Top 15 Must-See Attractions in Franklin, MA

This small city in Norfolk County boasts a history that dates back to 1660, but it made significant progress after its incorporation in 1778 by becoming the first location in the country to be named in honor of Benjamin Franklin.

Shortly thereafter, Franklin, an influential figure in American history, sent the town a collection of books, which marked the establishment of the first and oldest lending library in continuous operation in the United States. This donation is prominently displayed at the Franklin Public Library.

Throughout the summer, downtown Franklin is known for its vibrant celebrations, hosting well-attended festivals that recognize various themes, from strawberry shortcake to Fourth of July festivities and autumn harvests.

1. Franklin Public Library

Shortly after the incorporation of Franklin, a bell was needed for the church steeple, and it was hoped that Benjamin Franklin would provide it. Instead, he provided the town with 116 books, which became the foundation of the first lending library in the United States, officially opened on November 20, 1790.

The current library building, located across from the Dean College campus, was constructed in 1904 and serves as the first permanent residence for the collection.

The books donated by Franklin, over 230 years ago, are exhibited on the second floor and are believed to have significantly influenced Franklin’s most noted citizen, Horace Mann, recognized as the “father of American public education.”

2. Downtown Franklin

Situated at the intersection of Main St and Central St, Franklin features a pedestrian-friendly downtown area, densely populated with local shops and services, alongside a dynamic schedule of community events.

After a prolonged campaign, in 2019 downtown Franklin was designated as the state’s 46th Cultural District, a distinction reflected in various initiatives, including the Ladybug Trail.

As of the most recent update, downtown features an inviting assortment of local shops offering games, specialty foods, collectibles, skateboards, books, jewelry, and footwear, as well as live entertainment from the Black Box venue.

Diverse dining options include sushi, Indian, Italian, Chinese, Mexican cuisine, and pizza, complemented by a selection of bars, a cafe, and a bakery.

3. Franklin Common Historic District

As the original nucleus of Franklin, the Town Common serves as the centerpiece for a historic district that encompasses the green’s perimeters, extending north along Main St up to the junction with Lincoln St and Maple St.

The Common continues to play a vital role in community life, hosting a summer farmers’ market and the Concerts on the Common series on Friday evenings during the season.

Its current dimensions were established around the mid-1700s, showcasing a fine selection of Federal and Greek Revival residential architecture along its southern and western edges.

At the northern fork stands The Red Brick School (1833), recognized as one of the oldest operational single-room schoolhouses in the United States.

4. Franklin Historical Museum

An essential component of the recently established Franklin Cultural District, this museum offers a comprehensive overview of the city’s extensive history.

Founded in 1972, the Franklin Historical Museum relocated in 2010 to the elegant former Town Hall (1842). It boasts a rich collection spanning over three centuries, including textiles, agricultural tools, furniture, fine art, historical artifacts, musical instruments, photographs, and significant documents.

Notable exhibits include a detailed timeline of Franklin’s history, a preserved 19th-century parlor from the city’s oldest residence, and a profile of Horace Mann (1796-1859), a local abolitionist, politician, and educational reformer.

5. Franklin Farmers’ Market

Set in the picturesque Franklin Town Common, the weekly farmers’ market occurs on Friday afternoons from June through October, featuring over 25 local vendors each week, all small businesses deeply rooted in the community.

Shop locally for fresh seasonal produce, pasture-raised meats, free-range poultry, eggs, honey, homemade chocolates, artisanal candies, baked goods, pickles, wines, flowers, and seafood.

Craft items include alpaca wool accessories, custom-designed apparel, handmade furniture, quilts, and natural soaps and lotions.

6. Franklin State Forest

For those seeking a leisurely walk or bike ride in a natural setting, you need not venture far from downtown Franklin; there are more than 840 acres of forested area to explore, equipped with numerous trails.

One of these trails is the 22-mile Southern New England Trunkline Trail, which has its eastern trailhead in the forest and follows the old Norfolk County Railroad route from the late 19th century.

Mountain biking enthusiasts will find technical trails, including a challenging 8.6-mile singletrack with extended downhill sections. In winter, this area transforms into a serene haven for cross-country skiing.

7. Fairmount Fruit Farm

A landmark in Franklin for over a century, Fairmount Fruit Farm operates a stand located at 885 Lincoln St in the northern part of the city.

Here, visitors can find extraordinarily fresh seasonal produce grown on-site, along with eggs collected from the farm’s ducks and chickens, homemade pickles, baked goods, and locally sourced meats, honey, and cheese.

