Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Norfolk, MA

A rural suburban town of almost 12,000 residents, Norfolk is situated on the southwestern edge of the Boston metropolitan area, nestled in an upper valley of the Charles River.

The town’s early history revolves around a religious disagreement in the 18th century, prompting congregation members to depart from Wrentham and establish themselves in North Wrentham.

By the time of the Civil War, North Wrentham had developed sufficient infrastructure to be incorporated as its own municipality, receiving the name Norfolk.

At that time, Town Hill served as the municipal core of Norfolk and remains home to the Norfolk MBTA commuter rail station today.

Norfolk is conveniently located near Gillette Stadium, the esteemed home of the New England Patriots, and is recognized for its expansive conservation land, offering scenic hikes across rolling hills and alongside picturesque millponds created centuries ago.

1. Stony Brook Wildlife Sanctuary

Norfolk hosts one of the Massachusetts Audubon Society’s acclaimed sanctuaries. Encircling a beautiful millpond, Stony Brook Wildlife Sanctuary comprises a blend of forest, open fields, and an extensive wetland ecosystem.

An elevated boardwalk, extending over 500 feet, traverses this area, providing an excellent vantage point for observing the diverse wildlife supported by the marshes.

Additionally, there is a universally accessible post-and-rope “All Persons Trail,” with resources available in audio, braille, and large print.

Younger visitors will enjoy the Nature Play Area, while the sanctuary’s Nature Center features a gift shop, natural history exhibits, and a range of educational programs.

2. Norfolk Farmers’ Market

Since 2016, a summer farmers’ market has been held on Town Hill. Over the past few years, a vibrant community of vendors and patrons has formed, continually expanding the variety available each season.

On a typical week, attendees can find seasonal fruits and vegetables, pasture-raised meats, eggs, honey, cut flowers, fresh breads, pastries, and various handmade crafts.

During the season, expect to enjoy at least a couple of live music performances, in addition to family-oriented activities and an ice cream truck during warm weather.

The market operates from early June to the end of September, typically on Wednesday afternoons.

3. Lind Farm Conservation Area

This appealing wooded conservation area spans the Norfolk-Wrentham town boundary. Starting from the parking area on North St, you may be surprised by the extensive network of singletrack trails available, even alongside a new housing development.

The primary loop, which winds around the boundaries of the Lind Farm Conservation Area, exceeds four miles in length and is popular among mountain bikers.

One notable feature is an unusually large vernal pool, serving as a habitat for amphibians such as green frogs, wood frogs, and spring peepers.

4. The Tramp House

Located on Town Hill, adjacent to the library, there exists an intriguing remnant from the latter half of the 19th century.

In the post-Civil War years, thousands of itinerant men traversed north via the railroads in search of employment.

At one point, local residents offered them temporary shelter; however, towns eventually decided to construct “Tramp Houses.”

Only a few of these structures are still standing in Massachusetts, and the Norfolk Tramp House, built in 1886, is notably well-preserved and surrounded by lovely landscaping.

5. Jane & Paul’s Farm

Having been scaled back in recent years as the owners entered semi-retirement, Jane & Paul’s Farm remains one of Norfolk’s last remaining fruit and vegetable farms. During June, July, and August, visitors can pick their own fruit.

The blueberries, in particular, are exceptionally popular and grow considerably larger than those found in supermarkets—often the size of grapes.

At the farm stand, a wide variety of freshly picked fruits and vegetables are available, alongside herb plants for purchase.

6. Gillette Stadium

For those who might need a reminder, the impressive home of the New England Patriots is located within ten minutes of the center of Norfolk.

Finished in 2002, Gillette Stadium has coincided with an extraordinary period in the Patriots’ history, during which they captured nine conference championships and six Super Bowls.

The 65,878-seat stadium was undergoing its first major renovation project when this list was compiled, resulting in the installation of the largest outdoor video board in the United States.

The New England Revolution of Major League Soccer also use Gillette Stadium as their home ground, which will participate as one of the venues for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

7. Patriots Hall of Fame

A few years after the completion of Gillette Stadium, the Patriots Hall of Fame was inaugurated as an element of the Patriot Place development.

This high-tech interactive museum incorporates video, audio, and numerous hands-on exhibits, and has recently undergone a multimillion-dollar enhancement.

The primary focus is to relive the moments that defined the Patriots’ remarkable dynasty under Belichick and Tom Brady.

Visitors can learn about each of the team’s 19 (as of this writing) inductees, reflect on historic victories and defeats, gain insights into Belichick’s strategies, and admire an impressive collection of trophies, including those six Super Bowls.

