Discover 28 Incredible Hidden Gems in Massachusetts

Named after the Native American tribe which once inhabited the territory, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts is a state in New England, United States. Also known as “The Bay State,” Massachusetts’ coastline is prominently framed by its three major bays: Massachusetts Bay, Cape Cod Bay, and Buzzards Bay.

As home to one of the most renowned beach holiday destinations worldwide, Cape Cod, Massachusetts is regarded as a prominent travel spot in the nation.

Being one of the oldest states in America, Massachusetts is rich in history, culture, and heritage.

The site of numerous significant occurrences in the U.S., including the establishment of the first American university (Harvard) and the first public beach (Revere Beach), Massachusetts is also known for one of humanity’s eeriest events—the Salem Witch Trials of 1692.

As such, it is not surprising that the state harbors various remarkable hidden gems. Let us examine some of the most noteworthy locations.

1. Danvers Hospital for the Criminally Insane, Danvers

Given its intense history of witchcraft and associated phenomena, the Danvers Hospital for the Criminally Insane is appropriately the first site on this list.

Founded in 1878 to accommodate a small number of severely mentally ill patients, Danvers State Hospital for the Criminally Insane was as renowned for its treatment programs as it was for its gothic-inspired architectural design. Although initially intended to provide compassionate care for the mentally ill, by the 1930s, the hospital faced severe overcrowding. Consequently, shock therapies and lobotomies became the standard procedures for patient treatment.

Adding criminally insane individuals to the hospital’s population exacerbated the situation, and in 1992, the facility was permanently closed.

The institution’s gothic architecture and sinister history inspired H.P. Lovecraft’s 2013 film, Arkham Sanitarium, as well as Batman’s Arkham Asylum.

Presently, most of the original structure has been transformed into modern facilities; however, the original cemetery remains intact.

2. Warren Anatomical Museum, Boston

Dr. John Collins Warren, a distinguished American surgeon and the third president of the American Medical Association, was a strong advocate for the collection of anatomical and pathological specimens to aid his studies. Upon retiring in 1847, he bequeathed over 15,000 unusual and fascinating specimens to Harvard University.

Although a majority of Warren’s collection remains unaccounted for or stored away, a selection is displayed for public viewing at the Countway Library.

This collection includes items such as a cast of Johann Gaspar Spurzheim’s skull, Dr. William Thomas Morton’s ether inhaler—the first used for surgical anesthesia during Warren’s surgery—along with the skull of Phineas Gage, the railroad worker famous for surviving an accident involving a 13-pound tamping iron that penetrated his brain.

3. Forest Hills Cemetery, Boston

Home to several notable historical figures, Forest Hills Cemetery, located at the terminus of Boston’s MBTA train system, exemplifies both natural and man-made beauty.

Spanning 275 acres, the cemetery lies adjacent to a serene lake and contains numerous graves, some adorned with intricate architectural features. Artificial sculptures, including a miniature village and a collection of dressed trees, contribute a whimsical touch to the otherwise somber atmosphere of a cemetery.

A particularly unusual attraction in the area is the miniature concrete home of Ralph Martin, a wagon driver who met his end during the Great Molasses Disaster—Boston’s most peculiar event.

Famous figures buried here include Anne Sexton, Eugene O’Neill, and E.E. Cummings.

4. Count Orlok’s Nightmare Gallery, Salem

Arguably one of the singular man-made horror corridors in Salem, Count Orlok’s Nightmare Gallery, conceived by James Lurgio, features an extensive display of approximately 50 different horror characters from films.

Primarily crafted by some of the film industry’s most skilled artisans, the Gallery endeavors to maintain an unsettling aura. Dimly lit exhibits, chilling decorations, and dramatically designed corners enhance the atmosphere of this cinematic monster museum.

Featuring both classic and contemporary characters, the Nightmare Gallery displays are arranged in chronological order. Notable highlights include Count Orlok from the classic 1922 German silent film Nosferatu, alongside Universal monsters and characters portrayed by actors such as Alfred Hitchcock, Vincent Price (House of Wax), and Linda Blair (The Exorcist).

5. The Ether Dome, Boston

While Dr. William Thomas Morton’s ether inhaler, which made history in surgical anesthesia, is safely housed at the Warren Anatomical Museum, it was here in the Ether Dome—a functional operating room—where medical history shifted in 1846. Dr. John Collins Warren requested Dr. Morton to administer anesthesia to a patient prior to conducting a minor surgery.

