Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Clinton, MA

Summary:

This vibrant town located northeast of Worcester was established in the mid-19th century by two brothers involved in the carpet manufacturing business.

Half a century later, the character of Clinton underwent a significant transformation when the Nashua River was dammed to create the Wachusett Reservoir, spanning an impressive seven square miles, which was the largest of its kind worldwide at that time.

The dike offers a picturesque walking path, while the panoramic walkway atop the dam is accessible to the public biannually.

Since 2010, Clinton has experienced a population increase of 15%, fostering a palpable sense of vibrancy in the downtown area, which boasts an array of dynamic restaurants, shops, community events, and a distinguished art destination at the Museum of Russian Icons.

1. Museum of Russian Icons

Situated at the southwest corner of Clinton’s Central Park, this exemplary museum is dedicated to Russian Orthodox icons.

The museum’s collection was curated by the Clinton-based plastics entrepreneur Gordon B. Lankton (1932-2021), who began acquiring icons after his first purchase at a Moscow market in 1989.

The collection has grown to include over 1,000 pieces, ranging from the mid-15th century to contemporary examples, organized thematically and chronologically.

Among the most noteworthy exhibits is the stunning Royal Doors, crafted in the 17th century for the high altar entrance in a church.

The Museum of Russian Icons also presents temporary exhibits from its extensive collections, as well as visiting exhibits, and hosts the Center for Icon Studies.

2. Downtown Clinton

The recent surge in Clinton’s population since the early 2010s has invigorated the town’s central commercial hub.

Primarily situated along High Street, this district has also benefited from a substantial revitalization initiative, enhancing the sidewalks in 2021.

Established businesses like Sunrise Boutique coexist with an exciting array of new coffee shops and international dining options.

Among the diverse offerings are The Vegan Nest Café (54 High St), Coffeelands (50 High St), Taqueria El Amigo (1 High St), Clintons Bar & Grille (27 High St), Zaytoon (72 High St), Simple Man Saloon and Grill (119 High St), and Thai Time (180 Church St).

Downtown Clinton is also recognized as a U.S. Historic District and is rich in 19th-century commercial architecture, primarily showcasing the Italianate style.

3. Central Park

Connecting downtown Clinton is a park established in the early 1850s, thanks to the generous donation of four acres by co-founder Horatio N. Bigelow.

The park’s centerpiece is the elegant Foster Fountain, presented to Clinton in 1890 by affluent resident John R. Foster, known for his chain of clothing stores across New England.

The current fountain is a replica, created in the late 1990s using original molds after the original was lost during the hurricane that struck New England in 1938.

Central Park features monuments honoring the Spanish-American War and the Civil War, and it serves as not only a beautiful venue for leisure on sunny days but also as a primary location for community events such as Clinton’s Olde Home Day in September.

4. Wachusett Dam and Wachusett Reservoir

No discussion of Clinton is complete without referencing the vast reservoir extending southwest from the town.

Upon its completion in 1905, it was the world’s largest public water supply reservoir, encompassing seven square miles, and it remains the second-largest body of water in Massachusetts.

The dam that holds back the river was the largest gravity dam globally and is still regarded as the largest hand-dug dam in existence.

As the reservoir is vital to Boston’s water supply, recreational activities are limited; however, much of the shoreline is accessible for fishing from April through November.

In Clinton, visitors can utilize the Dike Path, which runs along the North Dike, offering breathtaking views, particularly in the morning.

Additionally, there is a charming area at the base of the dam off River St, featuring a fountain and grassy spots suitable for gazing out over the Nashua River.

Twice each year, on Mother’s Day weekend and on the Sunday of Columbus Day, the DCR opens the walkway atop the Wachusett Dam to the public, providing a view worth the visit.

5. Clinton Historical Society

At the dawn of the 20th century, textile magnate Francis T. Holder constructed this impressive building downtown as a homage to his parents.

The Holder Memorial building was designated as the home of the Clinton Historical Society, which officially established its presence here in 1905.

The society organizes guided tours of this magnificent building on Saturday mornings, or during special society events and programs.

Inside, there are numerous artifacts to explore, including items from Clinton’s carpet industry, manual presses, and an extensive collection of Civil War memorabilia.

The interior also showcases decorative arts reflecting the wealth generated by the textile industry in Clinton, encompassing Meissen porcelain, portraits, and sculptures.

6. Clinton Train Tunnel

During the construction of the Wachusett Reservoir in the early 20th century, the Central Massachusetts Railroad required rerouting in Clinton.

This project involved multiple significant undertakings, notably a bridge over the Nashua River downstream from the dam and an impressive 1,110-foot tunnel located high on the east bank.

The rail line was decommissioned in 1958; while the bridge was dismantled in the subsequent decades, the tunnel remains, anticipating transformation into part of the 104-mile Mass Central Rail Trail in the near future.

The tunnel, damp and mysterious, has intrigued locals for decades, especially among those interested in the paranormal. As of now, the structure is temporarily closed for safety improvements related to the rail trail.

7. Strand Theatre

As this list was compiled, the Strand Theatre had been permanently closed for approximately a year due to the impacts of the Covid pandemic.

This historically significant venue first opened in 1924 as a dual-purpose vaudeville and motion picture theatre, serving as a premier entertainment location in downtown until its closure in the 1970s.

