Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Tyngsborough, MA

Located on both banks of the Merrimack River, Tyngsborough is a picturesque town situated at the MA/NH border, identifiable by its distinctive green-painted through-arch bridge.

Established in the 1930s and positioned adjacent to the historical center of the town, this bridge stands as the sole crossing for several miles in either direction.

Tyngsborough—also known as Tyngsboro—is traversed by Route 3, which serves as a focal point for a commercial corridor featuring various stores, visitor attractions, restaurants, an AMC theater, and the Pheasant Lane Mall, one of the largest shopping centers in New Hampshire.

For those seeking tranquility, Route 3 can be left behind to explore an array of peaceful, town-managed conservation lands and the over 1,000 acres of woodlands and wetlands within Lowell-Dracut-Tyngsboro State Forest.

1. The Butterfly Place

This unique natural environment lies along the Tyngsborough-Westford town boundary. The Butterfly Place features a greenhouse that houses an indoor garden filled with hundreds of butterflies, both exotic and local to New England.

Here, visitors can witness a vibrant array of colors as these insects flutter about, basking in sunlight on the leaves or feeding on the various flowering plants.

An informative 15-minute introductory video provides insights into butterflies and their renowned lifecycle, allowing visitors to view eggs and caterpillars in terrariums up close.

The butterflies coexist with koi fish and quail, and a gift shop offers books, butterfly-themed merchandise, and specialized hatch and release kits.

2. Parlee Farms

Occupying a scenic 100-acre site adjacent to the Merrimack River, this family-run farm commenced operations in 1987, focusing on U-Pick fruit and flowers.

The fruit-picking season at Parlee Farms is extensive, commencing with strawberries in mid-June and concluding with pumpkins in late October.

Besides mid-summer blueberries, the peak months are August, September, and October, when apple picking is at its height.

More than 20 apple varieties are available, ranging from Honey Crisp to Golden Delicious; visitors are encouraged to check the website for current availability.

The farm stand showcases an array of farm-fresh produce, delectable treats such as apple cider donuts, and a variety of homemade or locally sourced gourmet products, including maple syrup, honey, jams, sauces, and dressings.

3. Lowell-Dracut-Tyngboro State Forest

In southeastern Tyngsborough, visitors can enjoy access to over 1,100 acres of forested land interspersed with swamps, ponds, streams, and vernal pools.

Extending into neighboring towns, the Lowell-Dracut-Tyngsboro State Forest features various trails suitable for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding, in addition to snowmobiling and cross-country skiing during the winter months.

A series of fire roads and double track trails create an ideal setting for leisurely bike rides, with an expanding singletrack system offering up to three hours of serious mountain biking.

Lake Althea, the largest body of water within the forest, is located in the Tyngsborough region, complete with a car-top boat launch on Althea Avenue.

4. Old Town Hall

Tyngsborough’s most valuable historical edifice is the Old Town Hall, an elegant wooden structure erected in 1834.

Originally a church for the local Baptist congregation, it showcases a design that reflects the transition from Federal to Greek Revival architecture.

In 1857, the structure was sold to the town and served as the administrative center until the 1990s.

Following the discovery of a termite infestation, these administrative functions were relocated, and the building underwent a significant multimillion-dollar restoration in the early 2010s, reopening in 2014.

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 2005, the Old Town Hall currently serves a ceremonial purpose, hosting civic events and special hearings.

5. Sullivan Farms Homemade Ice Cream

Adjacent to the Merrimack River, complemented by a picturesque grassy area at the back, this bustling ice cream establishment has been serving customers for over 25 years.

Sullivan Farms Homemade Ice Cream features more than 50 permanent flavors, enhanced by an additional 30+ seasonal varieties, ensuring a fresh experience with each visit.

A must-try flavor is the Vanilla Fudge Brownie, enriched with generous chunks of chewy brownie.

Options include cups, cones, frappes, floats, sundaes, or banana splits, alongside a selection of frozen yogurts (95% fat-free), ranging from black raspberry to cookie dough.

6. Mascuppic Lake (Town Beach)

Located just north of the Lowell-Dracut-Tyngsboro State Forest, the 209-acre Mascuppic Lake is a focal point for summer recreation.

During this season, the Town Beach, positioned on the western shore, opens to the public. Surrounded by a park, the beach features over 250 feet of sandy shoreline and a range of amenities, including a walk-in boat launch, playground, picnic tables, restroom facilities, and tetherball.

In the park’s interior, competitive youth baseball games are hosted on three Cal Ripken youth baseball diamonds.

7. Pheasant Lane Mall

Adjacent to the Merrimack River, a commercial corridor runs along Middlesex Road as it enters Nashua, NH.

Just across the state line lies one of New Hampshire’s largest shopping malls, featuring close to 140 stores and services.

The Pheasant Lane Mall, inaugurated in 1986, faced the intriguing challenge of ensuring that the entire mall was situated on the New Hampshire side of the border, where there is no sales tax.

Upon discovering inaccuracies in the state line plans, developers reconfigured the section of JCPenney that extended across the border.

