Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Ludlow, MA

Situated on the northern bank of the Chicopee River, Ludlow is a northeastern suburb of Springfield. Granated city status in 1775, the town rapidly developed into an industrial hub post-Civil War.

The largest of these manufacturing enterprises was the Ludlow Company, which produced jute yarns, twine, and webbing before its closure in the 1960s.

The expansive mill complex dominates the riverbank in Ludlow’s more developed southern area, while the northern section features scenic countryside dotted with farms, rural attractions, and the picturesque Ludlow Reservoir, which offers opportunities for walking and biking.

Ludlow is home to significant Polish and Portuguese populations, which are notably reflected in the dining establishments, local events such as the Our Lady of Fatima festival in September, and a passion for soccer.

1. East Street

Beginning in the southwest near the Chicopee River, Ludlow’s main thoroughfare extends diagonally through the town, linking many notable landmarks and locally-operated businesses.

At the southwest end, you will find the Hubbard Memorial Library, housed in a Romanesque Revival building constructed in 1890. Nearby stands the town’s most recognizable landmark, the Ludlow Clock Tower (1886), which is part of the expansive Ludlow Mills complex situated between State Street and the river.

Following the closure of the mills in the 1960s, this site has been repurposed for residential developments, small industry, and a craft brewery, which will be discussed further on.

As you continue along East Street, you will encounter a variety of charming independent establishments offering coffee, Portuguese cuisine, sushi, baked goods, pizza, ice cream, Chinese, and American diner fare.

2. Ludlow Reservoir

Most of Ludlow’s residents reside in the southern region, while the northern areas, such as this 370-acre body of water, provide a more secluded environment.

Established in 1877, the Ludlow Reservoir is maintained as a public drinking water supply by the Springfield Water and Sewage Commission.

Due to this designation, the reservoir functions differently from a typical public park; however, visitors are welcome to enjoy the scenery and engage in low-impact recreational activities every day except Wednesday, when it is undergoing maintenance.

Although water activities are not permitted, a paved trail extending 3 ¼ miles along the west side is available for walking, cycling, and appreciating the pristine views.

3. Randall’s Farm and Greenhouse

Operating as a family-owned business for over 60 years, Randall’s Farm and Greenhouse began as a modest roadside stand selling fruit and eggs.

It has since evolved into a thriving produce and greenhouse enterprise, featuring a farm store and a half-acre greenhouse that remains open year-round.

Spring is a particularly vibrant season at the greenhouse, showcasing a diverse array of annuals, geraniums, hanging baskets, perennials, herbs, and vegetable plants.

During the fall, the farm offers activities such as a corn maze, pumpkin picking, traditional midway games, and cider apple donuts.

The store, designed in a traditional post-and-beam style, not only provides fresh produce but also includes a bakery, deli, gourmet specialty foods, and an extensive selection of local beers and wines.

One highlight is Elsie’s Creamery, which operates until mid-October and serves approximately 30 flavors of high-quality ice cream, all crafted in small batches on-site.

4. Lusitano Stadium

With a substantial Portuguese community, soccer holds a special significance in Ludlow, earning it the title of the “Soccer Capital of New England.”

The local high school team excels in Western Massachusetts, having won state championships (most recently in 2018) and routinely ranks among the top 20 programs nationally according to the NSCAA.

Therefore, experiencing a live game at Ludlow Stadium is essential. This venue, established in 1918, serves as the home field for high school teams and is also occupied by the amateur Western Mass Pioneers, founded in 1998 and competing in USL League Two, the fourth tier of the American soccer hierarchy.

Numerous Pioneers have progressed to professional soccer, including notable players such as GK Bobby Shuttleworth and CB Ryan Malone, who achieved success in German soccer.

5. Exit 7 Players

As a prominent cultural institution in Ludlow, this esteemed community theater group, Exit 7 Players, was established in 1984 and performs at the Chestnut Street Theater, located in the historic auditorium of the former Ludlow High School.

Over the past forty years, the Exit 7 Players have staged numerous musicals, classical works, and contemporary plays aimed at diverse audiences.

Each season sees up to five productions, reflecting a broad range of themes; recent performances have included The Who’s Tommy, Much Ado About Nothing, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, and Mary Poppins.

6. Lupa Zoo

Located on 18 acres in the quieter northern section of Ludlow, this modest zoo embodies a passionate endeavor initiated by Polish immigrant Henry Lupa.

Operated by a not-for-profit organization, the zoo prioritizes education and conservation.

Home to over 500 native and exotic animals, notable residents include alpacas, zebras, mouflons, giraffes, ostriches, emus, serval cats, pot-bellied pigs, deer, and nilgai antelopes.

Visitors can refer to the calendar for seasonal events, such as a Halloween celebration in late October.

7. Iron Duke Brewing

Visitors can explore Ludlow’s historic mill complex along the Chicopee River to discover this craft brewery, founded in 2010.

The brewery’s taproom is strategically located on the waterfront within the brick structure of Stockhouse 122, originally built as a jute warehouse in the early 20th century.

Open Wednesday through Sunday, Iron Duke Brewing is a small operation, featuring a rotating selection of a dozen beers on tap.