Upon regaining consciousness, the patient reported feeling no pain. The news of this groundbreaking procedure rapidly spread, fundamentally altering the trajectory of medicine.

Located within the operational General Mass Hospital, the Ether Dome features an artistic copper dome with windows that invite natural light, an Egyptian mummy with spectacularly preserved teeth displayed in a glass case, a skeleton, and an assortment of vintage surgical instruments.

Undoubtedly, the centerpiece is a grand painting depicting the 1846 surgery.

6. The Mysterious Witch Bonney, Lowell

The Witch Bonney Statue, situated on Bonne Avenue in Lowell Cemetery, is modeled after its more famous counterpart in Mt. Auburn Cemetery, Cambridge. Designed in 1841, the statue was commissioned by George P. Worcester.

Numerous legends and stories circulate regarding the infamous Witch Bonney Statue. The most common claims suggest she was either a mill worker during Lowell’s Industrial Revolution or a witch executed during the Salem witch trials. The marker on the statue lists the names of her family members, including two men and two women, along with Bonney and her spouse Charles.

The statue possesses an uncanny quality—her outstretched hands grip a veil, her eyes appear as dark voids gazing into emptiness, and a black teardrop is located beneath her left eye. Local high school students assert that her toga-like dress begins to slip from her shoulders every October, ultimately exposing her chest on Halloween.

7. Dogtown & Babson Boulder Trail, Gloucester

Dating back to 1693, Dogtown was initially a farming community that fell into abandonment during the War of 1812. It is speculated that families began migrating away, leaving their dogs behind (hence the name) along with the spouses and widows of fishermen.

By 1839, Dogtown was entirely deserted apart from the dogs. Eventually, artist and entrepreneur Roger Babson initiated a project to create a trail lined with over 30 large boulders, known today as Babson Word Rocks, each inscribed with an inspirational quote from Babson himself.

The project was brought to fruition by local craftsmen and supported by Babson during the Great Depression.

As you walk the trail, phrases such as “Never Try Never Win,” “Loyalty,” and “Use Your Head” accompany you along the hike.

8. Museum of Modern Renaissance, Somerville

The Museum of Modern Renaissance was founded in 2002 by Ekatrina Sorokina and Nicholas Shaplyko, both Russian artists who referred to the venue as a “Temple of Art.”

These artists, in their imaginative endeavor, created a captivating gallery filled with their own sculptures, presenting a distinct dimension of the world.

Emphasizing a style they name “Mystical Realm,” the museum’s interiors are adorned with enchanting paintings and mythological themes. Key attractions include fresco-like Russian mythological and religious scenes in the main hall, along with a facade designed to resemble an Incan ruin.

Viewing is by appointment only.

9. Author’s Ridge, Concord

For those seeking a gathering place of literary greatness, look no further than Author’s Ridge at Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, where renowned figures such as Henry David Thoreau, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Nathaniel Hawthorne, and Louisa May Alcott rest.

Situated in Concord, Massachusetts, Author’s Ridge is a tranquil area within Sleepy Hollow Cemetery that has served as the final resting site for many illustrious authors throughout history. This cemetery, once brimming with creative thinkers, became the burial ground for a number of them.

A haven for literature enthusiasts, Author’s Ridge is dotted with tokens left by admirers—pens, notes, poems, and various mementos.

10. Eyrie House Ruins, Holyoke

Established in 1861 by a man named William Street, the Eyrie House became a prominent hotel that welcomed over a hundred guests daily from around the globe. Staying at this hotel became a status symbol of sorts, accompanied by amenities such as a croquet field, picnic area, and a gracious restaurant.

As competition escalated, Street initiated construction of two new hotels to replace the Eyrie Hotel. Regrettably, he lost both establishments. On April 13, 1901, a misguided attempt to initiate a funeral pyre for two deceased horses resulted in a devastating fire that engulfed the mountain, leaving only cellar holes and stone foundations behind.

Today, only the remnants of the Eyrie House Ruins exist, nestled within the Mt. Tom Reservation.

11. Echo Bridge, Newton

Upon its completion in 1877, Echo Bridge became the second-longest of its kind, forming a picturesque arch that connects the two banks of the Charles River. The hemlock-lined architecture is not only a prime location for admiring the stunning scenery but is also recognized for its unique acoustic properties.

