Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Middleborough, MA

In the southeastern region of Massachusetts, the town of Middleborough is enveloped by beautiful rural scenery featuring mill brooks, cranberry bogs, and the largest lakes in the state.

The historic heart of the town has remained largely unchanged for over a century, characterized by an impressive town hall and library building, alongside grand commercial architecture tracing back to the 19th century.

The Nemasket River courses through Middleborough en route to Assawompset Pond, serving as a crucial pathway for a remarkable fish migration in spring, during which hundreds of thousands of alewife and blueback herring navigate upstream to their spawning habitats.

To assist the herring, fish ladders have been installed, and there are several locations where visitors can witness this natural phenomenon in late March and early April.

1. Middleborough Center

The historic center of Middleborough was established between the mid-1800s and the 1920s, preserving much of its architectural heritage from this era.

The Historic District encompasses 220 acres and includes over 500 buildings, featuring influential civic structures such as the Victorian-style Town Hall (from the 1870s) and significant commercial architecture exemplified by the Peter Pierce Store (1825), which recently functioned as the town’s police headquarters.

Main Street and the winding Center Street offer an array of attractions, including galleries, museums, a performing arts venue, various dining options, and one of the premier antique centers in the region.

2. The Oliver Estate

A noteworthy individual from 18th-century Middleborough was the Loyalist Peter Oliver (1713-1791), who held the position of Chief Justice of the Superior Court of the Province of Massachusetts Bay in the early 1770s.

As a prosperous entrepreneur, Oliver established an ironworks in the 1740s, remnants of which can still be observed along the Nemasket River.

His estate, located slightly to the north, centers on an elegant Georgian house constructed in 1769. The grounds are accessible Monday through Friday year-round, while the house typically opens for seasonal special events along with an annual series of guided tours from June to September.

Over time, the Oliver House has attracted the interest of ghost hunters, resulting in spooky tours conducted each year around Halloween.

3. Middleborough Historical Museum

Managed by volunteers, the Middleborough Historical Museum occupies a campus of seven buildings in the town center and is generally open from June through October.

The museum is recognized for housing one of the most extensive collections related to the renowned circus performer, Charles Sherwood Stratton (General Tom Thumb) (1838-1883), who rose to fame under P. T. Barnum.

Lavinia Warren (1841-1919), Stratton’s spouse, was originally from Middleborough and was a notable figure in her own right, remarrying and operating a roadside stand in her hometown following his passing.

The Tom Thumb Collection is located in the main building, a Mill House dating back to 1820. Other structures on the premises include the Judge Wood Law Office (1794), the Whistle House (circa 1800s), and replicas of a carriage house, blacksmith shop, and five-seat outhouse.

4. Oliver Mill Park

On the south side of Route 44 alongside the Nemasket River, one can examine the remains of the early industrial complex established by Peter Oliver.

The history of the ironworks dates back to the 1730s, and Oliver assumed control in 1744, facilitating significant expansions that saw a notable influx of workers to what eventually became one of the largest villages in the area.

This site produced cannons, cannonballs, shovels, and various household tools until its closure in 1843.

Currently, a fascinating archaeological park exists here, featuring footbridges that allow visitors to appreciate the extensive stonework lining the banks.

A fish ladder is located here, and during early spring, Oliver Mill Park is among several venues where one can observe the alewife and blueback herring migrating upstream towards Assawompset Pond.

5. Assawompset Pond Complex

Covering nearly four square miles, Assawompset Pond in the southwest region of Middleborough is the largest natural lake in Massachusetts.

This reservoir, significant to the Wampanoag Tribe, is part of a larger complex consisting of five additional lakes, surrounded by oak and evergreen forests, as well as wooded swamps located within protected areas.

Given its status as an active reservoir, water-based recreational activities are confined to Long Pond in nearby Lakeville and Freetown. Betty’s Neck, located along the southern shore of Assawompset Pond, is a popular hiking destination, especially during the fall when cranberry harvesting occurs.

The causeway connecting Pocksha and Great Quittacas ponds features the Between the Lakes scenic viewpoint, ideal for enjoying breathtaking sunrises, sunsets, and exceptional stargazing.

6. Robbins Museum of Archaeology

Established in downtown Middleborough in 1988 by the Massachusetts Archaeological Society, this museum honors Maurice “Doc” Robbins, the first State Archaeologist of Massachusetts.

The society’s vast collections comprise approximately 150,000 artifacts, with the Robbins Museum providing in-depth insights into Paleo-Indian archaeology, showcasing an extensive array of tools, weapons, and crafts excavated throughout New England.

Visitors can observe a mishoon (dugout canoe) and gain a glimpse into life in a Native American village dating back around 4,300 years.

7. Edaville Family Theme Park

Located a short distance away in Carver, Edaville Family Theme Park is a heritage railroad and amusement park that first welcomed guests in 1947, established on a cranberry farm.

This makes Edaville one of the oldest operating heritage railroads in the nation, featuring narrow gauge (two-foot) trains that traverse 2.5 miles of track. As you ride, you can appreciate a picturesque landscape of cranberry bogs that the train encircles.