At the time of this writing, over a quarter of the offerings are hop-forward IPAs, alongside an Oktoberfest-style Märzen, two Porters (Cry Baby, Baby-Maker), two Lagers (Seafoam Cruiser, Generosity), and a Stout (Sinker).

New releases are introduced weekly, complemented by live music performances, trivia nights, and a fantastic in-house food menu, including truffle fries, chili lime shrimp skewers, and Korean beef tacos.

8. Chicopee Memorial State Park

This public recreational area curves around the southern perimeter of Westover Air Reserve Base, encompassing a historically significant reservoir along Cooley Brook.

The park extends eastwards to the Ludlow-Chicopee town boundary, with accessible trail networks originating from the Ludlow side.

This trail meanders through a riparian corridor for several miles, encircling the Chicopee Reservoir at the southern end of the park.

The 25-acre lake becomes a hub for summer recreation, featuring a swimming beach, bathhouse, and numerous picnic areas set against a scenic backdrop.

Additionally, the park provides fishing opportunities, with common catches including brown trout, rainbow trout, and largemouth bass.

9. Vanished Valley Brewing Co.

Beer enthusiasts can rejoice in Ludlow, as another well-respected craft brewery is located in the town.

Adjacent to Randall’s Farm, Vanished Valley Brewing Co. was established in 2016, with its name inspired by the Quabbin Reservoir, the largest inland body of water in Massachusetts, which was created in the 1930s.

Approximately half of the 14 selections available in the taproom are IPAs, with highlights including the flagship Pomana IPA, featuring grapefruit and tangerine notes, and the West Coast-style One Last Good Time For All IPA, characterized by citrus and pine flavors with a refreshing finish.

The brewery also boasts a kitchen with an extensive menu, specializing in small-batch BBQ and wood-fired pizza.

10. Titanic Historical Society Museum

Located just across the Chicopee River in Springfield’s Indian Orchard neighborhood, the headquarters of the Titanic Historical Society stands as a testament to maritime history.

This non-profit organization, founded in 1963, dedicates itself to preserving the legacy of the RMS Titanic, which tragically sank in 1912.

The society continues to publish a quarterly magazine and has hosted conventions featuring disaster survivors and Robert Ballard, the oceanographer who discovered the wreck in 1985.

The collection includes remarkable Titanic artifacts, such as Lookout Fred Fleet’s sketch of the iceberg, Madeleine Astor’s lifejacket, a third-class passenger’s inspection card, menus, a section of railing, a crow’s nest bell, and numerous other items.

While many artifacts are loaned to esteemed museums and libraries for exhibitions, there is always a display available at the society’s headquarters, Henry’s Jewelry in Indian Orchard.

11. Whitney Park

Easily accessible from East Street, Ludlow’s primary community park serves as the headquarters for the town’s recreation department.

Whitney Park features the John F. Thompson Memorial Swimming Pool, which operates during the summer school break and is accompanied by a concession stand.

This area accommodates a variety of recreational department programs and events, including Easter egg hunts and summer camps.

As for amenities, visitors can utilize tennis courts, playgrounds, expansive green spaces, picnic tables, and a multi-use field with bleachers that hosts high school football games throughout the season.

12. Cold Spring Country Club

A membership is not required to enjoy a round at this semi-private course, located a short distance from Ludlow Reservoir in Belchertown.

The 18-hole course at Cold Spring Country Club was crafted by esteemed golf architect Mary Armstrong and opened in 2012, emphasizing precision over power.

Golfers will appreciate the rolling landscapes, offering stunning panoramas of Central Massachusetts.

The terrain influences at least half of the holes, with particularly notable views from the elevated tees at #1 (Elevation) and #13 (Skyline).

With up to five sets of tees available, the course accommodates golfers of various skill levels, comprising five par 5s, seven par 4s, and six par 3s.

13. Mainely Drafts – Horse and Carriage

In the northern countryside of Ludlow, a local business specializes in providing carriage and wagon riding experiences drawn by draft horses.

Mainely Drafts features magnificent Belgian and Percheron horses, available for rent for a variety of events, from weddings to family-oriented hayrides.

Additionally, visitors can arrange a carriage ride at the company’s farm in Ludlow, offering a gentle journey through scenic landscapes along Lyon Street. These experiences typically last about an hour and include insights into the raising and care of these unique horse breeds.

14. Ludlow Festa

Every Labor Day weekend, Ludlow’s Portuguese heritage is prominently celebrated at the Church of Our Lady of Fatima, which hosts an annual event dedicated to its namesake saint.

Drawing tens of thousands of attendees, the Ludlow Festa spans four days and features live performances, fireworks, and family-friendly activities.

This event provides an excellent opportunity to indulge in Portuguese delicacies such as pastéis de nata (egg custard tarts), and the atmosphere takes on a more solemn tone on Sunday with masses (including one in Portuguese) and a candlelight procession.

15. Ludlow Community Market

A newer addition to the town’s events calendar, the Ludlow Community Market, introduced in late September 2021, has gained considerable popularity.

Organized by the Ludlow Cultural Council and set around the gazebo at Memorial Park, this event hosts numerous booths from local artisan vendors, community organizations, and businesses.

Spanning two days, the market offers free live music, along with a variety of activities for children. Attendees can enjoy offerings from local food trucks, catering to all tastes, whether they prefer a lobster roll, hot dog, or sweet treats such as cannoli or ice cream.