement Park

    What Kind of Fish Are in Lake Quinsigamond?

    Lake Quinsigamond has been known to have the following fish species:

    • Bass
    • Catfish
    • Pickerel
    • Pike
    • Salmon
    • Trout
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    Find Places to Stay at Lake Quinsigamond

    If you’re considering a Lake Quinsigamond lake house rental or hotel, we’ve made it super easy to find the best rates and compare vacation accommodations at a glance. Save time using this interactive map below.

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    More Sites to Book a Lake Quinsigamond Vacation

    Our interactive Lake Quinsigamond lodging map above is an easy tool for comparing VRBO rental homes and nearby hotels with Booking.com, but there could be times when you need to expand your search for different types of accommodations. Here are some other lake lodging partners we recommend:

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    Lake Quinsigamond Statistics & Helpful Links

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    Lake Type: Natural Freshwater Lake, Dammed

    Water Level Control: City of Grafton, Mass. Commission of Lakes, Riley Stoker Co.

    Surface Area: 781 acres

    Normal Elevation (Full Pond): 365 feet

    Minimum Elevation (Min Pond): 358 feet

    Maximum Elevation (Max Pond): 400 feet

    Average Depth: 67 feet

    Maximum Depth: 85 feet

    Water Volume: 52,327 acre-feet

    Completion Year: 1891

    Water Residence Time: 6 months

    Lake Area-Population: 207,498

    Drainage Area: 34 sq. miles

    Trophic State: Eutrophic

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