At the base of the staircase that leads beneath the bridge, a platform is designated for visitors to experiment with echoes and sound vibrations. The archway produces approximately 15 reverberations of a standard human voice and as many as 25 for sharper sounds such as gunfire.

It is believed that this phenomenon occurs when sounds bounce between the arch and the water, although some assert that the arch’s particular design effectively channels sound, creating a ‘whispering gallery.’

Regardless of the explanation, it is undeniably an entertaining experience.

12. Dungeon Rock, Lynn

The narrative of Dungeon Rock began in the mid-1600s when a pirate named Thomas Veale allegedly sought refuge in a cave with his riches in the area that is now Lynn Woods Reservation. After some time, a catastrophic earthquake obscured the pirate and his treasure beneath the rubble.

Also referred to as the Pirate’s Dungeon, it was not until 1852 that a spiritualist named Hiram Marble purchased the land and settled there with his wife and son. He reported experiencing visions from Veale’s ghost, who purportedly guided him toward the treasure. Hiram and his son, Edwin, excavated the area with explosives and digging implements, but they unearthed nothing.

The cave remains today, complete with an iron door that is accessible daily for limited hours. It is dark, cold, and damp, thus it is advisable to carry a flashlight and to dress appropriately.

Some fragments from Marble’s original walls are still in existence and it is beneath a large pink boulder that his son, Edwin, is laid to rest.

13. Art of Jack Kevorkian, Watertown

Are you prepared to enter a realm filled with depictions of mortality? Prepare yourself accordingly.

Born in 1928, Jack Kevorkian, famously known as Dr. Death, was a pathologist from Michigan who graduated from the University of Michigan in 1952 and assisted over 130 suicides until 1999. Following a disturbing video of him performing euthanasia, he faced revocation of his medical license and was charged with second-degree murder (this was not his first legal issue).

Dr. Death passed away in 2011 but not before leaving a collection of his graphic artwork, which is displayed at the Armenian Library and Museum of America.

While most of his pieces are exhibited intermittently, four have been permanently displayed: “The Gourmand,” “The Broken Scales of Justice,” “Genocide,” and “Fa La La La La.”

14. Ponyhenge, Lincoln

Affectionately referred to as “Ponyhenge,” this small pasture in Lincoln, MA, serves as a haven for ponies and old rocking horses. The origins of this gathering are unclear, but the park has become home to these figurines since 2010.

The initial inhabitants were a solitary lobby horse, followed by various others made of plastic, wood, and metal. Local residents are unsure of how it began, with some speculating it was a remnant from a Christmas display.

Curiously, the horses frequently change positions. They might be arranged in a circle, haphazardly scattered as if after a festive night, or lined up in a row as if rehearsing for a race.

The landowners evidently appreciate this quirky mystery in their backyard, as they have yet to clear the area.

15. Franklin Park’s Overlook Shelter Ruins, Boston

Frederick Law Olmsted, recognized as the ‘Father of Landscape Architecture’, established comprehensive standards for public park development and diverse architectural landmarks. Among his most significant contributions is Franklin Park, once celebrated as the “Emerald Necklace” within a series of parks designed in the area.

Nevertheless, the park presently appears neglected, overgrown, and overlooked when compared to other parks crafted by Olmsted, including his famed Central Park in Manhattan.

However, the remnants of Franklin Park were among the first structures designed by the illustrious architect, having been frequented by several athletes in its day. The charming gardens were adorned to maintain a rustic aesthetic and featured water fountains, stone pathways, benches, and archways.

The popular concert series, ‘Playhouse in the Park,’ initiated by Boston activist Elma Lewis in 1966, continues to take place in the park, but the puddingstone ruins remain largely ignored.

16. Kelleher Rose Garden, Boston

Relatively unknown to visitors and residents of Boston, the James P. Kelleher Rose Garden remains one of the oldest of its kind in the city, established in 1932.

With over 1,500 rose bushes, the Rose Garden has been honored with the Massachusetts Horticultural Society Award for Excellence.

The English-style design of Kelleher Rose Garden was commissioned by then-Mayor of Boston, James Michael Curley, and crafted by Arthur Shurcliff, a prominent Boston landscape architect previously associated with Frederick Law Olmsted.

Accusations asserting that the Rose Garden represented a cheap imitation of Olmsted’s vision have tarnished its historical reputation.

Located near Fenway Park, Kelleher Rose Garden often remains regarded as Boston’s “secret garden.”

