{"id":54756,"date":"2022-12-03T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2022-12-03T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.travellens.co\/best-things-to-do-in-haverhill-ma\/"},"modified":"2024-03-30T18:57:00","modified_gmt":"2024-03-30T18:57:00","slug":"best-things-to-do-in-haverhill-ma","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.travellens.co\/best-things-to-do-in-haverhill-ma\/","title":{"rendered":"15 Best Things to Do in Haverhill, MA"},"content":{"rendered":"
Haverhill, located in Essex County, Massachusetts, is a vibrant city rich with history and plenty of activities for tourists.<\/p>\n
Known as the \u201cQueen Slipper City,\u201d Haverhill had a vast top-notch shoe industry for over a century.<\/p>\n
Haverhill is an excellent location to learn about history or relax and enjoy the scenery.<\/p>\n
Art lovers will enjoy exploring the many art galleries downtown, while nature enthusiasts can spend a day hiking or biking in one of the city\u2019s many parks.<\/p>\n
What are you waiting for?<\/p>\n
Check out these 15 best things to do in Haverhill, Massachusetts.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
John Phelan<\/a>, CC BY 3.0<\/a>, via Wikimedia Commons<\/p>\n Adding a museum or two to your vacation itinerary is an excellent way of getting an educational glimpse into the area\u2019s past.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re ever in Haverhill, this museum should be on your itinerary.<\/p>\n The Buttonwoods Museum<\/a> got its name from the sycamore trees, also known as buttonwoods, planted on the property in the early 1740s by Hugh Tallent, Haverhill\u2019s first Irish immigrant.<\/p>\n The museum contains a diverse array of artifacts from Native Americans and an extensive collection of shoes and shoemaking tools on display that represents Haverhill\u2019s former role as a world leader in the shoe industry.<\/p>\n The Frederick A. Luce Collection is a must-see, especially for its archaeological artifacts.<\/p>\n There\u2019s even a curated list of things to look out for a while at the museum, such as the Haverhill Deed, Man\u2019s Wedding Shoes, the Red Cape, Worshipping Oak, and the Civil War flag, to name a few!<\/p>\n Check these recommendations when you visit Buttonwoods Museum in Haverhill.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Beckwith-Zink (Diane) from Haverhill, MA, USA<\/a>, CC BY 2.0<\/a>, via Wikimedia Commons<\/p>\n The Winnekenni Castle<\/a> in Haverhill is a great place with stunning Victorian structures that will make you feel you are a noble from the past.<\/p>\n Dr. James R. Nichols built this historic landmark out of native stone in 1875 as his summer home, located within the over 200 acres of Winnekenni Park Conservation land.<\/p>\n Castle visitors pass through a Gothic door that opens into a Grecian drawing room large enough to host the guests of past centuries.<\/p>\n It has a dining room design with a Pompeian style, and walls finished with black walnut, and Roman-tiled floors for the library, sleeping room, storeroom, kitchen, and laundry area.<\/p>\n This castle has other stunning features you will see when you tour here.<\/p>\n You can also hold events on the castle grounds and feel you are hosting a party like an aristocrat.<\/p>\n Above all, you will have an enjoyable, sophisticated time here at Winnekenni Castle!<\/p>\n The Haverhill Public Library<\/a> is the best place if you are a bookworm.<\/p>\n In 1873, E.J.M Hale, a wealthy industrialist, reached an agreement with the City of Haverhill to found the Haverhill Public Library.<\/p>\n The library now has a wide variety of books, magazines, and other materials you can read and borrow.<\/p>\n You can also scroll through the collections in the library, including the archives, local history, genealogy, and research materials.<\/p>\n You\u2019ll learn a thing or two by reading books about Haverhill at this library!<\/p>\n <\/p>\n John Phelan<\/a>, CC BY-SA 3.0<\/a>, via Wikimedia Commons<\/p>\n Come to Tattersall Farm for an educational, fun day out!<\/p>\n If you have a green thumb and want to learn more about farming, the Tattersall Farm<\/a> is the best place to gain knowledge.<\/p>\n The Tattersall family owned this rolling, one-fourth-acre Haverhill land for most of the 1900s.