Groton is a town nestled in northwestern Middlesex County in Massachusetts.
It is located within the Greater Boston metropolitan area.
It was settled and incorporated in 1655 and was destroyed during King Philip’s War against the colonist.
Groton is famous for being home to the Lawrence Academy and Groton School.
Its total area is composed of 32.8 square miles of land and 0.9 square miles of water.
The population in this town reached 11,315 as per the 2020 census.
Over the years, Groton has become a popular town dotted with parks and coffee shops.
Many people also choose to live and settle in this area due to its relaxing atmosphere.
Aside from that, Groton also offers several fun and exciting tourist attractions.
Take a look at these best things to do in Groton, Massachusetts.
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Bancroft’s Castle is located on Lowell Rd.
It was built by General William Bancroft in 1906 and sits atop Gibbet Hill.
This structure was built by Bancroft as a gift to his wife.
Bancroft’s Castle has become a popular tourist attraction, especially since 2000.
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Aside from its historical value and picturesque appearance, Bancroft’s castle and surrounding area is also well-loved hiking trails by locals and tourists.
Its 1.6-kilometer trail is considered an easy route and takes only less than an hour to be completed.
Bancroft’s Castle’s trail is also surrounded by towering trees and will lead you to some of the best spots in the area.
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Luina Greine Farm is a family-run alpaca farm on Common St.
Its owner and operator, the Sullivan family, started the business in 2011.
Luina Greine Farm is situated on 19-acre rolling hills and apple orchards.
This family-friendly destination offers activities that you and your family will surely love.
Luina Greine Farm will let you experience feeding one or more alpacas, feeding and petting miniature donkeys, and holding an Indian runner duck.
You’ll also love exploring its extensive apple orchard, and bonding with stray animals kept and taken care of in their barn.
Luina Greine Farm also offers a tour around the whole vicinity of the farm.
Rocky Hill Wildlife Sanctuary is a natural oasis on Cardinal Ln.
It is owned by Mass Audubon, the most prominent nature-based conservation organization in New England.
Rocky Hill Wildlife Sanctuary features an extensive woodland that overlooks a beaver pond.
Rocky Hill Wildlife Sanctuary is also known for its 3-mile trail, which leads to some rocky ledges and large boulders.
But this 441-acre sanctuary’s main purpose is to protect and nurture various wildlife animals like moose, beaver, over a hundred bird species, and much more.
Groton Country Club is a family-friendly recreational center located on Lovers Ln.
It is owned by the town of Groton and is open to the general public.
You and your family can spend the entire day at Groton Country Club playing on its nine-hole golf course.
It also features a heated Olympic-size pool and a reception hall perfect for weddings, birthdays, and other events.
Groton Country Club also has a house bar and grill where you can enjoy delicious food after hours of playing.
Summer and golf camp programs are also available here at Groton Country Club.
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Groton History Center is situated on Main St.
Founded in 1984, this center serves as a preservation site of the town’s most important historical memorabilia.
Among the important things you can see here at Groton History Center are old documents and photographs.
There are also diaries, postcards, newspapers, soldier records, maps, textiles, furniture, clothing, and paintings.
Some of these displays can be traced back to the 17th century.
Aside from the museum, Groton History Center also publishes books and pamphlets that promote the history of the town.
Groton Publick House Pub & Eatery is the neighborhood’s favorite pub and eatery, which can be found on Lovers Ln.
Aside from good food and drinks, its warm and welcoming atmosphere makes this attractive to locals and visitors.
Groton Publick House Pub & Eatery guarantees to serve you only the best and freshest food whose ingredients are sourced locally.
It also offers a great selection of cold craft beers like Lord Hobo, Rapscallion, and Dogfish.
Groton Publick House Pub & Eatery has outdoor seating where you can enjoy your order, bond with friends, and appreciate the surroundings at the same time.
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Lost Lake, also known as Knops Pond, was formed from three lakes by the headwaters of Salmon Brook.
It measures 204 acres with clear waters popular for swimming, fishing, and boating.
The maximum depth of Lost Lake goes up to 30 feet, but the average depth is 10 feet.
Some fish you can catch here are largemouth bass, yellow perch, brown bullhead, and bluegill.
The shoreline of Lost Lake is 70 percent developed with seasonal and year-round homes.
Baddacook Pond is a 76-acre pond with a maximum depth of 45 acres.
This pond is mainly famous as a fishing spot.
Baddacook Pond is under the supervision of the Groton Lakes Association.
It is a non-profit organization that aims to preserve and improve the lakes in eastern Groton.
Some species you’re about to catch here at Baddacook Pond are largemouth bass, brown trout, chain pickerel, and rainbow trout.
If you don’t want to fish, you can simply sit back, relax, and admire the beauty of nature around you.
Groton Town Forest is a 513-acre forest situated on Forest Rd.
If you want to spend some quality time with nature and appreciate the town’s natural beauty, this is the right place for you.
