Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Foxborough, MA

Often spelled as “Foxboro,” this town in Norfolk County is primarily recognized as the residence of the New England Patriots.

The NFL squad, which experienced remarkable success during the 2000s and 2010s, relocated to Foxborough in 1971.

Their current venue, Gillette Stadium, was finished in 2002 and is integrated into a substantial mixed-use development, drawing visitors beyond the football season for its recreational and dining options.

The historical center of Foxborough features a charming common, framed by significant structures and serving as a gathering place for annual festivities, concerts, and a summer farmers’ market.

1. Gillette Stadium

In 2002, at the outset of Bill Belichick’s extraordinary tenure, the New England Patriots transitioned from the inadequate Foxboro Stadium to their current 65,878-seat venue, shared with the New England Revolution (MLS).

Two decades later, this article reveals that Gillette Stadium was undergoing a $225 million renovation, featuring enhancements such as the largest video board of its kind in the United States, along with a 218-foot tower with panoramic views of the stadium and eastern Massachusetts.

For those interested in watching the team compete, tickets for individual games are available via Ticketmaster.

The stadium is part of a vast complex, which includes the Patriots Hall of Fame and the Patriot Place mixed-use development.

2. The Patriots Hall of Fame

Throughout the year, a compelling reason to visit Gillette Stadium is this high-tech interactive museum that showcases significant moments and individuals from the illustrious history of the New England Patriots.

Interactive exhibits allow guests to relive pivotal occurrences, such as the comeback during the Super Bowl LI and the winning interception by Malcolm Butler at Super Bowl XLIX.

The museum boasts a rich collection of memorabilia from notable figures like Tom Brady, Rob Gronkowski, and the strategic genius Bill Belichick.

Visitors will also have the opportunity to admire championship rings and the collection of six Vince Lombardi Super Bowl trophies from the extraordinary period spanning 2001 to 2018.

3. Patriot Place

Since 2007, a vast mixed-use development has emerged on the western side of Gillette Stadium.

Owned by the Kraft Group, Patriot Place features a selection of retail stores, a four-star hotel, a concert hall, a Showcase Cinema de Lux, a comedy venue, and a variety of dining establishments, bars, and cafés.

During the time of writing, the venue included locations such as Five Guys, Red Robin, Dunkin’, and Olive Garden, along with diverse unique establishments offering tacos, Japanese cuisine, New England seafood, Italian dishes, cocktails, craft beer, artisan coffee, and more.

Overall, Patriot Place encompasses 1.3 million square feet, with power center-style retail outlets such as Bass Pro Shops, Trader Joe’s, and Bed Bath & Beyond being situated on the southern side.

4. Foxborough Common

Located at a rotary where several roads converge, the green space in Foxborough’s center dates back at least 300 years.

Like many town commons in New England, Foxborough Common is surrounded by historic buildings, such as the Bethany Congregational Church (1854), Memorial Hall (1868), and the Greek Revival Foxborough Universalist Church (1843). This common plays an integral role in community life.

There are frequent performances at the Marilyn Rodman Performing Arts Center, and summer brings a series of complimentary outdoor concerts to the bandstand on Thursday evenings, preceded by the Foxboro Farmers’ Market on the Common in the afternoon.

Additionally, the Foxboro Jaycees organize spring and fall craft fairs and vendor exhibitions at the common.

5. Marilyn Rodman Performing Arts Center

One of the refined structures overlooking Foxborough Common is the historic Orpheum Theatre. Established in 1926 for the exhibition of silent films, it continued to be a popular choice for movie aficionados for over six decades.

After its closure in 1989, the theater was repurposed within five years as a venue for professional performing arts.

The Marilyn Rodman Performing Arts Center was renamed in 2018 to honor a cherished local figure who contributed significantly to the community through the arts. Consulting the schedule for forthcoming concerts, musicals, live comedy performances, movie screenings, and more is recommended.

6. F. Gilbert Hills State Forest

A significant portion of western Foxborough is comprised of this state forest, encompassing over 1,000 acres of pine and oak woodland.

The F. Gilbert Hills State Forest extends into Wrentham and is contiguous with conservation areas on both sides. This accumulation results in over 20 miles of trails available for hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, and cross-country skiing.

A prominent long-distance pathway traversing the forest is the Warner Trail, which spans 30 miles from Diamond Hill, RI, to Sharon.

For mountain biking enthusiasts, the Foxborough area features some of the finest terrains in eastern Massachusetts, with a myriad of winding trails and glacial drumlins that provide exciting elevation variations.

7. Neponset Reservoir

A short distance north of Foxborough Common lies a considerable body of water, dammed in the mid-19th century to support mills along the Neponset River.

This industrial function transitioned to recreational use over time, and currently, visitors can explore the western shore within the Lane Homestead Conservation Area.

