Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Chelmsford, MA

In the Merrimack Valley, Chelmsford is a charming town traversed by Interstate 495, Boston’s outer beltway.

Chelmsford has a rich history, having been incorporated in 1655, with a cemetery established in that same year located on the Town Common.

The common continues to play a vital role in Chelmsford’s community life, hosting nearly all significant public events throughout the year and is prominently situated in front of the Chelmsford Center for the Arts, housed in the former town hall.

Despite a substantial increase in population in the post-war era, Chelmsford retains many expansive outdoor public spaces, including beaches at two picturesque ponds and a rail trail that meanders through the appealing downtown district.

1. Chelmsford Center

The area where history converges with contemporary life is found in Chelmsford’s quaint downtown, which has served as the focal point of civic engagement for more than 370 years.

The town common serves as the initial point of interest, remaining a site for various community events, ranging from the Independence Day Parade & Country Fair to the weekly market held during the summer months.

The First Parish Church, dating back to 1842, is the fourth meeting house established on this site. Adjacent to it lies the Forefathers Burying Ground (1655), which stands as one of the oldest cemeteries in the Merrimack Valley.

A significant portion of Chelmsford Center’s commercial activity is found on Chelmsford St, featuring a diverse array of shops and dining options, including Brazilian BBQ, New England seafood, diner fare, Mexican, Thai, and Italian cuisines.

2. Chelmsford Center for the Arts (CCA)

In 2009, the Old Town Hall located on the Town Common was transformed into the vibrant Chelmsford Center for the Arts, which serves as the home for various local arts organizations.

The venue is housed in a charming Italianate structure from 1879, featuring the Veterans Memorial Auditorium that hosts a full calendar of performances, spanning from live music concerts to Shakespearean plays.

The CCA Gallery showcases a variety of exhibitions throughout the year, in addition to providing studios for artists-in-residence.

Several local organizations reside at the CCA, including the Chelmsford Art Society, the Chelmsford Community Band, Illumination Opera, Shakespeare and You, and the Brave New Players.

3. Bruce Freeman Rail Trail

Another feature to appreciate about Chelmsford is the extensive 10-foot-wide multi-use rail trail that is anticipated to reach nearly 25 miles in length.

Since its initial openings in phases beginning in 2009, the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail follows the right-of-way of the New York, New Haven and Hartford Railroad’s Framingham and Lowell Line, which was established in 1871.

As of the time this article was written, the trail was in the process of expanding southward, with plans to connect to the Mass Central Rail Trail in Sudbury.

In Chelmsford, visitors can utilize the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail to access the Center, Heart Pond Beach, and the commercial area along the Chelmsford-Lowell line, with a Showcase Cinema situated close to the trail’s parking area.

4. Heart Pond Beach

The Bruce Freeman Rail Trail passes directly alongside this beach located on a 91-acre great pond situated in the southwest of Chelmsford.

Heart Pond, a kettle pond formed at the conclusion of the last Ice Age, allows swimming at its beach on the northeastern shore, available from early June until Labor Day.

This pond is a favored location for activities such as kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding, with leashed dogs permitted on the beach as long as they remain clear of the swimming area. Across Pond St, visitors can find picnic tables and a small play area for children.

5. Mrs. Nelson’s Candy House

Located at 292 Chelmsford St (Route 110), just off the interchange with Route 3, this confectionery shop has been a staple in Chelmsford for nearly 70 years.

Mrs. Nelson’s Candy House has developed a devoted clientele across the United States and has counted the Rockefeller family among its patrons for over 50 years.

During the holiday season, especially around Christmas and Easter, their selections see an increase in popularity.

While there is an extensive year-round array of treats to select from, notable Chelmsford specialties include a caramel corn cake adorned with two old fashions or the Caramel Nut Patties, partially enrobed in either dark or milk chocolate.

6. Chelmsford Historical Society

Situated approximately a mile south of Chelmsford Center, the Barrett-Byam Homestead has maintained its current appearance since 1754.

This historic site can trace its origins back even further to a saltbox constructed in 1663 by Thomas Barrett, with the present homestead believed to incorporate elements from that era.

At the time of writing, the Chelmsford Historical Society allows visitors to arrange tours by appointment, showcasing items from its collection, which includes historical tools, children’s toys, handmade crafts, furniture, and exquisite glasswork.

The homestead also opens its doors for the highlight of the year, the Annual Farm Fair held in mid-September, featuring domestic animals, hayrides, and live musical performances.

7. Varney Playground/Freeman Lake Beach

On the northern shore of Freeman Lake, a seven-acre park has undergone renovations in recent years.

During the summer break from school, both residents and non-residents can enjoy Freeman Lake Beach daily from dawn to dusk.

In addition to a sandy beach area, there is a bathhouse and lifeguards on duty throughout the season.