<\/p>\n Several of Tattersall Farm\u2019s plants even date back to the 19th century.<\/p>\n Haverhill\u2019s Tattersall Farm is a cultural treasure and a great place to learn about farming, beekeeping, and animal care.<\/p>\n On special days throughout the year, the farm offers visitors exciting activities such as puppet shows, pony rides, or hayrides.<\/p>\n The farm includes wheat fields, grasslands, and a massive forest with plenty of opportunity for hikers, joggers, and cross-country skiers to explore.<\/p>\n Nowadays, Tattersall is kept primarily as an example of rural New England life in the past.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Se\u00f1orBrett<\/a>, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons<\/p>\n The Bradford Rail Trail<\/a> is one of the best places to walk in Haverhill.<\/p>\n This trail is a half-mile path between the Basiliere and Comeau Bridges by the Merrimack River.<\/p>\n It has opened for public use since 2008.<\/p>\n This trail was constructed exclusively for pedestrians, bicyclists, joggers, and many more through city efforts and support from the Friends of the Bradford Rail Trail organization.<\/p>\n Several exciting features to look out for as you explore the trail.<\/p>\n One includes the \u201cWildlife in the Merrimack River Watershed,\u201d a painting on the exquisitely designed building and signages rich with history and educational value.<\/p>\n New sculptures have been installed on the trail, thanks to the city government and volunteer groups.<\/p>\n These sculptures helped inspire the art walks that everyone can enjoy.<\/p>\n Enjoy your time walking here on Bradford Rail Trail!<\/p>\n <\/p>\n John Phelan<\/a>, CC BY 3.0<\/a>, via Wikimedia Commons<\/p>\n The old buildings in the Rocks Village Historic District<\/a> will take you back in time, letting you experience the village\u2019s history first-hand.<\/p>\n The Rocks Village neighborhood was established in the 1640s.<\/p>\n Over time, it became a thriving fishing community that exported pickled herring to Europe.<\/p>\n By 1790, the village already had a shipyard and distillery.<\/p>\n The village has almost 300 years of history and has retained many prominent old buildings, including those on historic Colby\u2019s Lane, East Main Street, River Road, and Wharf Lane.<\/p>\n Travel back in time and explore the Rocks Village Historic District when you visit Haverhill.<\/p>\n If you are fond of arts and crafts, the Shoe Town Art Center is a place for you.<\/p>\n Since 2010, the Shoe Town Art Center<\/a> has been passionate about helping people pursue their love of art and creativity.<\/p>\n The art center boasts a highly talented faculty, exceptional staff, and motivated students, creating an environment ideal for creativity to thrive.<\/p>\n They have personalized learning methods that cater to the individual needs of each student so they can reach their full creative potential.<\/p>\n You will love crafting your artwork, whether ceramics, pottery, painting, sculpting, drawing, art games, and many more.<\/p>\n The Shoe Town Art Center is always putting on new displays of local talent.<\/p>\n Stop by and be amazed, then maybe find inspiration for your art.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Printhusiast<\/a>, CC BY-SA 4.0<\/a>, via Wikimedia Commons<\/p>\n Do you want to know the history of print?<\/p>\n The Museum of Printing<\/a> is a must-see destination for anyone interested in the history and technology behind printing and typesetting.<\/p>\n The museum was designed to showcase the artistry and craftsmanship in this field, making it a truly unique attraction.<\/p>\n This includes everything from multiple exhibits and collections to old machines used for each process.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Printhusiast<\/a>, CC BY-SA 4.0<\/a>, via Wikimedia Commons<\/p>\n You will witness how printing methods improved and changed over time in the exhibits that show the evolutions of printing.<\/p>\n The museum also has an onsite library with books and documents about printing that you can read during your visit.<\/p>\n Learn about the evolution of the printed materials you read and hold at the Museum of Printing.