17. Rutland Prison Camp, Rutland

Covering 150 acres out of the 914-acre expanse of Rutland State Park, Rutland Prison Camp was established in 1903 to provide a secure environment for minor offenders and to engage them in agricultural labor, primarily focusing on potato growth and poultry raising.

This initiative aimed at rehabilitating minor criminals, such as intoxicated individuals, was known for producing sufficient milk for sale to Worcester.

In addition to the farm operations, the prison camp contained cell blocks, staff quarters, a water tower, and a tuberculosis treatment facility that was established in 1907.

Unfortunately, the prison’s construction atop a drainage area compromised the water supply, leading to its closure in 1934. Now, only the dilapidated ruins of what was once the famed Rutland Prison Farm remain; nevertheless, the site continues to attract explorers and hikers.

18. Becket Land Trust Historic Quarry and Forest, Becket

Once referred to as the Hudson-Chester quarry, the Becket Land Trust Historic Quarry and Forest was operational between the 1860s and 1890s. However, mining activity ceased abruptly, leaving behind tools and machinery used by quarry workers. Over time, nature reclaimed the abandoned site, transforming it into a picturesque ruin embraced by natural beauty.

A new mining company attempted to revive quarry operations in 1999, but the surrounding community intervened, purchasing the land to place it into public trust, thereby thwarting any plans that could have disturbed the forest’s beauty.

Now a nature park, the historic quarry and forest displays remnants of old machinery, construction materials, and dredging equipment.

19. Skinny House, Boston

You might assume that a structure such as this would be hard to miss on the streets of Boston; however, its narrow design makes the Skinny House easily overlooked.

Situated amidst a row of small and slender apartments, the Skinny House is the narrowest of them all, measuring only ten feet across and 30 feet deep. Reportedly, the original owner constructed it out of spite toward his brother, who resided just behind, thereby denying sunlight to the house!

Referred to as the Spite House due to its contentious origin story, the residence is privately owned.

20. Mµseum – The Tiny Museum, Somerville

The dedication and effort of Judith Klausner, an artist and curator from Somerville, culminated in the creation of what she and many others refer to as the world’s smallest museum. Measuring just eight inches deep and 16 inches wide, the Mµseum represents Klausner’s endeavor to celebrate the beauty of small things.

She contends that unlike larger exhibitions, something of this scale can captivate the observer’s full attention and deliver a more intimate experience compared to the often overwhelming sight of grand displays worldwide.

The Greek letter “µ,” representing the scientific prefix “micro,” serves as a clever visual pun devised by Klausner.

21. The Bulb River, Sandwich

Conceptualized by Les Lutz, Director of Horticulture and Facilities Management at Heritage, the Bulb River comprises 35,000 grape hyacinths, flowing like a vivid purplish-blue river through the Heritage Museums and Gardens.

In traditional river fashion, the Bulb River is also accompanied by “eddies,” in this case represented by 1,500 vibrant yellow daffodils strategically positioned along the riverbanks as it cascades down a gentle slope, surrounded by greenery.

This floral spectacle reaches full bloom around Mother’s Day (bringing your mother grants free entry to the park).

22. Bancroft Tower, Worcester

George Bancroft, an influential American historian and U.S. Secretary of the Navy, ardently advocated for secondary education in his hometown of Worcester and played a pivotal role in founding the U.S. Naval Academy.

Bancroft’s societal connections allowed him to cultivate relationships with a host of prominent figures. Among them was his childhood friend, railroad industrialist Stephen Salisbury II. Following Bancroft’s passing, Salisbury’s son (Salisbury III) erected the Bancroft Tower as a tribute to his father’s dear friend.

Some speculate that it represented a mere attempt to exhaust the family’s funds (approximately $15,000); nevertheless, the structure stands at 56 feet tall, constructed from sizable boulders and cobblestones.

Although generally gated off, a visit to this memorial dedicated to the esteemed naval officer and educator is undoubtedly worthwhile.

23. Modica Way, Cambridge

You may or may not have remarked upon this artwork during your numerous passes, but this graffiti-adorned walkway in Central Square, connecting City Parking Lot 5 to Massachusetts Avenue, represents more than just an ordinary boardwalk.

Partly adorned with a colorful plastic canopy reminiscent of “stained glass,” Richard B. “Rico” Modica Way serves as both a public pathway and a 24-hour open-air gallery.

Commonly referred to as Modica Way, the gallery hosts a black-and-white pictorial collage portraying individuals and locations around Central Square, created as an installation by the city.

