Dana was a town in central Massachusetts that was disincorporated in 1938 to make way for the Quabbin Reservoir. The town was named after Francis Dana, a Massachusetts government official, and had a small village center called Dana Common, where most of the oldest buildings were located. Today, Dana Common is a historical site that can be accessed by hiking along an old paved road from Gate 40 in Petersham. The area offers a glimpse of the past with old foundations, stone walls, and pictures of the buildings that once stood there, such as a school, a church, a general store, and a hotel. Dana Shoreline is a popular spot for fishing and boating on the reservoir.

The Quabbin Reservoir is a remarkable engineering feat that provides water to millions of people in Massachusetts. It was constructed in the 1930s by damming the Swift River and flooding four towns in the process. The reservoir covers an area of 39 square miles and has a capacity of 412 billion gallons. The Quabbin Reservoir is a popular destination for fishing, hiking, and wildlife viewing. The reservoir is surrounded by a protected forest that hosts a variety of plants and animals, some of which are rare or endangered. 

Quabbin Reservoir is one of the largest unfiltered water supplies in the United States. Along with the Wachusett Reservoir and Ware River, it is the source of high-quality water for the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority water supply system. Recreational activities are regulated and limited to protect 3 million people’s drinking water.