Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Mansfield, MA

Located midway between Boston and Providence, Mansfield is an affluent municipality with a population of 24,000 in Bristol County.

Despite its modest size, Mansfield boasts a vibrant downtown area, featuring numerous restaurants and locally-owned shops that line several blocks of North Main Street.

For many, the term “Mansfield” is synonymous with the prominent Xfinity Center, a large live music venue that hosts a multitude of top artists during the summer season.

The town’s conservation commission is responsible for maintaining various remote areas for hiking and mountain biking, all while remaining close to urban conveniences.

1. Mansfield Center

Enclosed by northern and southern commons, Mansfield’s commercial area extends along North Main Street, characterized by local small businesses.

For those seeking dining options, a diverse range of eateries is available, including pub grub, Chinese cuisine, Italian food, breakfast items, bagels, and pizza, with three establishments dedicated to the latter.

Along the way, one may stumble upon boutiques, a florist, a gift shop, a sports merchandise outlet, homewares stores, and various thriving service businesses, including a barber and a dog grooming salon.

At the southern end, Fulton Pond serves as a picturesque local spot and hosts the annual Fall Festival, which will be discussed further.

2. Xfinity Center (Great Woods)

One of the top-grossing amphitheaters in the United States is located in Mansfield, accommodating nearly 20,000 visitors. Originally named Great Woods Center for the Performing Arts, it opened in 1986 featuring a concert by the renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma.

The venue underwent expansion in 1994 and renovation in 2002, now comprising 5,900 general admission seats, 7,000 reserved seats, and 7,000 indoor seats.

A multitude of famous past performers have graced this stage, including The Who, Aerosmith, Depeche Mode, The Eagles, Pearl Jam, James Taylor, Rush, and notably, Jimmy Buffet, who has performed at Great Woods more than 60 times.

3. World War II Veterans Memorial Trail

This straight rail trail allows pedestrians and cyclists to traverse a significant portion of Mansfield.

Utilizing the former right-of-way of the Old Colony Railroad (1883), the World War II Veterans Memorial Trail was inaugurated in 2004 and stretches for 1.6 miles, connecting Mansfield Municipal Airport in the south to Mansfield Center in the north.

While it serves as a convenient route between the airport and downtown, the trail is particularly valued for its passage through deep woodlands in secluded areas of the town.

During most of your journey, the sounds of traffic will be absent, providing a serene experience. Midway along the trail, you may take a sidetrack along the World War II Memorial Nature Trail, which follows a mile-long loop through wooded terrain.

4. Flint Farm

Throughout the fall season, this functioning farm opens its doors to the public, offering a plentiful selection of fresh produce and homemade products. Established in 1868, Flint Farm is managed by the fifth and sixth generations of the Flint family.

Primarily a fruit and vegetable farm, it provides over 20 different varieties of produce available for purchase at the farm stand during the summer and fall.

The farm is also known for its homemade or locally sourced items, including maple syrup and raw honey.

One of its highlights is the ice cream, featuring over 50 flavors from Richardson’s Ice Cream in Middleton, MA. Visiting the farm in the fall is a delightful experience for families, especially with the presence of a large corn maze, typically open from mid-September through October.

5. Great Woods Conservation Area

For woodland exploration, Mansfield’s Conservation Commission oversees several areas throughout the town, the most expansive of which is the Great Woods Conservation Area.

This extensive region comprises individual parcels that extend from near Mansfield Crossing in the north to the borders with Norton and TPC Boston in the south.

Before your visit, downloading a trail map from the town’s website is advisable. Given the area’s size, Great Woods offers an impressive variety of natural features to explore, including reclaimed pastures, ponds, streams, and boardwalk-crossed swamps.

Scattered throughout the woods are intriguing historical remnants, such as an old cemetery and stone walls that date back to former agricultural sites.

6. Fisher-Richardson House

The oldest residence in the town, constructed in the 1740s, has functioned as a history museum for nearly a century.

This 1.5-story structure, featuring a gambrel roof and six bays, was expanded at the turn of the 19th century and received additional Colonial Revival restorations after being acquired by the town in 1930.

Visitors may explore the house on summer Sundays to see notable original features such as feather-edged paneling, early gun-stock posts, and elaborately decorated ceilings. Artifacts from the Mansfield Historical Society’s collection are also displayed.

7. Mansfield Crossing

Located south of Mansfield Center off I-495, an outdoor mall borders Woodside Pond, resembling a picturesque New England village.

The west side features a walkable area with establishments such as LOFT, L.L. Bean, American Eagle, The Paper Store, and Yankee Candle, while the east side includes major retailers like Best Buy, Kohl’s, Petco, Dick’s Warehouse Sale, and more.

Mansfield Crossing hosts a variety of dining options, including Bertucci’s, TGI Friday’s, QDOBA, Sake, and Omaha Steaks.

