Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Fairhaven, MA

Across the harbor from the historic whaling port of New Bedford, Fairhaven is a coastal municipality characterized by a range of impressive turn-of-the-century public buildings.

These significant structures, such as schools, the Town Hall, and the Millicent Library, were generously donated by industrialist Henry H. Rogers.

Rogers was an executive at Standard Oil, which was the leading petroleum company globally during that period.

Showcasing one of New England’s most exquisite townscapes, many of these edifices continue to function as intended, and visitors can explore them through guided or self-directed walking tours.

A visit to Fairhaven should extend beyond the downtown area, as there is a wealth of attractions along the Buzzards Bay coastline, which includes beaches, salt marshes, and coastal woodlands, preserved as conservation areas or state parks.

1. Henry H. Rogers Tour

The most significant contribution to Fairhaven’s architectural landscape came from native industrialist Henry H. Rogers (1840-1909), who financed an array of opulent projects in his hometown during the late 19th century.

Beginning with a grammar school in 1885, Rogers gifted Fairhaven an ensemble of landmarks distinguished by their rare beauty, all constructed in Revivalist architectural styles.

Notable buildings include the Town Hall (1892), Millicent Library (1893), the Unitarian Memorial Church (1901), and the grand Fairhaven High School (1905).

These structures were all designed by Boston architect Charles Brigham (1841-1925). Visitors may download a self-guided tour that leads to these sites and additional Rogers-related locations, offering further historical context.

Every Thursday morning from June through September, a guided walking tour departs from the Town Hall at 10 AM.

2. Fort Phoenix State Reservation

Protecting the rocky entrance to New Bedford Harbor from the east, Fort Phoenix was constructed in 1775 and participated in the first naval engagement of the American Revolutionary War.

This fortification was later destroyed by British forces in 1778 and received the name Fort Phoenix in 1784 after one of several reconstructions.

The five cannons stationed on the parapet are Model 1819 24-pounders, which have remained since prior to the Civil War. The encompassing reservation has drawn visitors since the 1880s when trolleys transported day-trippers from New Bedford.

The site features half a mile of accessible sandy beach, ample grassy areas within the park, and various amenities, including tennis courts, sand volleyball courts, and a children’s playground.

3. Visitors Center & Historical Society Museum

Adjacent to the impressive Fairhaven High School is an older educational facility dating back to 1798. Constructed in the Federal style, this building was transformed into Fairhaven Academy after the town’s incorporation in 1812.

Throughout most of the 19th century, the building served multiple functions, functioning as an educational institution, as well as hosting religious services and town meetings.

Operating from June through September (excluding Wednesdays and Sundays), the Visitors Center serves as a valuable initial stop in Fairhaven, providing maps and brochures for local attractions and events.

The local historical society features an engaging and frequently updated exhibition of local artifacts, covering topics such as Fort Phoenix, the whaling industry, and Henry H. Rogers.

4. Phoenix Bike Trail

Visitors can explore much of Fairhaven, from its lush urban landscapes to its woodlands, farmlands, and salt marshes, without the necessity of a vehicle.

The Phoenix Bike Trail spans 4.5 miles across the town from east to west, featuring a 1.7-mile extension proceeding south along Sconticut Neck peninsula.

This trail follows the old railbed of a long-abandoned railway, running parallel to Route 6. It is wide and paved, making it suitable for cyclists, walkers, and runners, while showcasing the town’s diverse habitats.

At the eastern terminus, after passing Nasketucket Bay State Reservation, the trail connects with the Mattapoisett Rail Trail at the town boundary.

5. Riverside Cemetery

In the mid-19th century, following the overcrowding of Fairhaven’s original burial ground, a new cemetery was established adjacent to the Acushnet River.

This site was founded by Warren Delano, Jr. (1809-1898), the maternal grandfather of Franklin D. Roosevelt, who acquired these 14 acres and bequeathed them to the town. Visitors can pay their respects at the Delano tomb, where 20 family members, including William, Jr., are interred.

This solemn tribute was completed in 1859 and designed by renowned architect Richard Morris Hunt (1827-1895).

Of greater grandeur is the mausoleum of Henry H. Rogers, alongside a Civil War monument designed by George F. Meacham (1831-1917), erected in memory of Fairhaven’s fallen soldiers and sailors in 1868.

6. Unitarian Memorial Church

This church is widely regarded as one of the finest in the area; the Unitarian Memorial is a Gothic Revival structure established in 1901, reflecting the English Perpendicular Gothic style of the 15th and 16th centuries.

The exterior is crafted from local granite, complemented by intricately carved Indiana limestone, while the interior boasts rich marble and limestone decorations.

Rogers employed numerous Italian artisans, as well as an additional 45 Bavarian woodcarvers for the exquisite choir screen, organ cases, pulpit, and pews.

Other striking features entail the organ, stained glass windows, the sanctuary’s bronze doors, the canopied baptismal font, and the tower, which rises to 165 feet and is visible for miles. Visitors can check the church’s website for guided tours.

7. Millicent Library

Among the Rogers-sponsored constructions from the turn of the 20th century is this distinguished library building, inaugurated in 1893. Named in honor of Henry’s daughter, Millicent, who tragically passed away due to heart failure in 1890 at the tender age of 17.

The Millicent Library showcases a blend of Italian Renaissance and Romanesque Revival architectural elements, acclaimed for its red slate roof, elaborate terracotta moldings, and a prominent stained glass window depicting Millicent as the Muse of Poetry, crafted by Clayton and Bell of London.

