Flying saucers and aliens are the stuff of science fiction, right? That may be true, but check out this UFO park in MA, home to the only “historically true” UFO sighting in America.

The story goes that on Sept. 1, 1969, Thom Reed and his family were out for an evening drive in Sheffield. They were in the process of crossing a small covered bridge when Reed and his entire family – including his mother, grandmother, and brother – saw a blinding light rise up out of the Housatonic River.

Reed went on to allege that he and his family were somehow pulled from their car and taken to what looked to him to be an airplane hangar. Incredibly, Reed described the hangar as being filled with creatures that resembled large insects. Reed's mother and grandmother were separated from him and taken to a different room, though Reed said he could still hear their voices yelling for him.
Wikimedia Commons/John Phelan
And with that, Reed said they were all mysteriously and instantly transported back to the family station wagon. And so was born this UFO sighting in Massachusetts. Scary enough for you? Definitely for me....
One family’s crazy story might be easy to laugh off, but four different people in Sheffield called in to a Sheffield radio station that night to report strange lights in the sky. Reed also took a lie-detector test that claimed he was being 99.1 percent honest in his account of this UFO sighting in Massachusetts.
Andrzej
It was because of this that the Great Barrington Historical Society eventually voted to recognize the incident as "historically significant and true." Other state officials and even the Massachusetts governor also officially recognized the abduction as historical.
Rachel Raimondi/OnlyInYourState
I had never even heard this story until we happened upon the Upper Sheffield Covered Bridge. We had originally planned to hike out to a frozen waterfall, but the trail was actually under construction, so we chose this spot as an alternate adventure. I'm a sucker for a covered bridge.

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Today, you can head to the bridge to see a monument at this UFO park in MA. The monument bears a plaque that commemorates "our nation’s first off-world/UFO incident."
Rachel Raimondi/OnlyInYourState
On our visit, we noticed this interesting plaque from afar.
Rachel Raimondi/OnlyInYourState
It was actually donated from the History Channel's Ancient Aliens!
The area also features a grassy space with benches and lamps where believers and skeptics can relax and watch the skies for more Upper Sheffield Covered Bridge UFOs.
Rachel Raimondi/OnlyInYourState
And be sure to walk across the lovely bridge!

 

Have you ever been to this UFO park in MA? Do you believe in aliens? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Learn more about what you can do in Sheffield.

If you plan on walking around the park, make sure you have all the right gear. If you’re missing anything, REI is sure to have it.

If you’re interested in some more weird stuff in Massachusetts, check out Balance Rock State Park.

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More to Explore

Massachusetts Outdoors

Rachel Raimondi | October 01, 2023

What's the most beautiful hike in Massachusetts?

After you’ve explored the Upper Sheffield Covered Bridge UFOs, consider getting to know the Bay State's outdoors through some beautiful hikes in Massachusetts:

Cape Cod Trail:  This 22-mile paved bike trail begins in Dennis and ends in South Wellfleet. Along the way, you’ll head through lush forests and by twinkling ponds in Nickerson State Park as well as spots where you can head into villages for additional sightseeing and a bite to eat.

Mount Greylock State Reservation: Located in Lanesborough, there are 45 miles of trails to choose from to get to the 3,491-foot mountain. My favorite happens to be Mount Greylock Via Bellows Pipe Trail.

Does Massachusetts have any natural wonders?

Looking for some stunning natural beauty? Check these natural wonders in Massachusetts:

Cape Cod National Seashore: Head to Barnstable County to see beautiful beaches, forests, and marshes. There are also some very interesting animals and plants that call this spot home, such as grey seals and seaside pea.

Bash Bish Falls: Located in Mount Washington along the border of Massachusetts and New York, at 59 feet tall, this is the tallest waterfall in the state. Take the short forest walk out to the falls to take in their stunning beauty.

Which state parks should I visit in Massachusetts?

Be sure to check out some of the best state parks in Massachusetts:

Boston Harbor Islands National & State Park: This state park in Boston consists of 34 islands and peninsulas. Choose your favorites (mine are Bumpkin and Georges) and get out there exploring. Each one is different from the other.

Sandy Point State Reservation: This 77-acre area is located in Ipswich on Plum Island. It’s a great beach park with access to the Atlantic Ocean. Enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and fishing here.

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Featured Addresses
Upper Sheffield Covered Bridge, Covered Bridge Ln, Sheffield, MA 01257, USA