8. Fulton Pond (Rumford Ave Park)

Just a block west of Main Street in Mansfield Center is an attractive park situated on the shores of Fulton Pond.

This body of water traces its origins to the 1830s, when the Rumford River was dammed to supply power for a cotton mill, positioned at the eastern corner where the park entrance currently exists.

Through the mid-20th century, Fulton Pond was also the site of knife-making, laundry, and ice-making operations.

The parking area provides direct access to the water, offering scenic views over the pond at sunset. A trail along the south side frames a grassy area dotted with mature trees.

9. Fall Festival

Each year, on the first Saturday in October, the picturesque Fulton Pond and its vibrant foliage serve as the perfect backdrop for Mansfield’s annual Fall Festival.

The event offers a plethora of activities for individuals of all ages. Highlights include a large stage hosting live performances, a beer garden, food court, paddleboat rides on the pond, a Ferris wheel, yarn bombing, and autumn landscape painting sessions.

Children can enjoy pony rides, interact with an alpaca, ride a “unicorn,” and engage in a variety of crafts at the booths.

10. Mansfield Common (South Common)

Nestled by the northern trailhead of the World War II Veterans Memorial Trail, the town’s historical civic center is located towards the southern end of Mansfield Center.

This well-maintained green space is framed by the Congregational Church (1866), the town hall (which was originally the high school), and the Old Town Cemetery, containing many burials that predate the town’s establishment in 1775.

On the east side of the common, several cafes offer refreshments, ideal for enjoying on sunny days amid the greenery. A signpost indicates directions to other Mansfields across the United States and globally.

During July and August, the bandstand hosts a summer concert series on Wednesday evenings.

11. Mansfield Public Library

The town’s public library is known for its accessible layout and well-organized collections, with commendable staff who provide assistance to patrons.

This library forms part of the SAILS Library Network, which comprises 70 members across southeastern Massachusetts. The children’s section is colorful and engaging, thoughtfully separated from other areas, making it convenient for those needing a quiet working space.

The library also organizes a multitude of events, clubs, and classes catering to various ages and interests. Individuals without a library card may utilize many services, including computer workstations and Wi-Fi, via a guest pass.

12. Borderland State Park

The Ames Family arrived over 200 years ago and significantly influenced the neighboring town of Easton.

Mansfield Center is located less than ten minutes from the estate established in the early 20th century by Oakes Ames (1874-1950) and Blanche Ames Ames (1878-1969).

This intriguing couple included Blanche, an accomplished artist, inventor, and vocal suffragist, while Oakes was a prominent botanist at Harvard. Borderland State Park encompasses more than 1,800 acres and features 20 miles of trails suitable for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding.

The disc golf course within the park is considered one of the finest in the region and notably hosted the World Masters Flying Disc Championships in 1996.

13. Ames Mansion

Blanche Ames Ames contributed to the design of the mansion at Borderland, which represents a blend of Gothic Revival and Georgian Revival architectural styles, constructed in 1910.

The interior of Ames Mansion has been featured in several Hollywood films, including Ghostbusters (2016) and Knives Out (2019).

Touring the mansion provides deeper insights into the multifaceted life of Blanche, who developed patents in the fields of agriculture, lumber processing, and air warfare. Tours are conducted by the DCR (first floor) and the Friends of Borderland, which provides a comprehensive three-floor tour on select Sundays.

14. F. Gilbert Hills State Forest

Located slightly more than five minutes from Mansfield Center, this state forest comprises over 1,000 acres of pine-oak woodlands.

This rocky terrain, featuring substantial boulders and formations, is popular among mountain bikers due to its 23 miles of trails.

According to the New England Mountain Bike Association (NEMBA), these trails are evenly distributed among Easy, Moderate, and Difficult levels, making it suitable for those prioritizing speed over technicality.

A section of the Warner Trail, which stretches 30 miles from Diamond Hill in Cumberland, RI, to Canton, is included within the trail network at F. Gilbert Hills.

15. Flannel Cow Creamery

This independent ice cream establishment in Mansfield Center distinguishes itself as the sole venue in town offering its own homemade ice cream.

Flannel Cow Creamery has refined its techniques and recipes through courses at the Frozen Dessert Institute in Wisconsin and the Penn State Creamery.

With more than two dozen hard ice cream varieties available, customers may wish to begin with one of the six Signature Flavors.

Choices include The Flannel (strawberry with Oreo), Triple Threat (chocolate with brownie pieces and chocolate chips), and the decadent Dirty Dough, comprising chocolate ice cream with peanut butter swirls, cookie dough, and chocolate chips.

Additionally, a variety of sundaes and other frozen desserts are offered, and during the summer, guests can relish their ice cream at one of the shaded picnic tables outdoors.