The Story Book Trail leads you through a serene pine forest to the waterfront, while the accessible All Person’s Trail provides access to a deck adjacent to Crack Rock Pond, where various wildlife species such as otters, orioles, kingfishers, and great blue herons can be observed throughout the summer months.

Accessing the water is possible via a boat ramp at 61 Edwards Rd and a car-top boat launch located on a small tract of conservation land at Kersey Point (70 Neponset Heights Avenue).

8. Showcase Cinema de Lux Patriot Place

A notable cinema destination for the region, the Showcase Cinema de Lux at Patriot Place was among the first of its kind upon its opening in the late 2000s.

As a more refined variant of a traditional Showcase theater, Cinema de Lux Patriot Place features Lux Level in-theater dining, with reserved seating and in-seat service for ordering food.

This 14-screen multiplex also houses a full-service Studio 3 restaurant, offering contemporary American cuisine, including gourmet Angus beef burgers and an array of unique cocktails.

9. Memorial Hall

On the southern side of the common, encircled by gravestones, stands a Gothic Revival building established as a Grand Army of the Republic hall in 1868.

Adorned with a statue of a Union Army soldier, Memorial Hall was constructed in honor of all those impacted by the Civil War, strategically located at the old burial ground.

Inside, a plaque commemorates Foxborough residents who perished during the war, situated beneath a stained glass window symbolizing Liberty.

The hall functioned as the town library for several decades and currently displays historical exhibitions, open to the public on Wednesday afternoons at the time of writing.

10. The Nature Trail and Cranberry Bog

A unique aspect of the Patriot Place area is a trail on the southern section, leading visitors over and around the last active cranberry bog in Foxborough.

The Ocean Spray cranberry bog spans seven acres and was established in 1929. This setting allows for a sudden transition from the modern complex to a rural landscape typical of southeastern Massachusetts.

This wetland location is bordered by stands of hemlock, red maple, white pine, and swamp white oak, complemented by interpretive signage detailing cranberry production and the history of the bog.

The growing season is extensive, lasting from April to November, with a particularly stunning display in the fall when the bog turns vibrant red.

11. Foxborough Grange Hall

A short distance along Bird Street from the common, one can find a distinctive building, established in 1897 as a meeting space for the fraternal organization, The National Grange of the Order of Patrons of Husbandry in the United States.

Three stories high, Grange Hall serves as an intriguing reminder of Foxborough’s agrarian heritage and is also noted for its wood-frame construction and hipped roof.

This organization convened here for more than three decades, during which time the second floor contained an auditorium. The building has since been utilized for various purposes, including a period serving as a school for classes.

12. Muse Paintbar

Another notable establishment at Patriot Place is Muse Paintbar, which combines a bar atmosphere with hands-on painting experiences.

As part of an expanding regional chain, Muse Paintbar offers a diverse schedule of classes and paint & sip events, facilitated by approachable instructors who assist participants in enhancing their artistic skills in a relaxed environment.

A wide array of experiences is available, ranging from painting in the style of renowned masters like Van Gogh to creating cheerful festive scenes during the Christmas season.

A selection of wine and beer is provided to complement the creative process, alongside a menu of small dishes for enjoyment.

13. XtremeCraze Foxborough

Situated approximately a mile south of Foxborough Common, the Foxborough Plaza shopping center includes a location of this indoor inflatable park franchise.

XtremeCraze resembles an indoor trampoline park; however, all surfaces are inflatable and soft, offering added peace of mind for parents who can join in the fun alongside their children.

The park encompasses several zones and attractions, featuring tower slides, a significant free-fall jump, climbing walls, and balance mushrooms.

This facility also includes a laser tag arena utilizing advanced technology for varied game formats, including hide-and-seek and capture the flag. Additionally, the Game Zone presents an arcade with classic redemption machines such as skeeball.

14. Booth Recreational Complex

Foxborough’s primary facility for active recreation is conveniently located within walking distance of the common along South St.

Parents will appreciate the playground at the Booth Recreational Complex, which underwent an extensive renovation in 2019, supported in part by Robert Kraft’s Partners in Patriotism Fund.

This inclusive facility features soft rubber surfacing, accessible tire swings, and an assortment of whimsical climbing structures. Additionally, the broader complex accommodates multi-purpose fields, baseball diamonds, softball fields, and tennis courts.

15. Foxborough Country Club

Founded in 1955, the Foxborough Country Club operates as a semi-private golf course, offering public play slots on Tuesday through Thursday, as well as on Fridays prior to May 1.

If you are in the area during these days, you may enjoy a rewarding experience on this Geoffrey Cornish-designed parkland golf course.

Spanning 6,850 yards from the tips, this course is nestled within 200 acres of mature woodlands. Accurate long drives will place you in a good position; however, precise approach shots are essential to navigate the elevation changes and nuances of the greens.