Top 15 Activities and Attractions in Groton, Massachusetts

This town of just over 11,300 inhabitants is situated in the Merrimack Valley, adjacent to the Nashua River, which serves as a popular venue for recreational activities such as canoeing, kayaking, and paddleboarding in the summer.

Groton was originally settled by Europeans in 1655, shortly after John Tinker established a trading post that engaged in commerce with the Nashaway Native Americans along the Nashua River.

The town features an appealing historic center, where 18th-century homes and public structures are preserved, including the residence of notable politician, George Boutwell (1818-1905), which has been under the stewardship of the local historical society since the 1930s.

Moreover, Groton is recognized for its two esteemed preparatory institutions: Groton School, established in 1884, and Lawrence Academy at Groton, dating back to 1792.

1. Groton Center Historic District

Located at the intersection of state routes 119 and 40, the historical center of Groton is designated as a historic district, with its layout dating back to the 17th century.

For example, the First Parish Church was erected in 1755, serving as the town’s fourth meetinghouse on this location. In 1775, Groton’s minutemen assembled in front of this church before participating in the Battles of Lexington and Concord.

Notably, Paul Revere, known for his Midnight Ride prior to these battles, had connections to Groton as he served as Grand Master at the Masonic Lodge at the nearby Groton Inn—destroyed by fire in 2011 and subsequently rebuilt as a boutique hotel— and his foundry cast the bell currently installed in the tower of the First Parish Church in 1819.

2. Groton History Center

Opposite the Town Hall stands the impressive Boutwell House, constructed in 1851 for George Boutwell, the 20th Governor of Massachusetts.

A committed abolitionist, he later became the first Commissioner of Internal Revenue under Abraham Lincoln and played a pivotal role in the impeachment proceedings against Andrew Johnson.

The Boutwell family remained the sole inhabitants of this home until it was bequeathed to the Groton Historical Society by Boutwell’s daughter Georgianna.

The society maintains the Boutwell House as the Groton History Center. Inside, visitors can view the room where Ulysses S. Grant resided in 1869, examine Boutwell’s personal desk and library collection, explore historical maps of Groton, and appreciate the period-appropriate kitchen furnishings.

3. Nashoba Paddler

The picturesque Nashua River, characterized by its gentle currents and natural surroundings, presents an ideal setting for paddling activities.

Situated at the intersection of Main Street and the river in Groton, Nashoba Paddler offers a variety of rental options including canoes, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards, allowing for upriver or downriver excursions.

A particularly scenic spot a short distance upriver is an oxbow located at Groton Town Forest, named the Dead River. Additionally, the company organizes several guided tours from spring through fall.

These tours provide opportunities to observe local wildlife such as beavers, turtles, birds, and wildflowers, enjoy the vibrant foliage in autumn, or experience moonlit paddling during summer nights.

4. Groton Town Forest

Along the Nashua River, Groton encompasses a vast woodland area featuring 14 miles of trails. Established in 1922 to honor the Groton residents who made the ultimate sacrifice during WWI, Groton Town Forest was among the earliest properties of its nature designated in Massachusetts.

This area has expanded from an original 180 acres to over 500 acres, providing three marked loops suitable for hiking, running, mountain biking, as well as snowshoeing and cross-country skiing during winter.

The trails on these historic cart roads are generally gentle, but for those seeking a more challenging experience, the side trails offer an exhilarating ride for mountain bikers in search of demanding singletrack routes.

The 6.4-mile Town Forest Loop trail showcases the variety of landscapes, passing several glacial kettle holes and kettle ponds.

5. Gibbet Hill

Ascending steeply on the eastern side of Groton Center are the scenic slopes of Gibbet Hill. Consequently, this location, offering cinematic views of the Merrimack Valley and the Nashua River Valley, is frequently utilized as a filming site for historical dramas.

A recent film featuring this site was Greta Gerwig’s adaptation of Little Women (2018), notably including an important scene between characters Jo and Laurie.

Visitors can hike to the summit, where the view is particularly breathtaking at sunset, accompanied by the remnants of a castle-like structure, which will be further discussed later.

On the hillside is Gibbet Hill Farm, noted for raising award-winning Black Angus cattle for over six decades. The farm-to-table Gibbet Hill Grill restaurant is located on the premises. Additionally, the barn, built in 1906, serves as a venue for private events.

6. Autumn Hills Orchard

This fruit farm in Groton is situated on a chain of three rolling drumlins, offering distant views towards mountains like Wachusett to the west and Monadnock to the north.

Autumn Hills Orchard runs a lively pick-your-own schedule starting in July with raspberries and blueberries.

As the season progresses, visitors can return for peaches, nectarines, pears, and grapes. Apples are the primary focus here, featuring over 30 varieties, with the harvest commencing in August and lasting well into October.

In the fall, visitors are also treated to stunning foliage, visible for miles from the ridge.

7. Bancroft’s Castle

At the pinnacle of Gibbet Hill lies the haunting remains of a structure erected by politician William Bancroft (1855-1922) as a present for his wife, Mary.

