Top 15 Activities to Experience in Norton, MA

A town of 20,000 in Briston County, Norton has long been recognized in the sports domain as the host of TPC Boston, which held the Dell Technologies Championship up to 2019.

The community of Norton Center, home to various civic institutions, is adjacent to the 500-acre campus of Wheaton College, which is esteemed as one of the most attractive locations in the region.

During your time in Norton, one cannot help but notice the abundance of water found in large ponds and lakes such as Norton Reservoir and Winnecunnet Pond, as well as in the bogs, rivers, and brooks that meander across the town’s southern sector.

The Land Preservation Society (LPS) oversees several preserves and refuges in this area of town, many of which will soon be linked by an upcoming trail network.

1. Winslow Farm Animal Sanctuary

Founded in 1996, this sanctuary dedicates itself to rescuing, rehabilitating, and caring for mistreated and abandoned animals. Open to the public a year later, Winslow Farm has since expanded to include over 300 animals.

Their enclosures are set in picturesque woodlands, with pathways crafted for visitors that weave through towering ancient trees.

Among the sanctuary’s inhabitants are horses, goats, llamas, chickens, alpacas, sheep, donkeys, mules, dogs, cats, geese, peacocks, and emus.

Seasonal events are hosted on the farm throughout the year, complemented by visitor amenities such as picnic areas and a playground for children.

2. Wheaton College

Co-located with municipal offices including the Police Department, Public Library, and Town Hall in Norton Center, the compact yet appealing campus of Wheaton College can be found.

This private liberal arts institution was established in 1834 and served as one of the oldest higher education establishments for women in the United States until 1988, when it began admitting male students.

The campus serves as an arboretum, showcasing hundreds of mature trees and anchored by a charming pond. The grounds feature nearly 20 traditional-style buildings, offering a blend of historic and contemporary architectural designs.

Notable structures include Mary Lyon Hall (1849), Cole Memorial Chapel (1917), Knapton Hall (1911), Emerson Hall (1908), Larcom Hall (1908), and Park Hall (1934).

Moreover, examples of mid-century Modernism and Brutalism are represented at the Austin House (1962) and the Watson Fine Arts Center of the same year.

3. Norton Reservoir

Both the Wheaton College campus and TPC Boston lie within close proximity to a 589-acre water body. The Norton Reservoir was established in the mid-19th century when the Rumford River was dammed to facilitate the nearby woolen mills.

Notably, the reservoir is recognized for its fishing opportunities, particularly for largemouth bass and chain pickerel.

The shoreline is developed, comprising residential areas, strip malls, dining establishments, and the Xfinity Center (Great Woods) to the northwest.

For water activities, three public launches are available at 206 Reservoir Street, 404 Reservoir Street, and 111 Mansfield Avenue, attracting canoers and kayakers in the summer months.

4. Norton Kayak Company

The Norton Reservoir, characterized by its shallow depth, numerous small islands, and indented shoreline with various coves, provides an ideal setting for paddling adventures.

Located along Mansfield Avenue on the western shore, the Norton Kayak Company operates tours from May through October.

Typically scheduled for weekends, these two-hour excursions also feature a special sunset tour from Thursday to Sunday, allowing participants to enjoy the lake’s beauty at golden hour.

Private sessions are available throughout the season, along with a kayak camp aimed at children, guided fishing excursions, and kayak safety classes managed by certified instructors.

5. Bog Iron Brewing

Founded by three friends in 2011, Bog Iron Brewing initiated commercial production in 2013, evolving into a 15BBL, 8,500-square-foot brewhouse and taproom.

The brewery’s name is derived from the Chartley Iron Works (1696-1790), which sourced its ore (bog iron) from nearby bogs, lakes, and ponds for smelting operations.

Visit the taproom to sample flights or full pints; notable beers include Burly Blonde (Pale Ale), Soul Cellar (IPA), and Campout Mild (English Mild).

An expansive outdoor space presents an inviting environment for summer evenings, and dogs are also welcome on the premises.

6. Winnecunnet Pond (Winnecunnet Lake)

One of Norton’s most cherished natural features, Winnecunnet Pond spans nearly 150 acres on the eastern side of the town.

The pond serves as a recreational hub during warmer months, particularly for canoeing and kayaking, with a boat ramp located along Bay Road on the eastern shore.

In winter, it becomes a popular spot for ice fishing, yielding chain pickerel and largemouth bass, along with occasional catches of large northern pike.

Winnecunnet Pond is steeped in history, having long served as a fishing, hunting, and camping area for the Indigenous Pokanoket and Mattakeesett peoples.

A key attraction near the shore is the Chateau Restaurant, an upscale Italian eatery established in 1933, which offers breathtaking waterfront views, particularly at sunset.

7. TPC Boston

Inaugurated in 2002 and designed by Arnold Palmer, TPC Boston is a premier venue for professional golf in the Boston area. A few years later, the course underwent a redesign by Gil Hanse, with PGA tour star Brad Faxon serving as a consultant.

Until 2019, it hosted the Dell Technologies Championship (previously the Deutsche Bank Championship from 2003–2016) and briefly was added as a rotating venue for The Northern Trust. As of the time of this writing, Boston was off the PGA tour, but this status may change in the future.