The newly renovated facility provides full accessibility. Nearby, a wonderful fenced playground with wooden equipment, a basketball court, and a spacious open area are available for use.

8. Great Brook Farm State Park

Located on the boundary between Chelmsford and Carlisle, this park encompasses more than 900 acres of lush woodland surrounding a functioning dairy farm.

While exploring Great Brook Farm State Park via its substantial network of approximately 20 miles of trails, visitors may encounter the serene Meadow Pond as well as significant Native American historical sites and remnants of cellar holes established by 17th-century settlers.

The Great Brook Ski Touring Center transforms the park into a winter recreational destination from early December until mid-March, featuring 10 miles of machine-groomed trails.

This farm proves to be an attraction for families, complete with barnyard animals and homemade ice cream, available from May to October.

9. Chelmsford Public Library

The Chelmsford Public Library serves not only as an excellent resource for local residents but also offers numerous services and facilities that visitors will find beneficial.

This is particularly true for families, as the expansive children’s room occupies much of the library complex, featuring exhibits similar to those at a children’s museum, along with various computers and tablets.

The library provides numerous programs catering to all age groups, ranging from art exhibitions to story time, and can also serve as a tranquil refuge for reading newspapers or magazines on a rainy day.

10. Russell Mill Pond and Town Forest

The town acquired this rugged expanse of land in the early 1970s, which has since become a beloved local retreat for hiking and mountain biking.

This area features a stunning 3,000 feet of waterfront along Russell Mill Pond and climbs steeply into areas of oak and pine forest.

Mountain bikers are well accommodated here, with nearly 30 miles of technical trails winding through the woods, primarily designed for intermediate skill levels.

Additionally, there is a pump track ideal for children, while walkers will enjoy the scenic pathways along the water’s edge.

11. Middlesex Canal

Chelmsford lies along the path of a pioneering infrastructure project constructed between 1793 and 1803.

Operational for approximately 50 years, the 27-mile Middlesex Canal was one of the earliest civil engineering achievements of its kind in the early United States, linking the Merrimack River in East Chelmsford (now part of Lowell) with the Port of Boston. The successful establishment of this canal paved the way for even larger projects such as the expansive 351-mile Erie Canal.

Fragments of the canal can be observed along Canal St in the eastern section of modern-day Chelmsford, and visitors are just a short drive away from the Middlesex Canal and Visitors Center located at the historic Faulkner Mill building in North Billerica.

12. Friendship Park

Roberts Field, located at 272 Old Westford Road, rests on land with a historical narrative that extends back to the 18th century.

In the 1960s, a 20-acre portion of farmland in this area was acquired by the school, but after relocating the school to another site, the land was designated for the West Chelmsford Engine 3 Fire Station (still operational) and for recreational use.

Families can particularly enjoy Friendship Park, an inclusive playground designed with community involvement, enabling children of all abilities to play together.

In addition to swings and creatively crafted climbing structures, the park features a zip line and sand pit. Additional amenities at Roberts Field include a spacious open area, a ball field, a pond, and walking trails in the surrounding woodlands.

13. Chelmsford Market on the Common

Every Saturday afternoon from late May to mid-October, Chelmsford’s picturesque Town Common is host to a vibrant market.

Operating from 1 pm to 4 pm, this market showcases a variety of vendors offering fresh produce, eggs, honey, flowers, jams, breads, pastries, and an array of prepared foods.

Additionally, the market features numerous craft vendors selling a wide range of handmade products, from jewelry to candles.

Each week typically presents a unique theme, aligning with seasonal produce, back-to-school events, and National Farmers’ Market Week each early August.

14. Independence Day Parade & Country Fair

Chelmsford observes the 4th of July with great enthusiasm, featuring a comprehensive program of events at the Town Common and the Center for the Arts.

The highlight of the weekend is the Independence Day Parade, a stirring display featuring Minutemen groups, floats, bands, bagpipers, drum & bugle corps, mascots, and much more.

The parade typically commences from McCarthy School, proceeds down North Road into Chelmsford Center, and concludes on Summer St.

The Chelmsford Lions Club organizes a Country Fair at the common, in conjunction with an Art Festival at the Center for the Arts, complemented by kiddie train rides, live music performances, and other engaging activities.

15. Holiday Prelude

On the first Sunday of December, various festive activities take place on Chelmsford’s Town Common and in the Town Center, heralding the arrival of the Christmas season.

The Holiday Prelude, which includes the annual tree-lighting ceremony, showcases horse-drawn hayrides, live music, dancing, face-painting, stunning decorations, and, of course, the highly anticipated arrival of Santa Claus.

This celebration is coordinated by the Holiday Decorating Committee with support from a large contingent of volunteers, along with contributions from many local businesses and organizations. During the holiday season, be sure to look for performances by the Chelmsford Community Band as well.