This building, featuring a fieldstone facade and a striking tower, was conceptually designed as a fairytale castle, intended to be one part of a more extensive residence until financial constraints interrupted its completion.

Subsequently, the site transformed into a sanitarium and later served as a lodge for the Groton Hunt Club before it succumbed to a fire during July 4 festivities in 1932, leaving only the outer walls standing.

Today, Bancroft’s Castle injects an element of intrigue and drama into the magnificent vistas from the crest of Gibbet’s Hill.

8. Nashua River Rail Trail

This 12.5-mile multi-use trail traverses Groton uninterrupted on its route from Ayer to Nashua, NH.

Groton serves as a significant point along the trail, providing easy access to Main Street and Groton Center for pedestrians and cyclists seeking refreshment or respite.

Shortly south, the trail skirts the eastern edge of Groton School grounds, offering an exquisite view over the pond.

Notably, the Nashua River Rail Trail follows the route of the abandoned railbed of the Hollis Branch of the Boston and Maine Road, established in 1848. It is worth noting that this path long predates modern times as it once served as a trail for the Nashaway Native Americans.

9. J. Harry Rich State Forest

Situated in the northern part of Groton, the J. Harry Rich State Forest encompasses approximately 500 acres of woodlands alongside a winding stretch of the Nashua River. Accessing this area is feasible via the Nashua River Rail Trail, which borders the eastern side of the property.

Within the forest, trails navigate along the river’s serpentine path and through the surrounding wetlands, offering a serene escape.

During the summer months, visitors can observe various waterfowl, and the relatively flat terrain makes this a great destination for families.

10. Groton Farmers’ Market

It is challenging to envision a more charming setting for a farmers’ market than this picturesque old farm featuring a barn erected in 1840.

The Groton Farmers’ Market convenes at the Williams Barn on Friday mornings from July to October, including a special Thanksgiving Market in November.

This market provides an opportunity to support local businesses from Groton and its neighboring areas.

Seasonal fresh produce, honey, eggs, jams, sauces, syrups, meal kits, baked goods, and handcrafted items such as beauty products, candles, pottery, and jewelry are often available. There are typically activities for children, such as a petting zoo, along with live musical performances each week.

11. Rocky Hill Wildlife Sanctuary

Covering 441 acres in southeastern Groton, this sanctuary is managed by the Massachusetts Audubon Society and is located within a state-designated Area of Critical Environmental Concern.

The Rocky Hill Wildlife Sanctuary is characterized by a rugged landscape of substantial granite outcrops and boulders enveloped in dense woodlands.

Part of the sanctuary’s ecological significance is attributed to its vernal pools, which teem with life during spring. While exploring the trails, one highlight is the rocky projection that offers a clear view of a beaver pond and the nesting sites of Great Blue Herons high in the trees.

12. Luina Greine Farm

In the gently rolling landscape near Groton Center, Luina Greine Farm focuses on alpaca wool production. The farm opens its gates to the public on weekends during the fall, when visitors are invited for complimentary tours.

The most delightful aspect for both adults and children is the opportunity to interact with the farm’s friendly animals, including alpacas, goats, sheep, ponies, and donkeys.

The farm store, located in a charming shed, operates during these weekends, offering alpaca fiber products such as scarves, socks, hats, and coats, as well as plush toys.

13. Groton Country Club

Despite its name, this public facility welcomes visitors regardless of residency. The centerpiece of the Groton Country Club is a 9-hole golf course boasting a links-style layout and multiple tee options suited for players of diverse skill levels.

From the advanced tees, this challenging par 35 course offers breathtaking scenery at each hole.

The facility also features Groton’s public outdoor pool, equipped for competitive swimming and recreational use, with shallow areas suitable for young children.

Additionally, there are tennis and pickleball courts, complemented by a friendly bar and dining option at the Groton Publick House.

14. Kalliroscope Gallery

Groton is the residence of Paul Matisse (b. 1933), grandson of Henri Matisse and a distinguished artist known for his kinetic and interactive works.

In 1982, he acquired the Old Baptist Church in Groton to serve as a studio and living space, while also hosting a gallery in the sanctuary. Many of Matisse’s creations focus on sound, enhanced by the church’s impressive acoustics, which attracted him to the site.

This venue has also housed a chamber concert series featuring nationally and internationally acclaimed artists as part of Groton Hill Music (formerly Indian Hill Music). Although the series has relocated to the Groton Hill Music Center, the Kalliroscope Gallery was expected to continue hosting events and performances following a temporary closure during the pandemic.

15. Grotonfest

Groton’s foremost annual event occurs on the last Saturday of September, transforming Legion Common beside Groton Center into a vibrant marketplace.

Grotonfest showcases a diverse array of local businesses, services, clubs, and organizations from the community and nearby regions.

In addition to numerous artisans displaying their creations, there is a substantial selection of food trucks offering various cuisines from tacos to cannoli.

The event features a full schedule of performances and demonstrations throughout the day, including Irish dance, community theater presentations, a karate demonstration, and a wealth of live music.