After a period of inactivity, the theatre reopened in the 1990s as a combination cinema and grille, featuring small tables attached to the seating along with a menu that includes American comfort food, beer, and wine.

The Strand Theatre has become such an integral aspect of local culture in Clinton that its permanent closure seems unlikely, especially as conditions improve following the pandemic.

8. New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill

Cascading over a glacial hill on the eastern shore of the Wachusett Reservoir, this distinguished botanical garden serves as the headquarters for the Worcester County Horticultural Society (established in 1840), the third oldest of its kind in the United States.

The New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill is a mere ten-minute drive from downtown Clinton and features a variety of themed gardens, structures, and plant collections.

Within its premises, visitors can explore the Stoddard Education and Visitors Center, the Orangerie greenhouse, the Limonaia, and the expansive 14,000-square-foot Winter Garden.

Further along, there are delightful areas such as the Cottage Garden, Secret Garden, Pliny’s Allée, the Vegetable Garden, the Wildlife Garden, and the Italian Renaissance-style Systematic Garden, among others.

The Harrington Apple Orchard is particularly noteworthy, housing 238 trees that cultivate 119 heritage apple varieties, all dating back to before the 20th century.

9. Davis Farmland

Boasting a legacy that spans seven generations and approximately 180 years, the Davis Farm in nearby Sterling has flourished as a family-oriented destination since the early 1990s.

Designed for children up to the age of seven, Davis Farmland is renowned for its extensive collection of endangered and heritage domestic breeds, which includes Poitou donkeys and Highland cattle.

A myriad of attractions are specifically tailored for young visitors, featuring giant slides, a dinosaur dig, modern play structures, and an expansive splash pad rivaling any water park.

Additionally, traditional seasonal farm activities are available, such as apple picking in the fall, where visitors can also attempt to navigate the legendary Davis Mega Maze.

10. Bolton Orchards

Just a stone’s throw away in Bolton, a thriving farm cultivates a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, including 25 different types of apples.

Bolton Orchards has operated a farm stand since 1945, which has significantly expanded over the years.

Visitors can purchase exceptional fresh produce as it comes into season, along with a harvest schedule to inform them of what’s available for picking before visiting.

The farm also features a deli offering a tempting selection of prepared foods such as homemade soups and pizza, in addition to a bakery producing treats like apple cider donuts, an ice cream window, locally roasted coffee at the Red Barn Coffee Cafe, and shelves stocked with premium and locally-sourced specialty items.

11. Rauscher Farm

In 2008, the town acquired this diverse 60-acre parcel of nature located on the northern shores of Clamshell Pond.

The historic significance of this area dates back to the mid-17th century, with generations of farming having taken place here prior to the town’s acquisition.

The property features a variety of habitats, including the open waters of Clamshell Pond, wetlands, woodlands, fenced pastures, shrublands, and grasslands.

During the summer, the grasslands provide essential nesting sites for birds, butterflies, and bees, showcasing an impressive array of wildflowers throughout the seasons.

12. Fuller Field

This site, located near the Nashua River at 560 High Street, has been the venue for organized baseball since at least 1878, thereby earning recognition as the world’s oldest ballpark still in continuous use as reported by the Guinness Book of World Records.

In the early years, notable figures included future Hall of Fame pitcher Tim Keefe (1857-1933), who played for the minor league Clinton Base Ball Club early in his career.

The park’s historical significance was highlighted by local historian A.J. Bastarache, who uncovered an old oilcloth survey map revealing its age. In addition to the classic diamond, the site also hosts a little league baseball field and a football field equipped with bleachers.

13. Dexter Drumlin Reservation

Located just five minutes from Clinton, this small reservation features a distinctive landform shaped by retreating glaciers at the conclusion of the last ice age.

At 311 feet above sea level, the spoon-like Dexter Drumlin exemplifies its geological type, offering scenic vistas of Lancaster to the east and northeast.

The land is under the stewardship of the Trustees of Reservations and includes a tributary of the Nashua River, creating wet meadows on its western side.

Visitors can reach the summit via a one-mile mowed footpath, with the slopes also providing an ideal location for sledding during the winter months.

14. Clinton’s Olde Home Day

Conducted in Central Park, Olde Home Day is an annual celebration that commenced in 1995 to mark Clinton’s 150th anniversary.

This event commonly takes place on the second weekend of September and features activities, games, and entertainment for all ages.

Among the more entertaining highlights is the bed race, where teams push beds on wheels down the street while a helmeted passenger rides atop.

Additionally, attendees can enjoy live music, an outdoor movie screening, a raffle, street performers, local food vendors, and artisans from throughout New England.

15. Summer Sidewalk Fest

Each August, Clinton showcases its thriving downtown with an afternoon of festivities, commerce, and culinary delights.

Originating over 50 years ago, this event adopts a different theme each year, evolving from the Sidewalk Sales Days that once encompassed the entire downtown district.

Though the Summer Sidewalk Fest has scaled down, it remains an excellent opportunity to spotlight the numerous independent businesses flourishing in the downtown area.

High Street will be closed to vehicular traffic, and visitors can take advantage of discounts at various stores, alongside food trucks, live music, engaging activities for children, and craft beer provided by Clinton’s Sterling Street Brewery.