The alternate side, however, is designated for graffiti artists, who are free to express their creativity through vibrant spray paint upon the walls. In this locale, street art is not considered vandalism but rather an avenue for artistic expression, offering strikingly fresh paintings at regular intervals.

Modica Way also hosts works by internationally celebrated artists, including Enzo & Nio and Shepard Fairey.

24. Rebecca Nurse Homestead and Graveyard, Danvers

Commonly referred to as the Nurse Graveyard, the Rebecca Nurse Homestead and Graveyard stands along Massachusetts Bay, reflecting on the adversities faced by the city during the 17th century.

Close to the infamous Salem Village Witchcraft Victims Memorial, a substantial monument marks the final resting place of Rebecca Nurse, a victim of the witch trials who was executed by hanging in July 1692.

According to the tale, the 71-year-old woman was accused of witchcraft by the local Putnam family, who had a long-standing land feud with the Nurses. Initially found not guilty, a reevaluation led the judge to reverse the verdict and sentence her to death.

The mother of eight received a proper burial facilitated by her family on the very land that is now the burial ground for several witchcraft victims, including George Jacobs, who was accused and executed just a month following Rebecca’s demise.

25. Burnt Hill Stone Circle, Heath

Burnt Hill is an atypical tourist destination, indeed. It resides off the beaten path within the inconspicuous town of Heath; nevertheless, it possesses a certain captivating quality that remains shrouded in mystery.

The origin of its creation is unknown, but the arrangement of 21 stones, some weighing as much as 500 pounds, occupies the northern side of Burnt Hill. Initial theories suggested that these stones were property markers left by an unknown 19th-century farmer. However, studies of the stones indicate they may be several hundred years old.

Alternative hypotheses propose that the hilltop served as an observatory and the stones are aligned to mark sunrises, sunsets, and other celestial movements.

Whether they serve as property markers, are astronomical in nature, or were constructed by ancient Native American tribes, this site undeniably ignites the imagination.

26. All Saints Way, Boston

Tucked away in an alley between 4 and 8 Battery Street in Boston, Massachusetts, All Saints Way embodies an individual’s enduring faith and dedication to all recognized saints.

What began as a childhood pastime of collecting tokens, figurines, postcards, and memorabilia representing the saints has evolved into a life-size street-side exhibit. Peter Baldassari, now approximately 63 years of age, has amassed this collection from his youth, and although situated on private property, he offers tailored tours of his cherished assemblage.

The brick-walled sanctuary is overseen by a modest black entrance, typically featuring the latest addition to his collection.

Visitors are welcome to offer any “saintly” items they may wish to contribute, and Peter would be glad to include it in his collection.

27. Dighton Rock, Berkley

With a history that predates that of the United States itself, Dighton Rock has captivated individuals from various backgrounds and interests over the centuries.

Theories surrounding the origin and mysterious engravings on this significant coastal boulder have varied widely over time. In 1783, Congregationalist minister and scholar Ezra Stiles and his contemporaries suggested that the rock might be a creation of the ancient Phoenicians. This later led to speculation regarding early Portuguese explorers being responsible for the inscriptions.

Among those purported to have made these engravings are Native Americans, Norse explorers, Phoenicians, and even, most recently, the Chinese! The 2002 publication “1421: The Year China Discovered America” claims that Chinese explorers arrived in America long before Columbus, implying that they might have crafted this rock and its inscriptions.

Originally located by the shores of the Taunton River, the rock is now housed within the Dighton Rock State Park museum, continuing to pique the interest of adventurers and visitors alike.

28. Pooh’s House, Cambridge

For many years, a small, painted door located at the base of a tree stump on Harvard University’s grounds has served as the local residence of Pooh. Despite a history that has not always been rosy, Pooh’s House has long been a fixture of the University.

Pooh was not the sole occupant of this area; Rabbit and Piglet once shared the space with him. Retreating children generally observed that Rabbit’s and Piglet’s homes appeared quite deserted (perhaps they migrated to Pooh’s for a tea party!).

However, during the unfortunate renovation plans of 2012, the surrounding trees were removed, transformed into furniture. What remained was merely a stump. Subsequently, a small foyer appeared atop the stump, bringing a cheerful new door with “Pooh” written above it. It appears Pooh returned from his holiday and took matters into his own hands!

Currently, remnants of Pooh’s House persist, weathered by rainstorms, decay, and various natural elements.