Hanover MassachusettsATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Hanover, Massachusetts.
1. Starland Sports & Fun Park
FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT DESTINATION
Starland Sports & Fun Park is one of the most popular attractions in Hanover, offering a variety of recreational activities for families. The park features arcade games, mini-golf, batting cages, and other entertainment options for visitors of all ages. It's an ideal destination for birthday parties, family outings, or a fun day of activities.
2. Stetson House
HISTORIC COLONIAL LANDMARK
Stetson House is one of the oldest buildings in Hanover, likely built by the grandson of the town's earliest European settlers. This historic landmark provides visitors with a glimpse into the colonial past of the region. The house stands as a testament to Hanover's rich history dating back to the town's incorporation in the 1720s.
3. Forge Pond Park
OUTDOOR RECREATION AREA
Forge Pond Park is a popular recreational area in Hanover offering various outdoor activities for residents and visitors. The park features sports fields, walking trails, and natural landscapes for people to enjoy. It serves as a community gathering spot for events and everyday recreation.
4. Hanover Center Historic District
HEART OF TOWN
Hanover Center Historic District has been the heart of the town since its incorporation in the 1720s and was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1996. This 40-acre district contains important public and municipal buildings, along with centuries-old residences that showcase the town's architectural heritage. Visitors can explore historic structures including the Greek Revival First Congregational Church (1863), the Italianate Town Hall (1863), and the Georgian Revival Curtis Free Library (1907).
5. Luddam's Ford Park
HISTORIC RIVERSIDE PARK
Luddam's Ford Park, located on the Hanover-Pembroke town line, is an integral part of Hanover's history. The area was once home to sawmills, ironworks, rubber factories, and companies like Curtis Anchor Forge during the shipbuilding era of the 1700s and 1800s. Today, visitors can enjoy the natural beauty of the riverside setting while connecting with the town's industrial past.
6. Hanover Farmers' Market
LOCAL PRODUCE AND CRAFTS
Hanover Farmers' Market is a vibrant community event featuring over 30 vendors offering fresh local produce, artisan foods, and handcrafted goods. The market operates on the third Sunday of each month from May through November at Hanover High School. Visitors can find everything from farm-fresh vegetables and grass-fed beef to homemade baked goods, artisan crafts, jewelry, and organic cosmetics.
7. B. Everett Hall Field and Park
COMMUNITY SPORTS VENUE
B. Everett Hall Field and Park is a significant recreational facility in Hanover that serves as both a sports venue and memorial site. The park houses the Veterans Memorial dedicated to those who served in World War I, World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. This multi-purpose space provides both a place for leisure activities and a location to honor Hanover's military history.
8. Hanover Greenway Trail
SCENIC RIVERSIDE PATH
The Hanover Greenway Trail offers visitors a chance to explore the town's beautiful natural landscapes along its historic riverfront. Hikers can wander through hardwood forests while occasionally spotting traces of the area's industrial past. The trail features rocky outcroppings providing striking overlooks of the surrounding scenery.
9. North River Bridge
HISTORIC CROSSING POINT
The North River Bridge at Washington Street crossing was built in 1656 by William Barstow and marks the border between Pembroke and Hanover. Originally constructed to accommodate foot and horse traffic, the bridge now spans 40 feet in width with a height of 23 feet above mean low water. This historic crossing point represents one of the oldest transportation structures in the region.
10. First Congregational Church
HISTORIC RELIGIOUS LANDMARK
The First Congregational Church is an impressive Greek Revival structure built in 1863 on the site of the town's earliest meetinghouse from 1727. This architectural gem stands as an important landmark in the Hanover Center Historic District. The church continues to serve as both a place of worship and a significant historical building in the community.
11. John Curtis Free Library
GEORGIAN REVIVAL TREASURE
John Curtis Free Library is a beautiful Georgian Revival building constructed in 1907 that serves as Hanover's public library. The library stands as an architectural highlight within the Hanover Center Historic District. In addition to its book collection, the library represents an important piece of the town's commitment to education and community resources.
12. Ellis Field
COMMUNITY SPORTS COMPLEX
Ellis Field is one of Hanover's primary recreational areas offering sports facilities for community use. The field provides space for various athletic activities and outdoor events throughout the year. It serves as an important gathering place for residents and visitors seeking active entertainment options.
13. Sylvester Field
HISTORIC RECREATION SPOT
Sylvester Field is a recreational area in Hanover with connections to the town's historic Sylvester School. The field offers open space for various outdoor activities and community events. This versatile venue contributes to the town's network of public spaces available for residents and visitors.
14. Hanover Mall
LOCAL SHOPPING DESTINATION
The Hanover Mall is one of the primary shopping destinations in the area, offering a variety of retail options for visitors. The mall features numerous stores catering to different shopping needs and preferences. It serves as a commercial hub for both locals and those visiting from nearby communities.
15. Charles David Salon
UPSCALE BEAUTY ESTABLISHMENT
Charles David Salon is a popular beauty establishment in Hanover known for its professional services. The salon offers a range of hair styling, beauty treatments, and personal care options for clients. It represents one of the town's more upscale service businesses catering to those seeking personal care services.