The trains are often led by Thomas the Train, who also has an entire area within the park named Thomas Land, which boasts 11 rides tailored for younger guests.

Dino-Land features over 23 lifesize animatronic dinosaurs, while the park’s principal area includes more than 30 rides inspired largely by the themes of railroading and cranberry harvesting.

8. Soule Homestead Education Center

This town-owned farm, operating for over 30 years, is freely accessible to the public. Covering 120 acres, the Soule Homestead Education Center invites visitors year-round, from sunrise to sunset, and serves as a venue for various programs, activities, and events throughout the seasons.

During the summer months, visitors can experience events such as sheep shearing day, an annual concert series, and a harvest fair in the latter part of the season.

On any given day, you may simply choose to explore the extensive trails or take children to observe the horses, goats, cows, sheep, chickens, and rabbits.

9. Rocky Gutter Wildlife Management Area

This expansive, remote refuge spans 3,000 acres in the southern part of Middleborough, offering excellent opportunities for walking, mountain biking, trail running, and photography.

Wander through extensive stands of mature pine and oak and navigate through white cedar swamps via an array of more than 15 miles of old logging trails.

Although the trails are wide and flat, they lack marked signage, so it is advisable to equip yourself with a map and be comfortable using a compass.

For mountain biking enthusiasts, this area presents a rare opportunity to explore flat terrains, making it ideal for beginners, children, or anyone seeking a less strenuous riding experience. As this is designated as a wildlife management area, it is essential to verify the hunting season schedule prior to your visit.

10. Middleborough Public Library

A notable architectural gem downtown is the Middleborough Public Library, designed in the Beaux-Arts style and constructed in 1903. This institution, which traces its origins to 1874, began as a room within the Town Hall.

Continuously evolving to meet community needs, the library serves as a significant resource for local residents, offering a plethora of programs suitable for all ages.

Additionally, the library is part of the SAILS Network, which consists of 70 libraries across southeastern Massachusetts, along with a statewide virtual catalog.

If you find yourself in the area for a brief visit, the children’s section provides an engaging environment to accompany young visitors for an hour or two, along with various services available through guest passes, including public computing facilities.

11. Wareham Street Herring Run (Thomas Memorial Park)

Assawompset Pond serves as a significant spawning area for numerous alewife and blueback herring. At this fish ladder on the Nemasket River, located near Middleborough Center, visitors can observe the fish’s upstream journey.

The annual herring run, renowned as one of the largest on the Eastern Seaboard, occurs between mid-March and early April.

The term “Nemasket” is believed to translate to “place where the fish are” in Wampanoag. Thomas Memorial Park also provides one of the few access points along the river for avid paddlers.

12. The Alley Theatre

Located at 133 Center St, the Alley Theatre is an intimate performing arts venue that opened in downtown Middleborough in 2010, established by the Burt Wood School of Performing Arts.

This sophisticated space accommodates concerts, musicals, plays, drag shows, comedy performances, fundraisers, seminars, fairs, and private events ranging from birthdays to bridal showers. The seating capacity is for 100 guests, featuring folding, padded chairs for comfort.

Should you be visiting Middleborough, it is advisable to check the calendar for upcoming performances. During the summer months, an outdoor concert series takes place on the adjacent Patio at the Alley Theatre.

13. Benson’s Pond Farm

For those interested in witnessing an active cranberry bog, Benson’s Pond Farm, a third-generation farm in South Middleborough, is part of the Ocean Spray Cooperative. Although this farm is privately owned, it offers tours by appointment.

This presents a unique opportunity to observe a form of agriculture distinct to southeastern Massachusetts, with the ideal time for a visit being in late autumn during the harvest season. Here, you can don waders and become a “Cranberry Bogger for the Day.”

Encompassing 40 acres of bogs bordered by upland areas and woodlands, the Benson’s Pond farm features a 1940s barn situated picturesquely overlooking the bogs, available for rental for weddings.

14. Middleboro Antique Co-op

Situated in the heart of downtown Middleborough, the Grant Building at 40 N Main St is home to a multi-vendor antique cooperative. Spanning over 20,000 square feet, the space is filled with over 120 vendors, creating an expansive shopping experience.

Visitors should plan ample time to peruse a diverse array of antique items, including furniture, ceramics, signage, lighting, silverware, farming tools, toys, glassware, records, license plates, household appliances, clocks, artwork, jewelry, fashion accessories, sports memorabilia, dolls, books, cookware, and much more.

Distinguishing itself from typical antique centers, the Middleboro Antique Co-op maintains a well-organized, dust-free atmosphere.

15. Off the Wall Kidz

Located nearby in Carver, you will find an award-winning chain of indoor playgrounds called Off the Wall Kidz, which caters to children of all ages, from toddlers to 12-year-olds.

The primary attraction is a large, custom-designed play structure featuring a maze of climbing equipment, trampolines, slides, and bridges.

An educational component can be found in the Pretend City, where younger children can engage in role-playing everyday activities with themed streets, mini vehicles, a fire station, and facilities such as a supermarket and clinic.

Off the Wall Kidz also features an arcade, a dedicated toddler play area, a ball pit, and an interactive slide, ensuring fun for all visitors.