8. Patriot Place

The shopping center adjacent to Gillette Stadium was established in two phases in the late 2000s and partially occupies the site of the former Foxboro Stadium, the previous home of the Patriots.

Patriot Place has transformed the stadium area into a year-round destination, particularly for dining and entertainment.

In addition to a considerable assortment of restaurants providing various cuisines — from traditional New England seafood to hibachi — there is a branch of Showcase Cinemas’ high-end De Lux theaters.

Moreover, the area includes a comedy club, a “paint and sip” studio, as well as stores like Bass Pro Shops, Trader Joe’s, Ulta Beauty, and Victoria’s Secret.

9. The Nature Trail and Cranberry Bog

Unexpectedly, the last remaining operational cranberry bog in Foxborough can be found tucked away behind Bass Pro Shops. This bog produces berries as part of the Ocean Spray cooperative.

Winding over a half-mile nature trail, the bog spans 16 acres and features a segment of raised boardwalk along with informative signs that explain the unique process of planting and harvesting cranberries.

The trail offers variety, meandering through woods and crossing the brook that drains the bog. If you visit in the fall, you may be fortunate enough to witness the harvest in progress.

10. Norfolk Public Library

Situated on Town Hill, Norfolk’s recently expanded public library features clapboard facades, gables, a lantern, and a cupola.

This site originally housed the North School House, constructed around the 1870s and relocated to this site in 1898, where it later served as a firehouse.

Subsequently, it functioned as a school once again from 1926 until the 1950s, at which point the current library was constructed around it. The historic schoolhouse now forms part of the building, preserved as the Jeanne D. Hill Room, which is utilized for meetings and exhibits.

In addition to offering numerous services and programs for Norfolk’s residents, the library serves as the venue for events like the town’s farmers’ market and the annual Cactus and Succulent Festival in September.

The Friends of the Norfolk Public Library also organize one of the state’s leading book sales each April.

11. Fore Kicks Sports Complex and Golf Course

The Fore Kicks chain of sports complexes has three locations in Massachusetts, including one situated in southeastern Norfolk.

Within its expansive 85,000 square feet, a variety of sports such as soccer, basketball, pickleball, field hockey, lacrosse, and volleyball can be played.

The complex serves as a hub for competitive leagues but is also accessible for drop-in sessions, rentals, and birthday celebrations. Golf enthusiasts will appreciate the indoor driving range (offering a large bucket for $12) and a lighted outdoor par 3 golf course.

12. Campbell Forest

This verdant area of deciduous woodlands is accessible on foot from Norfolk’s MBTA station. Established in 1972, Campbell Forest features a small parking area off North St, from which you can access a loop trail measuring just over one mile.

As you travel eastward, you’ll encounter a wetland area within the watershed of a brook that ultimately feeds into the Stop River.

Some sections of the trail include boardwalks across swampy areas, and a visit to Campbell Forest can easily be combined with a trip to Stony Brook Wildlife Sanctuary, located slightly further south along North St.

13. Norfolk Ice Arena

In operation since 1995, this ice rink serves Norfolk and several nearby communities throughout the year. Family-owned and operated, Norfolk Arena provides numerous programs for all ages.

The Norfolk Frost Skating School includes lessons for various ages and skill levels, and there are many leagues, programs, and public sessions available for both youth and adult hockey.

For those working to refine their skills, freestyle sessions are offered several times weekly.

Finally, if you’re simply seeking a relaxed atmosphere to spend some time on the ice, regular public skate sessions are available; details can be found on their website.

14. Norfolk Community Park

This excellent playground, which opened near the center of Norfolk in the 2010s, is ideal for families seeking activities for younger children.

Designed for children aged 2 to 12, Norfolk Community Park is particularly suitable for the younger age groups.

The circular layout features completely fenced areas surrounded by coniferous woods, including a variety of swings, climbing structures, slides, and a large sandbox.

The fenced bike path, which winds over a series of humps, allows ample shading for parents, alongside picnic tables providing easy access to parking facilities.

15. Noon Hill Reservation

Located a short distance away in Medfield, there exists a collection of properties managed by the Trustees of Reservations.

The most significant of these is the Noon Hill Reservation, centered around the 370-foot hill of the same name, which offers expansive views to the south, including sightlines of Gillette Stadium.

The slopes are covered with pine, hemlock, birch, and beech trees, featuring delightful wildflowers during the spring.

At one point, the land was cleared for agriculture but has since been reclaimed by nature, with stone walls remaining as reminders of its past.

Moreover, the Bay Circuit Trail traverses the reservation on its 230-mile journey through Greater Boston, leading around the shoreline of Holt Pond, which was created to power a mill in the 1760s.