Groton Town Forest offers a scenic route 14-mile trail that leads to the Nashua River.
You can explore this forest by walking or biking.
What’s more exciting is that you’ll encounter amazing animals like red foxes, deer, coyotes, and barred owls while exploring the area.
Groton Town Forest is also a good spot for cross-country skiing and horseback riding.
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Fort Devens Museum is situated on Jackson Rd. # 305, Devens.
It is only 13 minutes away from Groton.
This museum aims to preserve and share the history of Camp Devens and Fort Devens with the present generation.
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Some artifacts displayed here at Fort Devens Museum can be traced back to 1917.
Here, you can find photographs, documents, uniforms, guns, and other objects used by war veterans during the said period.
Fort Devens Museum also hosts events like its Annual Miniature War Games Day and The Cocoanut Grove Fire.
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Averill House Vineyard is a family-run vineyard and winery on Averill Rd., Brookline.
It can be reached via a 17-minute drive from Groton.
This is where you can taste traditional and fruit wines.
Wine ingredients such as grapes, raspberries, blueberries, and strawberries are grown organically.
Averill House Vineyard also exudes a relaxed and friendly atmosphere making your wine-tasting experience more enjoyable.
Aside from wine tasting, you can also enjoy the vicinity of Averill House Vineyard through hiking and horseback riding.
Harvard Alpaca Ranch is situated on Old Mill Rd., Harvard, which is just a 13-minute drive from Groton.
This 5.7-acre ranch is owned by Matthew and Amy Varrell and was established in 2016.
Harvard Alpaca Ranch offers “Alpaca Therapy,” where you can get an up close and personal bonding experience with alpacas.
It also has a shop where you can purchase alpaca-related merchandise like shirts, socks, hats, and more.
You can also buy Harvard Alpaca Ranch’s “magic beans,” which are alpaca manure that can be used as fertilizer for various crops.
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Fruitlands Museum is located on Prospect Hill Rd., in Harvard, just 16 minutes from Groton.
It is comprised of four unique museums that showcase Transcendentalists, Shakers, Native Americans, and American paintings.
Fruitlands Museum is nestled on a 201-acre of meadows and woods, making it a nice spot where you can appreciate arts and nature at the same time.
It also has a 2.5-mile trail that leads to Nashua River Valley.
Aside from sightseeing, you can also buy some fine crafts made by local artists here at Fruitlands Museum.
You can also check out its Museum Café, which offers locally sourced and sustainable cuisines that represent the heritage of New England.
Castle in the Trees is a famous landmark in Middlesex Country.
It can be located on King St., Littleton, just 13 minutes away from Groton.
Castle in the Trees was constructed in 1991 and was rebuilt in September 2016 through 100 percent volunteer labor.
This “castle” is a playground filled with fun rides and equipment that your children will surely love.
It also has a dungeon, flower steps, and a faerie house that add a more whimsical element to the area.
Castle in the Trees is also suited for toddlers.
Oak Hill Conservation Site is located on Oak Hill Rd., Littleton.
You can reach this place by a 16-minute drive from Groton.
This is where you can stretch your legs while appreciating the captivating views of the surroundings.
From the name itself, the Oak Hill Conservation Site is filled with oak woodlands and a number of exciting trails.
Oak Hill Conservation Site has a lookout rock that measures 475 feet high.
Oak Hill Conservation Site also has a Tophet chasm, a temporary outlet carved from a rock.
Meanwhile, its trails will lead you to a beautiful spring, a mountain, and a beech tree grove.
These trails can be enjoyed by walking, running, or biking.
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Nashua River Rail Trail is a 12.5-mile mixed-use trail that goes along northern Massachusetts and southern New Hampshire.
It is only 4 minutes away from Groton.
During the fall season, you can enjoy its picture-perfect surroundings filled with bright-colored falling leaves.
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Nashua River Rail Trail is best enjoyed through biking, but walking and running are also good.
If you want, you can even explore this place via horseback riding and cross-country skiing.
Fishing is also allowed here at Nashua River Rail Trail.
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The Bull Run Restaurant is a cozy tavern situated on Great Rd.
It started business in the 1940s.
It also serves as a venue for various world-class music events.
Situated in a 1740 building, The Bull Run Restaurant has grown into a popular food hub serving savory food, local craft beers, and classic cocktails.
You will also love their full wine list and coffees.
The Bull Run Restaurant also boasts a variety of function rooms and special menu items that complement all types of events.
Groton has everything you could ever ask for.
From museums, trails, vineyards, and even free recreational centers, this town is truly a place everyone must see at least once in their lives.
If you’re a nature lover or history enthusiast, I can guarantee that you’ll have a great time in this place.
Aside from these, there are also animal sanctuaries and farms that will make your appreciation of wildlife grow more and more.
So on your next travel adventure, include this town, which will surely not disappoint!
Use this guide to explore the best things to do in Groton, Massachusetts, and make sure to also bring your friends and family with you!
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