Hancock tourist information
Settled Circa 1762, Hancock is a quiet, peaceful town about twenty miles long and three miles wide, bordered on the east by the famous Berkshire Hills and on the west by the rugged Taconic Range. Hancock is the longest and narrowest town in Berkshire County. To the east, 6,600 acres of land comprise the major part of a state forest; in the north end, Audubon wildlife sanctuary exists on an estimated 500 acres.
Hancock is very rural with no industry and is primarily a tourist-centered community with a population of approximately 800. Established in 1790, Hancock Shaker Village displays a living history non-profit museum of Shaker life, crafts and farming. Hancock is also the home of a one-of-a-kind barn museum, a campground, a nudist camp, as well as the largest ski area in Massachusetts. Hancock can boast of many fine inns, one dating back to 1767. Contributing to Hancock's uniqueness is the fact that there are twenty-four known and catalogued cemeteries in town, with the earliest recorded burial in 1772. All of these cemeteries are lovingly maintained by volunteers as is the small library and the fire department.
Hancock is fortunate to offer one of the finest educational systems in the country thanks to the dedication of interested parents and a devoted School Committee. Hancock's elementary school presently offers a unique academic atmosphere without grading that is personalized for each and every child. Farming is still practiced in the valley providing many attractive vistas along Route 43 and bringing agricultural awards for excellence to some of the town's farms.
Northwestern Massachusetts, bordered by Williamstown on the north; New Ashford, Lanesborough, and Pittsfield on the east; Richmond on the south; and New Lebanon, Stephentown, and Berlin, New York, on the west. Hancock is 14 miles east of Pittsfield, 59 miles west of Greenfield, and 149 miles northwest of Boston.
The town of Hancock is rich in history, primarily due to its unique location in Western Maryland. Hancock is the western most town in Washington County, situated on the Potomac River at the narrowest point in the state of Maryland. The town is named for ferryman Joseph Hancock, Jr., who ferried travelers, traders and commerce across the Potomac.
In 1818 the National Pike, Hancock’s Main Street, was officially opened, traversing the path of the “Nemecolon” Indian Trail. Thanks to the increased flow of travelers, the town boomed. Hancock enjoyed its second construction boom when work on the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal filtered throughout the area in the 1830’s. By 1850 the canal stretched all the way to Cumberland. During the Civil War, Hancock became an important town in the struggle for control of the Canal and the Potomac.
After World War I the town’s economy centered on canning factories and orchards. As these industries began to decline, the town attracted other industries to the area such as London Fog, Fleetwood Industry and Genuine Parts. Like most small communities Hancock suffered losses during the 1960’s, ‘70’s and ‘80’s, but the 1990’s has brought revitalization and economic growth to the town.
Today the town boasts a 48,000 square foot Antique and Crafts Mall, one of the finest indoor antique and craft operations on the East Coast and many unique specialty shops. The Hancock Historical Society Museum, located in the lower level of the Town Hall and Community Center, focuses on local history and transportation – the C&O Canal, the National Pike and the Western Maryland Railroad.
For the outdoor enthusiast, Hancock (since its streetscape renovations) is a biker friendly town. With bike racks, a bike livery, parks and several access points to the Western Maryland Rail Trail, the cyclist can break in town to visit the many specialty shops and restaurants before continuing their trip. The Western Maryland Rail Trail, currently offers 10 miles of paved trail perfect for biking, rollerblading, walking or running. Phase II of the Rail Trail will begin in spring 2000 with an additional 10 miles of trail added to the west of Hancock. The C&O Canal National Historic Park features biking and hiking trails, as well as a re-watered section of the Canal.
Located near Hancock, visitors can enjoy historic Woodmont Rod & Gun Club, a lodge where past U. S. Presidents, Amos and Andy and Babe Ruth all hunted. The Potomac River Boat Ramp also boasts the best bass fishing on this section of the Potomac River. Close by is Fort Frederick, a restored 1756 fort used during the French and Indian War, and Sideling Hill Exhibit Center.
The City of Hancock, platted in 1859, is a progressive community, located on the north shore of the Portage Lake Canal in northern Houghton County, Michigan. Hancock is the northernmost city in Michigan. With a population of approximately 4,900, Hancock provides a superior location to live, work and play. The City's proximity to majestic Lake Superior gives it beautiful mild summers and wonderful snowy winters.
The City's various governmental entities, community organizations, business people, and involved citizens work together to provide leadership in the improvement of infrastructure, housing and recreational facilities in support of tourism, service, and retail industries. The City continues to build upon its unique heritage and its human, educational, and natural resource assets in order to provide a sound economic future, and maintain a superior quality of life.
The City of Hancock has a strong Finnish heritage. From Suomi College to the saunas scattered throughout many homes, you will find the Finnish heritage embedded in our community. With such a strong heritage, it is only natural that we have a sister city in Finland. It is our pleasure to have a sister city relationship with Porvoo, Finland.
Cross the Portage Canal Lift Bridge, follow the steep winding road, turn the corner, and suddenly you discover you're in one of Michigan's most unique cities.
Welcome to Hancock, gateway to the beautiful Keweenaw Peninsula. Named after John Hancock, signer of the Declaration of Independence, the town was founded by the Quincy Mining Company in 1859 during the heyday of the Keweenaw's copper mining boom. The site of brass foundries and mining machinery factories, the town was best known for its famous Quincy Mine. Nicknamed "Old Reliable," the mine produced copper continuously for 83 years, paying stockholders more than $27 million in dividends.
The Quincy Mine ceased production in 1945, but the little town of Hancock remains as reliable as its early immigrant settlers. Today the town is home to about 4500 residents, and four of the largest six employers in Houghton County. Major players in the city's economy include the corporate headquarters of D&N Bank and Suomi College. Since the end of the copper industry, tourism has come to the fore as the region's primary industry, and Hancock has supported the transition with its unique heritage, vibrant arts scene, recreational opportunities and eclectic retailers.
Such economic diversification has resulted in Hancock residents having the highest median income of any city or village in the county, and the Hancock of today is a city on the move. Recent new developments include a Ramada Inn on the waterfront, a city fire hall, and expansion of the city boundary by 24 percent. Under construction are a new residential development, a waterfront condominium project, a new waterfront town house project, a new high school and renovation of the former high school into a new middle school.
An especially exciting project that will accompany the community into the next century is construction of the Portage Health System's new medical complex. With roots dating to 1899, the Hancock-based hospital plays a vital role in the health and security of Keweenaw residents. The new complex, which will include 30 inpatient beds and a long-term care facility, will be located on scenic Quincy Hill.
Hancock: hilly, healthy, historic – and a great place to call home!
Hancock aerial map
Please click on any icon on the Hancock aerial tourist map, to find close by places, offering hotels and tourist information. You can zoom in and zoom out our touristical map as well as switch between satelite and map view of Hancock.
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