Top 15 Must-Do Activities in Shrewsbury, MA

Separated from Worcester by Lake Quinsigamond, Shrewsbury is a city of nearly 40,000 residents, distinguished by its significant Asian American community.

The city was established in 1727, the same year General Artemas Ward, a prominent figure in American history, was born. During the summer months, visitors can explore Ward’s residence, which is now preserved as a museum owned by Harvard University.

Lake Quinsigamond transformed Shrewsbury into a seasonal retreat for affluent individuals, and Prospect Park offers an opportunity to see the grounds of one such estate, located at the highest point in the city.

During winter, Ward Hill features a modest but fully-equipped ski area, while the warmer months invite exploration of local wineries, engaging museums, and rowing events on the famously recognized lake.

1. General Artemas Ward Museum

Throughout the summer, visitors have the opportunity to enter the meticulously restored residence of Artemas Ward (1727-1800), a distinguished major general in the Revolutionary War and a former Congressman.

Originally a compact saltbox design, the house was initially constructed by Ward’s father for tenants on his farm, and it was not until 1763 that Artemas took residence there.

The structure’s Federal-style architecture reflects a substantial expansion undertaken by Ward in 1785, with an additional ell added by his son in the early 19th century.

This historical house is managed by Harvard University, from which Ward graduated in 1748, and entrance is complimentary. The property also features a unique four-story barn, built by merging two separate barn structures in 1848.

2. Dean Park

Directly across Main St from the General Artemas Ward Museum lies Dean Park, a beloved public green space encompassing 79 acres surrounding a serene pond.

This park is an ideal venue for leisurely strolls or biking, featuring nearly two miles of trails, including a paved, shaded loop encircling the pond.

During the summer, the bandstand at Dean Park hosts a series of concerts, typically held on Thursdays.

The playground is arguably the finest in the city, offering sandboxes, distinct play equipment for various age groups, all securely enclosed.

Further amenities include baseball/softball fields, basketball and tennis courts, and a slope that is perfect for sledding when winter arrives.

3. Ski Ward Ski Area

Ward Hill, situated in eastern Shrewsbury, boasts a ski area that has been operational each winter since 1939. This compact mountain features a vertical drop of 220 feet and offers nine trails with comprehensive snowmaking capabilities.

The nine trails are balanced between beginner, intermediate, and expert levels, catering to several local schools.

Each new ski season introduces enhancements and updates, with a notable addition being the snow tubing facility, featuring five lanes and two dedicated lifts suitable for all ages.

Interestingly, tubing is also available in warmer months via a six-lane, 220-foot Tubaslide, equipped with a carpet lift.

4. Prospect Park

Located just moments from Shrewsbury Center, Prospect Park encompasses 71 acres of land that was once part of a summer estate belonging to Matthew John Whitall, a prominent rug and carpet manufacturer.

The mansion, completed in 1912 and named Juniper Hall, was strategically situated on high ground, offering panoramic views of Central Massachusetts. One notable guest during its prime was then vice-president Calvin Coolidge.

After Whitall’s passing, the estate was donated to the Grand Lodge of Masons of Massachusetts, who established a masonic hospital on the premises, ultimately leading to the mansion’s demolition after the city acquired the land in the 1970s.

At Prospect Park, one can still observe the mansion’s footprint on the hillside, alongside remnants of its formal gardens, including a semi-ruined pergola.

A kiosk at the park’s entrance provides historical insights about the estate, while the primary trail follows the mansion’s former paved driveway.

5. Hebert Candies

In 1946, Frederick Hebert, the founder of Hebert Candies, acquired a Tudor-style stone mansion located on the Hartford Turnpike in southern Shrewsbury.

More than 75 years later, it continues to serve as the headquarters and primary retail outlet for a brand renowned for introducing white chocolate to the United States post-World War II.

Hebert Candies dates back to 1917 when Frederick purchased chocolate-making equipment for a mere $11; in subsequent decades, demand surged for the chocolates and caramels meticulously crafted in his kitchen.

The mansion holds the distinction of being America’s first roadside confectionery, celebrated for its white chocolates, genevas, curated assortments, seasonal chocolates, bars, and sundaes.

6. Secret Garden

Nestled within a residential area in southern Shrewsbury, the Secret Garden is a privately curated wooded space that welcomes the public and is sure to enchant younger visitors.

This delightful garden, designed by a dedicated local resident known as Chief Joseph, features a 0.4-mile trail along the pond and side paths.

It showcases whimsical sculptures, engaging installations, carved benches, and uplifting messages catering to adults.

With attractions ranging from a charming waterfall to a giant, climbable bear, visitors are encouraged to leisurely explore and appreciate the tranquility.

7. Willard House & Clock Museum

Located a short distance south of Shrewsbury, the home of the clock-making Willard Brothers—Aaron, Benjamin, Ephraim, and Simon—provides an intriguing glimpse into history.