Meanwhile, any guest fortunate enough to play the course should make the most of the opportunity. With lush fairways, bentgrass greens, and over 60 bunkers, this challenging course has tested many of the elite players in the sport while also accommodating a wide range of skill levels with five tee options on each hole.

The par 5 18th hole is particularly distinguished for its compact elevated green, accompanied by a challenging greenside pot bunker.

8. King Philip’s Cave

A fascinating detour just north of Winnecunnet Pond reveals an unusual arrangement of granite boulders, deposited by a retreating glacier at the conclusion of the last Ice Age approximately 10,000 years ago. This formation is located within a small preserve managed by the Land Preservation Society.

The site derives its name from the sheltered area beneath the rocks, which is said to be where Wampanoag sachem Metacomet (1638-1676), also known as “King Philip,” took refuge near the conclusion of King Philip’s War, before perishing in Misery Swamp on Mount Hope in Bristol, RI.

9. Woodward Forest

Woodward Forest, the largest property managed by the Land Preservation Society, is located on Gateway Lane off Old Taunton Avenue.

This 150-acre preserve features a network of color-coded trails that run alongside riverbanks and along an ancient cart path. The area encompasses diverse ecosystems, including mixed woods, meadows, ample vernal pools, and wetlands.

A branch path leads visitors beside the Threemile River, allowing a trace back to where it joins the Wading River and Rumford River at the northernmost tip of Woodward Forest.

Additionally, Lockety Neck at this location is believed to be the site of a skirmish during King Philip’s War in 1675.

10. Crane Farm Preserve

Located a short distance down the Threemile River from Woodward Forest lies the smaller Crane Farm Preserve, a beloved location for horseback riding and launching kayaks and canoes on the river.

This 45-acre site features lush floodplains in the northern sections and sandy upland woods as one journeys south along the main loop.

The preserve is an essential habitat for wood turtles, and there are benches along the riverfront in the northern area where visitors can relax. Plans are underway to connect the Crane Farm Preserve to Woodward Forest, which is situated merely a few hundred feet away.

11. Xfinity Center (Great Woods)

Situated next to TPC Boston, one of the region’s premier live music venues is located across the town border in Mansfield.

This partially covered amphitheater opened its doors in the summer of 1986, initially accommodating 12,000 attendees, before expanding in 2000 to its current capacity of 19,900, which includes 5,900 general admission seats, 7,000 lawn seats, and 7,000 reserved seats.

One artist notably associated with the Xfinity Center is Jimmy Buffett, who had performed there over 60 times at the time of this writing, more than any other venue in his career.

Featuring around 40 performances every summer, the recent artist lineup has included notable acts such as Beck, Jennifer Lopez, Wiz Khalifa, Blink-182, Dave Matthews Band, Kings of Leon, and Alanis Morissette.

12. The L.A. Foster Wildlife Refuge

In the near future, visitors will have the opportunity to explore nature for extended periods in southern Norton, as the town is in the process of connecting another refuge to the trails at Woodward Forest.

The L.A. Foster Wildlife Refuge, located further up the Wading River and across from Taunton Avenue, presents an intriguing area to discover, steeped in industrial heritage thanks to its past as a copper works and quarry site.

A distinctive feature from this era includes a canal built to divert water from the Wading River to the pond at the copper works. One of the pathways in the refuge follows the dike adjacent to the canal, while a southern route leads into a wetland area.

13. Everett Leonard Park

This public park, located in the more tranquil southern section of Norton, serves as a primary destination for family activities during the warmer months.

The park houses the Norton Town Pool, a modest yet well-maintained facility, which operates from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.

In close proximity to several properties managed by the Land Preservation Society, Everett Leonard Park is nestled in a rural environment and provides trails for those wishing to immerse themselves in nature.

The park also offers various recreational facilities, including a basketball court, a baseball diamond, horseshoe pit, volleyball court, playground, and a snack stand operating in the summer months.

14. Links at Mass Golf

While a round of golf at TPC Boston may be beyond reach for most, an alternative exists in Norton at the Links at Mass Golf, an 18-hole par 3 course.

This venue is ideal for beginners or for families introducing children to the sport. The green fees for this par 3 course are reasonable, and the layout incorporates various challenges to engage younger players.

Recently, the Links at Mass Golf has transitioned into a year-round establishment with the addition of two golf simulators. These facilities allow players to experience nearly 200 renowned courses from around the world, extending from the Old Course at St. Andrews to Pebble Beach.

15. Great Woods Conservation Area

For further inspiration for outdoor activities, a vast array of conservation parcels can be found adjacent to TPC Boston to the north in Mansfield.

The main parking area for the Great Woods Conservation Area lies just across the town boundary, off Oak Street.

Here, visitors will find a kiosk providing a map for an extensive network of trails weaving through woodlands, wetlands, and former farmlands, rich with historical features including old stone walls, a cemetery, and cellar holes.

If you are pressed for time, the orange trail begins at the parking area, following an old farm path that connects with the bridleway on the red trail, allowing for a brief loop back.