Borderland by Lantern Light: A Walk Through Time
As twilight settles over Easton, the stately stone mansion at Borderland State Park glows with a warm flicker. Lanterns line the pathways, their light dancing against the autumn chill. It’s not a movie set — it’s one of southeastern Massachusetts’ most enchanting local events: Borderland by Lantern Light.
Step into history
Held on select evenings in early and mid-November, this guided walking experience turns the park’s historic Ames Mansion estate into a living storybook. Rangers and volunteers in period dress lead visitors by lantern through dimly lit trails, telling stories of Easton’s industrial past, the Ames family’s legacy, and the enduring romance between Oakes and Blanche Ames — the husband-and-wife duo who built the estate more than a century ago.
Each stop blends fact with folklore, offering just enough mystery to make you glance over your shoulder as the night deepens. Think of it as New England’s answer to Sleepy Hollow — but with real history underfoot.
Why locals love it
Borderland’s 1,700 acres straddle the quiet beauty between fall and winter — crisp leaves underfoot, wood smoke in the distance, the last of the season’s color fading into moonlight. The mansion itself, usually open for daytime tours, takes on an entirely new life after dark.
Families come for the stories, photographers for the golden glow, and history buffs for the rare chance to explore the grounds by lantern.
I’ve taken this tour myself and it’s just a nice way to spend some time with your family and friends and explore our rich history.
Event details
📍 Borderland State Park, 259 Massapoag Ave, North Easton MA
🗓 Fridays & Saturdays, Nov 8–16, 2025
🕕 Tours begin at 6:00 PM and run every 30 minutes (reservations required)
🎟 $10 adults / $5 children, available through the Friends of Borderland website
Pro tip: arrive early to catch the sunset over Leach Pond and bring a flashlight for the walk back to your car — the lanterns stay in the park, but the magic lingers on your way home.
🧾 References
Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation. (2025, October 20). Borderland State Park Lantern Light Tours. Retrieved from https://www.mass.gov/locations/borderland-state-park
Friends of Borderland. (2025). Lantern Light Tour Event Details. Retrieved from https://friendsofborderland.org/events/
Boston Globe Events Calendar. (2025, October 25). Borderland by Lantern Light returns to North Easton. Retrieved from https://www.bostonglobe.com/events/
