Women on bridge Join today and get outside at one of our 60+ wildlife sanctuaries.
Women on bridge Join today and get outside at one of our 60+ wildlife sanctuaries.
A green pine tree, yellow leaves, and a stream.
Laughing Brook, Hampden

Laughing Brook Wildlife Sanctuary

  • Hampden
  • 438 Acres

Plan Your Visit

Fans of Thornton W. Burgess are no strangers to the setting at Laughing Brook—the children’s author wove his tales around the wild animals that live here. The landscape has changed since Burgess called this land home. The “laughing” brook has at times become a roaring river depositing sand used later by turtles, and strong winds have downed trees leaving behind new shelters for salamanders. 

Directions to Laughing Brook

Property Regulations

  • Foot travel only; please stay on trails (day passes are available for powered mobility devices)
  • Dog walking and horseback riding are prohibited; please leave all animals and pets at home (service animals welcome)
  • Camping, collecting, smoking, hunting, fishing, releasing of animals, and feeding wildlife is prohibited.
  • Commercial photography needs prior approval; please see all photography guidelines.

Facilities

  • Parking
    Parking

Explore Laughing Brook

  • Dragonfly resting on a bright green leaf
  • Marsh under a blue sky surrounded by green trees and foliage
  • Tall trees seen from the perspective of the forest floor

Upcoming Programs

See all programs
See all programs

Latest News

More News
Shaded trail through a lush green forest
News March 24, 2025

Ecological Enhancements Coming to Laughing Brook Wildlife Sanctuary

Keep Reading
A preschool-age child holds up a woody mushroom she found to the camera, at Drumlin Farm Nature Preschool
© Patrick Rogers
News October 08, 2024

This One is for the Fungus Fans

Keep Reading
black furry caterpillar on leaf
Spongy Moth Caterpillar © University of Illinois/James Appleby
News March 22, 2024

Why Are There So Many Dead Trees at Laughing Brook?

Keep Reading