From late August, visitors can pick their own apples in the orchard, providing entertainment for all ages, including activities with barnyard animals, hayrides, a hay bale maze, as well as enjoying delicious cider and apple cider donuts.

8. Ladybug Trail

In 1974, second-grade students at John F. Kennedy School in Franklin, along with their teacher Palma Johnson, successfully advocated for the state of Massachusetts to recognize the ladybug as the state insect, witnessing the legislation being signed into law.

Franklin’s historical significance continues to be acknowledged, and a Ladybug Trail is currently being established downtown.

This trail highlights 25 essential local businesses and historical sites, featuring fiberglass ladybugs, affixed to walls, each meticulously hand-painted by participants from the Franklin Art Association.

The ladybugs can be located with the aid of a digital map, and each one is accompanied by a sign detailing a piece of Franklin’s history as well as information about the artist who created it.

9. Chilson Beach

On the downtown side of I-495 lies Beaver Pond, which becomes a popular attraction during the summer months due to the public beach that borders its northern shore.

Lifeguards are present at Chilson Beach during the summer break from school, with swimming permitted outside of this period at your own risk.

The water quality is tested weekly throughout the season, and facilities include a small platform, a bathhouse, a playground for young children, and picnic tables.

10. Dacey Community Field

A venue dedicated to active recreation, Dacey Community Field is located in the northern section of Franklin and offers facilities for soccer, baseball (little league), and walking.

A highlight for families is the playground, equipped with ADA-approved facilities catering to children aged 2 to 12. For visitors with dogs, there is a dog park located on the west side, featuring agility equipment, ample seating, and water bowls.

The 18-hole disc golf course here, set within 100 acres of wooded area, includes 13 holes that each measure over 280 feet in length, making it a draw for enthusiasts.

11. Mount Saint Mary’s Abbey

Located southeast of Franklin in Wrentham, there exists a Cistercian monastic community of approximately 50 Trappist nuns, established in 1949. Mount Saint Mary’s Abbey was the first community of Cistercian nuns in the United States, affiliated with an order founded in 1098.

Self-sufficiency is vital to the Cistercian way of life, and accordingly, the abbey utilizes three renewable energy sources, including wind turbines, a geothermal system, and two solar farms, one of which supplies up to 80% of Franklin’s power needs.

The monastery also features a gift shop, which offers religious items, literature, and a diverse selection of monastic products, including woolen goods, preserves, organic honey, coffee, and artisan candies produced on-site, ranging from chocolate fudge to almond brittle.

12. Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park, Bellingham

For families with children needing to expend energy, this nearby indoor trampoline park offers a wealth of attractions.

The main area, known as The Apex, features trampolines covering every surface except the ceiling, providing an exhilarating experience.

Additionally, there are tumble tracks, performance trampolines for acrobatics, a ropes course, a giant inflatable airbag, a dodgeball court, climbing walls, a battle beam, basketball hoops for slam dunks, a Ninja Warrior-style course, and a playground for younger children.

This facility caters to children’s birthday parties and offers a cafe serving pizza and icees.

13. Strawberry Stroll

A contemporary tradition in Franklin, the Strawberry Stroll announces the arrival of summer with a delightful day of culinary experiences, activities, and entertainment in the downtown area.

The event attracts nearly 90 vendors, turning Main Street into a vibrant marketplace and extending the hours of the farmers’ market into the evening.

Among the culinary highlights is the renowned strawberry shortcake, the sales of which contribute to funding the event. This is accompanied by live music, numerous activities for children, local wine and beer, and various booths featuring local businesses.

14. Harvest Festival

Later in the year, the community gathers for another festive occasion to celebrate the harvest season on the first Saturday in October.

This festival transforms downtown Franklin into a lively celebration featuring arts and crafts, live music, special discounts from local businesses, activities for children, and a wide variety of entertainment.

Continuously growing in popularity, the Harvest Festival attracts thousands of attendees, with food and beverages playing a central role in the festivities.

The food court offers diverse options ranging from Italian sausage to ice cream, along with local wines and craft beers from various breweries in the region.

15. 4th of July Celebration

The atmosphere is electric in Franklin as the city commemorates the nation’s independence with a five-day extravaganza of events and entertainment on Franklin Common.

Typically culminating on July 4th, the festivities include performances by musicians from New England, delectable local cuisine, and a diverse selection of carnival rides and games.

In recent years, the celebration has coincided with the New England Blues Festival, enhancing the excitement with a lineup of renowned talent from the regional blues scene.

The annual fireworks display is generally scheduled for Saturday evening, providing a spectacular conclusion to the blues festival.