The focus of the first tour, on June 1, will be the mills and canals and the city's industrial history. The second tour, on June 8, will focus on the families, architects and builders of the city's mansions.
Craig Della Penna will lead two bicycle tours of Holyoke, on June 1 and June 8. HOLYOKE - Grab your bike and join Wistariahurst Museum for two historical bicycle tours around the Paper City.
Tours will be led by historian Craig Della Penna, who will share his insights of historical buildings, landmarks along Holyoke's streets.
The first tour will take place on June 1 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., and the focus will be around the mills and canals. Learn about the city's industrial history, the planned canal landscapes and manufacturing in Holyoke. The tour route will begin and end at Holyoke Heritage State Park and will include stops on Race Street, North Canal Street, Bridge Street and Lyman Street.
Return the following weekend for a ride amid the mansions on June 8, also from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Cycle around the highlands and through the Fairfield Avenue Historic District with its grand Victorian houses. Learn about the families, architects and builders of these magnificent homes.This tour route will begin at Kennedy Park (corner of Lincoln and Nonotuck) and take in Fairfield Avenue, Lexington Avenue, Madison Avenue and Riverside Terrace.
Each tour will begin with a review of basic bicycle safety. Participants should come prepared with their own helmets, water, bicycles and enthusiasm for history.
Rain date for June 1 tour is June 2, and rain date for June 8 will be June 9.