As of the current date, well-known national and international chains such as Target, Apple, Torrid, Foot Locker, Forever 21, Victoria’s Secret, Sephora, Lush, LEGO, and Build-A-Bear Workshop are present.

Culinary offerings include famous food court fixtures such as Sbarro, Sarku Japan, and Auntie Anne’s, alongside locations for Chick-fil-A, Buffalo Wild Wings, Dairy Queen, and Red Robin.

8. Sherburne Nature Center

This municipally-owned conservation area, situated west of Mascuppic Lake, is named after the local Sherburne family, who generously donated these 80 acres of rich hardwood forest, meadows, vernal pools, and a beaver pond in 1999.

The Sherburne Nature Center offers four well-marked trails with sections of boardwalk navigating through damp terrains.

None of the trails are extensive or steep, making this one of the select areas in Tyngsborough where individuals can enjoy a brief immersion in nature before continuing with their day.

Ample benches and picnic tables are available, and the Nature Center organizes various educational programs and events throughout the year.

9. Max’s Country Golf

Located just south of the Pheasant Lane Mall, Max’s Country Golf serves as a golf-centric family entertainment venue.

The primary attraction is an 18-hole mini golf course designed in a theme park style, complete with artificial rock formations, quaint rural buildings, a stream, and what is touted as the tallest manmade waterfall in the Northeast.

Alongside this, visitors can enjoy bumper boats, baseball and softball batting cages, and a driving range featuring 50 tee stations. For a delightful treat, Max’s Country Golf also features an ice cream stand, serving Richardson’s Homemade Ice Cream, produced nearby in Middleton, MA.

10. Long Pond Shores

The town hosts another attractive property on the western shore of Long Pond. From 1950 to 1994, this area functioned as Camp Kiwanis, a Girl Scout camp that fell into disrepair before Tyngsborough acquired it in 2003.

Long Pond Shores boasts nearly 50 acres of lush deciduous forest, intertwined with walking and biking paths.

A newly developed accessible trail stretching from Alden Road to the lakeshore has recently been opened, enhancing accessibility for visitors with disabilities. Additionally, a walk-in boat launch and various swimming areas are available on-site.

11. Haystack Observatory

Situated in a secluded area along the Tyngsborough-Westford boundary, the Haystack Observatory represents a globally significant multidisciplinary research facility managed by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).

Founded in 1960, the Haystack Observatory comprises a radio science center, an ionospheric observatory, and an astronomical microwave observatory.

Its mission, as stated by the facility, is to “advance technology for radio science applications, enhance our understanding of the structure of our galaxy and the broader universe, improve scientific knowledge of our planet and its space environment, and contribute to the education of emerging scientists and engineers.”

If you are interested in how MIT’s scientists and engineers investigate the Universe through radio wave studies, the Haystack Observatory organizes captivating open house events annually on the third Thursday of May and October.

12. Bell Trail

For a swift retreat into nature, a 16-acre woodland area is conveniently located adjacent to Tyngsborough’s town hall and public library.

This land was generously donated to the town by one Edward Bell in 1996, and lies alongside a historic mink farm. Occasionally, visitors may spot a mink in the woods, descending from one of the escaped individuals.

Enshrouded by hardwood and evergreen trees, a mile-long path is lined with original stone walls that date back centuries. The trail is well-marked and perfectly suited for a refreshing lunch break or a family stroll with younger children.

13. AMC Tyngsboro 12

Located next to the Pheasant Lane Mall, in a shopping complex on the Massachusetts side, AMC Tyngsboro 12 has been operational since 1991.

This multiplex was expanded from six to twelve screens in 1996, continuously adapting to contemporary standards. Recent upgrades have equipped all 12 auditoriums with expansive, floor-to-ceiling screens, state-of-the-art sound technology, and oversized recliners.

These recliners feature liftable armrests to create a cozy loveseat, allowing visitors to experience a new blockbuster film in the comfort of their own home. Additionally, Tyngsborough offers a 30% discount on all matinee screenings before 4 PM.

14. Tyngsborough Bridge

Initially completed in 1930 and subsequently reconstructed in 1975, the steel tied-arch bridge spanning the Merrimack River in Tyngsborough is a noteworthy engineering achievement.

This structure replaced an antiquated wooden Whipple truss bridge from the 19th century and continues to hold the record for the longest span of any steel rib through-arch bridge in Massachusetts (547 feet).

The Tyngsborough Bridge is also recognized as the second-oldest bridge of its type in the state, undergoing a $19 million refurbishing project in 2009 to reengineer the steel girders and replace the original lead paint.

15. Tyngsborough Block Party-by-the-Bridge

The town’s enthusiasm for its remarkable bridge is evident at this annual end-of-summer festival.

Occurring on the final Saturday in August, the nearby Tyngsborough Common transforms into a vibrant village of booths featuring craft vendors, food, and various local businesses.

Children can engage with friendly animals at the petting zoo, partake in pony rides, and enjoy an afternoon filled with entertaining contests and games suitable for all ages.

Visitors can immerse themselves in several hours of live music at the Main Stage, culminating in a fireworks display by the bridge at dusk.