Mark Twain expressed high praise for the library upon his visit following the dedication of Fairhaven Town Hall in 1894. The library’s rich collections include artifacts relating to Nakahama Manjirō (1827-1898), one of the first Japanese individuals to reside in the United States.

He opted to settle in Fairhaven in 1841 after being rescued from an uninhabited island, Torishima, by whaler William H. Whitfield after a shipwreck.

8. Fairhaven Town Hall

Across Center Street from Millicent Library stands another remarkable landmark bequeathed to the town by Rogers, designed by Brigham.

Similar to the Unitarian Memorial Church, the Fairhaven Town Hall (1892) features a Revivalist design, merging Romanesque and Gothic stylistic elements.

Still housing several municipal offices, the town hall was originally the site of the post office, police department, and three jail cells. The most striking exterior feature is the clock tower, crowned with a crocketed roof.

The interior is adorned with stained glass, oak paneling, and solid brass fixtures, culminating in a magnificent auditorium on the second floor.

This venue continues to host events and once welcomed Rogers’ friend Mark Twain, who addressed the audience during the dedication ceremony in 1894.

9. West Island State Reservation

Situated in Buzzards Bay, Fairhaven’s windswept West Island appears to be remote, yet it is only a 15-minute drive from downtown.

The eastern sector of the island is safeguarded by a state reservation, comprising rocky beaches, secluded coves, woodlands, and wild salt marshes, traversed by approximately two miles of trails for invigorating walks through pristine natural scenery.

Nestled on the island’s south shore is Fairhaven’s town beach, which provides lifeguards from late June through Labor Day.

Historically, it was possible for both residents and non-residents to acquire a day-pass at the entrance. However, in the current year of this article’s compilation, visitors must go to the Board of Public Works downtown to obtain a seasonal pass. This condition may be subject to change when you arrive.

10. Nasketucket Bay State Reservation

A highly recommended detour for anyone traversing the Phoenix Bike Trail is this 200+ acre expanse of coastal pine forest, rugged shores, meadows, and salt marshes that border Nasketucket Bay.

This land was designated for development prior to its establishment as a reservation, with trails aligning the paths of intended driveways and house clearings.

The reservation is additionally bordered by a complex of conservation lands such as Shaw Farm and Carvalho Farm, resulting in hundreds of acres of protected nature for exploration.

Visitors can observe the rocky shoreline and gaze out over Nasketucket Bay, which is dotted with numerous small islands, extending to West Island and Buzzards Bay.

11. Fairhaven Hurricane Barrier

The densely urbanized shorelines of Fairhaven and New Bedford are secured by a barrier constructed in the 1960s at the mouth of the Acushnet River.

This structure, comprising thousands of feet of earth-filled dikes extending across the harbor and along the coastline, was built at a cost of $18.6 million, following significant flooding caused by hurricanes in 1938 and 1954.

The barrier reaches a maximum height of 20 feet, featuring a 150-foot gated opening for maritime traffic. For public use, the paved walkway atop the barrier is a popular fishing destination, offering stunning views of New Bedford Harbor, especially enchanting at sunset.

12. Little Bay Conservation Area

Exploring Fairhaven’s shoreline and natural interior can be accomplished by visiting the various town-owned conservation areas situated throughout the region.

A noteworthy location that is also easily accessible is the marshy zone at the mouth of the Nasketucket River. Here, Little Bay flows into Nasketucket Bay, providing a habitat rich in shellfish and supporting wading birds such as egrets and herons.

An extension of the Phoenix Bike Trail, measuring 1.7 miles, runs alongside the western boundary of the 70-acre conservation area, offering picturesque vistas of both bays. The views are particularly striking when one ventures to the pier that extends into Little Bay.

13. Shipyard Farm Trails

Venture down Sconticut Neck to explore this coastal conservation area situated at the juncture of agricultural land and salt marsh.

The optimal time to visit Shipyard Farm is during the early morning hours, when one can witness the sunrise illuminating Nasketucket Bay and West Island.

The reservation covers slightly over 50 acres and features a tranquil hayfield, woodlands, and salt marsh, replete with intriguing remnants of early settlement, including centuries-old cellar holes and stone walls.

Wildlife enthusiasts may encounter deer and rabbits on the dryer terrain, while ospreys, gulls, and crabs frequently inhabit the shoreline.

14. Huttleston Marketplace

This large seasonal market convenes on the grounds of the Visitors Center and Museum, adjacent to Fairhaven High School.

From late May through September, Huttleston Marketplace represents a vibrant weekly gathering featuring local produce, prepared foods, and an array of arts and crafts.

On any given week, visitors can find up to 80 vendors from 10 AM to 3 PM, offering locally sourced fruits, honey, eggs, pastries, antiques, home decor, used books, pottery, jewelry, woodworking products, candles, clothing, artisanal soaps, and much more.

Typically, all crafts presented must be handmade, and the market occurs weekly, regardless of weather conditions.

15. Fairhaven Farmers’ Market

If you are in the area on a Sunday during the summer, there is an additional farmers’ market held at a field located at 151 Alden Road.

This market focuses on groceries more than crafts and is organized by various farms and businesses from Fairhaven and its immediate surroundings.

Typically, visitors can expect to find fresh seasonal produce, grass-fed meats, fresh scallops directly from local fishermen, raw honey, eggs, breads, cakes, scones, homemade lemonade, and other local specialties. Ample parking is available on-site, and the market affords free space for non-profit organizations.