Ashburnham MassachusettsATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Ashburnham, Massachusetts.
1. Mount Watatic
SCENIC MOUNTAIN HIKING
Mount Watatic is one of the most popular attractions in Ashburnham, offering beautiful hiking trails and panoramic views. Visitors can enjoy the natural beauty of the mountain while exploring various trail options suitable for different skill levels. The summit provides breathtaking vistas of the surrounding landscape, making it a perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts and photographers.
2. Historical Piano Study Center
VINTAGE MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS
The Historical Piano Study Center features a collection of historically significant pianos for music enthusiasts to admire and study. This unique attraction offers visitors insight into the evolution of piano craftsmanship and design throughout history. The center provides a fascinating experience for musicians, historians, and anyone interested in the development of musical instruments.
3. Odd Pine Farm
LOCAL AGRICULTURAL EXPERIENCE
Odd Pine Farm is a charming agricultural attraction that showcases local farming practices and produces. Visitors can experience farm life, observe various animals, and potentially purchase fresh, locally grown products. The farm offers a wholesome family-friendly environment that connects guests with Ashburnham's agricultural heritage.
4. Ashburnham Historical Society
LOCAL HERITAGE PRESERVATION
The Ashburnham Historical Society preserves and showcases the rich history of the town through artifacts, documents, and exhibits. Located in the restored 1791 Meeting House, this institution serves as a window into Ashburnham's past for locals and visitors alike. The society organizes educational events and maintains historical records that highlight the town's cultural heritage.
5. Winchester Park
COMMUNITY RECREATION AREA
Winchester Park offers recreational facilities for Ashburnham residents and visitors to enjoy outdoor activities. The park features open spaces, sports fields, and areas for picnicking and community gatherings. It serves as a central location for local events and provides a space for families to relax and play.
6. Theodore Iorio Arena
SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT VENUE
Theodore Iorio Arena serves as a hub for sports and entertainment events in Ashburnham. The venue hosts various activities throughout the year, including ice skating, hockey games, and community gatherings. It provides a space for both competitive sports and recreational enjoyment for people of all ages.
7. Cushing Academy
PRESTIGIOUS BOARDING SCHOOL
Cushing Academy is a renowned private boarding school with beautiful historic architecture and campus grounds. Founded in 1865, this prestigious institution combines academic excellence with impressive facilities that can be appreciated from the outside. Visitors can admire the campus buildings and learn about the school's significant contribution to education in the region.
8. Ashburnham State Forest
NATURAL WOODLAND RETREAT
Ashburnham State Forest offers visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of central Massachusetts. The forest features trails for hiking, wildlife observation areas, and spaces for outdoor recreation throughout the year. Nature enthusiasts can enjoy the changing seasons, from colorful fall foliage to serene winter landscapes and vibrant spring and summer vegetation.
9. Stevens Memorial Library
COMMUNITY KNOWLEDGE CENTER
Stevens Memorial Library serves as a welcoming community center that enriches the well-being of Ashburnham residents and visitors. Originally built in 1890 in the Queen Anne architectural style, the library moved to the renovated Dolly Whitney Adams Schoolhouse in 1988. The library hosts educational programs, cultural events, and recreational activities for people of all ages.
10. Lower Naukeag Lake
SCENIC WATERFRONT RECREATION
Lower Naukeag Lake is a picturesque body of water offering various recreational activities for visitors to enjoy. The lake provides opportunities for fishing, boating, swimming, and relaxing by the shore during warmer months. Its natural beauty and peaceful atmosphere make it a popular destination for both locals and tourists seeking outdoor water activities.
11. Jewell Hill
PANORAMIC VISTA HIKING
Jewell Hill is a serene 296-acre property that formerly supported a New England dairy farm, offering breathtaking views and broad meadows. Visitors can hike the Jewell Hill Trail to reach the 1,411-foot Hudson Overlook, which provides panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and even the Boston skyline on clear days. The area offers four seasons of outdoor recreation including snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, birding, and hiking through beautiful mountain laurel thickets.
12. Ashburnham Town Hall
HISTORIC MUNICIPAL BUILDING
Ashburnham Town Hall stands as a historic landmark in the center of town, showcasing classic New England architectural elements. The building serves as the center of local government and community affairs for residents and visitors. Its historical significance and aesthetic appeal make it a notable point of interest when exploring downtown Ashburnham.
13. Native American Ceremonial Site
ANCIENT CULTURAL LANDMARK
The Native American Ceremonial Site in Ashburnham features four enclosures, a Manitou stone with an associated split wedge cairn, and several other stone structures. Located on the upper slopes of the east side of a hill, this documented site preserves the cultural heritage of indigenous peoples who once inhabited the region. The site offers visitors a glimpse into the spiritual practices and historical presence of Native Americans in the Ashburnham area.
14. 1791 Meeting House
RESTORED HISTORICAL STRUCTURE
The 1791 Meeting House located at 79 Main Street has been meticulously restored by the Ashburnham Historical Society and serves as an important piece of the historic downtown. Originally built on Meetinghouse Hill, this structure represents a significant era in Ashburnham's development and community life. Visitors can appreciate the historical architecture and learn about the town's early days through this well-preserved building.
15. Mount Wachusett
NEARBY MOUNTAIN DESTINATION
Mount Wachusett is a prominent peak visible from Ashburnham that offers year-round recreational opportunities for visitors. In winter, the mountain operates as a popular ski area, while during other seasons it provides extensive hiking trails with spectacular views of the surrounding region. Located a short drive from Ashburnham, this natural attraction complements the outdoor experiences available in the immediate area.