The house, built in 1718, served as the site for clock production in the late 18th century before the brothers relocated to Roxbury, which is now part of Boston.

Simon Willard (1753-1848) is particularly renowned as the most accomplished member of his family, credited with inventing the banjo clock, recognized as America’s first commercially successful wall clock early in the 19th century.

The Willard House is home to the last remaining 18th-century clockmaker’s workshop in the United States, and extensive galleries house the most comprehensive collection of Willard timepieces, along with family artifacts such as horological tools, various documents, portraits, furniture, and patents.

8. Quinsigamond State Park

This public recreation area is situated on the Worcester side of Lake Quinsigamond and serves as one of the limited public access points along the lakeshore.

The lake is well-known in rowing circles for its 2,000-meter racing course, hosting regattas for over 165 years.

The state park provides an excellent vantage point for these competitions, and during summer, visitors can rent kayaks, paddle boats, stand-up paddleboards, or sailboats for leisurely excursions.

Additional amenities include a swimming beach, a pavilion, picnic areas, grills, athletic fields, restrooms, showers, and trails that are maintained for cross-country skiing during the winter months.

9. Broken Creek Vineyard and Winery

In the picturesque countryside south of Shrewsbury lies a 40-acre vineyard that blossomed from a winemaking fascination in the 1990s.

The proprietors acquired this land in 2010 and planted a variety of grapes, including Marquette, Traminette, Vidal Blanc, Vignoles, Cayuga White, and Petite Pearl.

The vineyard produces a diverse selection of varietal wines and blends, also sourcing grapes from California, Washington State, and Chile, particularly for red varietals like Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, and the Carnivore Red blend.

Broken Creek collaborates with a local charcuterie business, allowing customers to enjoy perfectly paired snacks alongside their preferred wines.

10. Shrewsbury Farmers’ Market

For those wishing to support local businesses, a weekly farmers’ market operates on Wednesday afternoons from mid-June to mid-September at the Senior Center parking lot adjacent to the town hall.

The vendor list varies weekly and typically includes up to 20 participants offering locally grown fruits and vegetables, fresh fish, grass-fed meats, honey, spice mixes, herbs, maple products, cider, baked goods, cupcakes, fudge, pet treats, prepared meals, meal kits, teas, organic skincare, handmade soaps, jewelry, and much more.

11. Carlstrom Memorial Forest

A short distance west of Prospect Park lies a significant expanse of publicly accessible demonstration forest managed by the New England Forestry Foundation.

Carlstrom Memorial Forest encompasses far more land than one might assume from the seemingly modest entrance and parking area located on Gulf Street, bordering larger areas of town property to the south and west.

This area features four color-coded trails extending up to ⅔ of a mile through tranquil woodlands and wildflower meadows, with kiosks at the entrance providing maps and QR codes for visitors.

12. Summer Festival

The Town of Shrewsbury has recently established this annual event to celebrate a return to normalcy and strengthen community ties.

This free, one-day festival takes place in early August at the Scandinavian Athletic Club Park.

Attendees can enjoy live performances throughout the day, alongside raffles and an array of local vendors, including a variety of food trucks.

Children can participate in numerous fun activities, featuring face painting, a petting zoo, a magician, a dunk tank, and more.

13. Food Truck Thursdays

A well-loved summer tradition in Shrewsbury is the weekly food truck festival held on the Town Hall lawn at 100 Maple Ave.

Food Truck Thursdays occur from mid-April until the end of October, with trucks typically stationed from 4 PM to 8 PM.

The rotating array of food trucks offers a diverse selection, including hot dogs, New England-style seafood, kabobs, grilled cheese, pizza, Italian-style street food, ice cream, shaved ice, and more.

Visitors can either grab food to go or bring a blanket for a picnic on the lawn.

14. Davidian’s Farm Market

Located just off I-290 in Northborough is a diversified market that has remained in the same family since 1918.

The seasonal fresh produce found at Davidian’s Farm Market is sourced from nearby fields.

Select offerings include tomatoes, peppers, leafy greens, corn, squashes, pumpkins, peaches, cantaloupe, and over a dozen apple varieties.

The facility also houses a greenhouse, along with a bakery, ice cream stall, and an acclaimed deli counter for subs.

In the fall, their apple cider donuts are particularly renowned. There is a small play area outside for children, alongside enclosures for domestic animals like goats.

15. Bowlero Shrewsbury

The Town & Country AMF bowling alley located on the Boston Turnpike in Shrewsbury has undergone a significant remodel and rebranding in a multimillion-dollar project.

Now featuring 40 modern lanes with stylish glow lighting, comfortable couches replacing traditional plastic seating, and state-of-the-art HD displays for tracking scores.

A fully-staffed kitchen offers a variety of foods, including pizza, wings, burgers, and chicken sandwiches. The revamped sports bar includes HD televisions and pours local craft beers, alongside a selection of signature cocktails.

Highlights of weeknights include enticing specials such as unlimited bowling on Wednesdays and college night on Thursdays.