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Printhusiast<\/a>, CC BY-SA 4.0<\/a>, via Wikimedia Commons<\/p>\n Discover the items, pictures, and records that depict life in New England for over four centuries at Historic New England<\/a> in Haverhill.<\/p>\n Historic New England has amassed over 123,000 items and 1.5 million archives in their collections.<\/p>\n The items explain how people in New England have lived since the 17th century.<\/p>\n You will be amazed by the wide range of collections inside the building.<\/p>\n They also have collections of photographs and documents about Haverhill, too!<\/p>\n Enjoy these collections as you visit Historic New England.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Midnightdreary<\/a>, CC BY-SA 4.0<\/a>, via Wikimedia Commons<\/p>\n To know more about John Greenleaf Whittier, try visiting the Whittier Birthplace.<\/a><\/p>\n Whittier Birthplace is the historic farmhouse where the poet John Greenleaf Whittier, a Quaker poet and abolitionist, was born in 1807.<\/p>\n He also created the Republican Party.<\/p>\n Visitors can glimpse where Whittier grew up and learn about his early life.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Midnightdreary<\/a>, CC BY-SA 4.0<\/a>, via Wikimedia Commons<\/p>\n The museum also has a collection of Whittier\u2019s writings, including some of his famous poems.<\/p>\n Most of the poet\u2019s works are in the Whittier Birthplace, attracting many people.<\/p>\n The farmhouse is now a museum open to the public for tours.<\/p>\n Riverside Park<\/a>, located on a curve in the Merrimack river, offers stunning views of the wooded southern bank.<\/p>\n The outdoor recreation activities at this park are endless. <\/p>\n You can play on its baseball fields, tennis, and basketball courts, as well as a playground for your kids.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re looking for a peaceful escape, take a walk on the park trail.<\/p>\n Otherwise, spend quality time with your family with a picnic in the fields.<\/p>\n There\u2019s also a dog park so you can bond with your beloved dogs.<\/p>\n Take your time and visit the beautiful Riverside Park.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Marie Christiane \/ Shutterstock.com<\/p>\n Haverhill also has the best hiking trails.<\/p>\n Lake Kenoza<\/a> is the perfect destination for a hike while enjoying stunning views of the lake and its natural surroundings.<\/p>\n This 6.4-km loop trail near Haverhill is excellent for beginners and only takes an hour and 24 minutes to finish.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Marie Christiane \/ Shutterstock.com<\/p>\n You might also want to try cross-country skiing and horseback riding, open all year round in this beautiful area.<\/p>\n Have fun while hiking at Lake Kenoza!<\/p>\n Tasting wines in Willow Spring Vineyard<\/a> is a memorable experience.<\/p>\n Willow Spring Vineyard is a family-owned and operated vineyard and winery located in Haverhill.<\/p>\n It currently offers a variety of red and white wines from French hybrid grapes.<\/p>\n Each wine gives an exquisite taste of locally grown grapes used to produce these wines.<\/p>\n The vineyard is open for tastings and tours seven days a week, where you can explore the stunning grounds and learn about the process of winemaking.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re feeling peckish, take advantage of the vineyard\u2019s picnic area!<\/p>\n Stop by the Willow Spring Vineyard and taste their fantastic wines.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Magicpiano<\/a>, CC BY-SA 3.0<\/a>, via Wikimedia Commons<\/p>\nFeel Like Royalty at Winnekenni Castle<\/h2>\n
Read Books at Haverhill Public Library<\/h2>\n
Learn Farming at Tattersall Farm<\/h2>\n
Make Your Way to the Bradford Rail Trail<\/h2>\n
Step Back in Time at Rocks Village Historic District<\/h2>\n
Channel Your Artistic Side at Shoe Town Art Center<\/h2>\n
Learn about the Evolution of Printing at the Museum of Printing<\/h2>\n
Explore Historic New England<\/h2>\n
Learn about John Greenleaf Whittier at Whittier Birthplace<\/h2>\n
Explore Riverside Park<\/h2>\n
Go Hiking at Lake Kenoza<\/h2>\n
Taste Fine Wine at Willow Spring Vineyard<\/h2>\n
Admire the Beauty of Duston-Dustin Garrison House<\/h2>\n