Top 15 Must-Do Activities in Tewksbury, MA

Southeast of Lowell, Tewksbury is an expanding town of just over 30,000 located on the hilly terrain between the Concord River to the west and the Merrimack River to the north.

Adjacent to Tewksbury Center resides the 800+ acre campus of the state-run Tewksbury Hospital, which was established as an almshouse in 1852, evolving into a facility for the mentally and physically ill by the 1880s.

Within the Old Administration Building, there exists a museum that chronicles the history of the institution and public health as a whole.

Tewksbury boasts numerous scenic public spaces along the banks of the Shawsheen River, offering plenty of inspiration for families, ranging from entertainment centers to a long-standing ice cream stand.

1. Public Health Museum in Massachusetts

Tewksbury’s most prominent landmark is the Old Administration Building (1894), which serves as the center of the expansive Tewksbury Hospital campus.

The hospital’s history extends back to 1852, originating as a state almshouse and later adding a mental illness ward (the first in Massachusetts) and hospital wing over the years.

The Public Health Museum in Massachusetts occupies part of the ground floor and was inaugurated in 1994 to commemorate the building’s centennial.

The galleries detail the evolution of public health, highlighting significant milestones in combating infectious diseases, evolving perspectives on mental health, advancements in nursing, among other themes.

2. Tewksbury Town Common

A scene worth noticing, Tewksbury Town Common is surrounded by impressive edifices such as the Town Hall, Tewksbury Congregational Church, and lovely Georgian and Federal-style residences.

The Town Hall (1920) was constructed in the Colonial Revival style following the destruction of its predecessor by fire in 1918.

In the shade of numerous hardwoods, the common features pristine lawns, a charming gazebo, and war memorials at its eastern end.

One of the primary annual events held here is the festive Tree Lighting & Holiday Celebration, featuring Santa, as well as activities like marshmallow roasting, ice sculptures, hot cider, donuts, caroling, and ornament decoration stations.

3. Tewksbury Community Market

The town hosts one of the highest-rated farmers’ markets in the state, taking place on Thursday evenings at Livingston Street Park, from mid-June until mid-October.

This event grows each year and featured over 30 regular vendors when this list was compiled.

Typically, attendees can find local fruits, vegetables, herbs, flowers, honey, sauces, spice blends, oils, nuts, baked goods, and a variety of artisans offering jewelry, handmade alpaca-wool products, and artisan soaps.

Food trucks are always available for dinner, providing Italian street food, burgers, and more, along with vendors supplying drinks and desserts.

4. Melvin G. Rogers Park

Bounded by Marston and Rogers Streets, this tranquil expanse of pine forest was gifted to the town in 1959 by Melvin Rogers, conditional upon its use exclusively as a park and recreation area for outdoor activities.

Melvin was a descendant of Timothy Rogers, who became one of the first five homesteaders in Tewksbury in 1744 after the town’s incorporation.

Along two miles of trails, visitors can encounter several fascinating glacial erratics—large boulders left behind by melting glaciers over 10,000 years ago.

Nearby one of these outcroppings lies the Pollinator Garden, planted with varieties that attract butterflies, moths, bees, and hummingbirds.

5. Lowell

The city of Lowell borders Tewksbury to the northwest and is an essential destination for those interested in engineering and history. In the mid-19th century, Lowell was recognized as America’s industrial hub, particularly for textile manufacturing.

The extensive mill complexes, many of which remain standing, were powered by a sophisticated canal system, and this extraordinary urban landscape is preserved by the Lowell National Historical Park.

Among the primary attractions within the park is the Boott Cotton Mills Museum, which narrates the tale of this meticulously planned industrial city and the innovators, engineers, investors, and laborers who contributed to its success.

Lowell features a lively downtown area characterized by cobbled streets, historic brick architecture, and a diverse array of dining options.

6. Shawsheen Overlook

Located opposite the Elks Lodge on South Street, Shawsheen Overlook is a picturesque area adjacent to the Shawsheen River in Tewksbury.

Encompassing approximately ten acres, Shawsheen Overlook was dedicated to the Conservation Commission over 30 years ago, and the trail, benches, and kiosk have all been developed by volunteers who gathered to enhance the area on Earth Day in 2018.

Surrounded by woodlands, the Shawsheen Overlook provides an ideal location for wildlife observation, canoe launches, fishing, or simply unwinding beside the river.

7. Foster Park Conservation Area

Situated not far upstream from Shawsheen Overlook is another enchanting riverside area, given to the residents of Tewksbury in 1960.

The Foster Park Conservation Area encompasses 23 acres, consisting of dense, rolling pine woodlands bordered by wetlands at the junction of Content Brook and the Shawsheen River.

Featuring a winding loop that begins on Edith Dr, it serves as a pleasant destination for leisurely hikes, birdwatching, fishing, and launching kayaks or canoes onto the river.

8. Meadowlands Ice Cream

This ice cream establishment located at 328 N Billerica Rd has been serving homemade ice cream since 1964.

Meadowlands Ice Cream offers over 25 flavors of hard ice cream, in addition to featuring monthly specials, an array of toppings, various flavors of hard yogurt, soft yogurt, sherbet, ice cream pies, and even ice cream pizza.

Besides cones and cups, patrons can select from sundaes, frappes, coolers, ice cream floats, and ice cream designed for dogs. Away from the thoroughfare, guests can enjoy their treats in a tranquil grassy area equipped with landscaping and picnic tables.

9. Vic’s Waffle House

For over 30 years, this highly regarded diner has been recognized as the premier destination for breakfast in the Tewksbury area.

Indeed, visitors travel from afar to indulge in the notable waffles, eggs, omelets, and breakfast meats including ham, bacon, kielbasa, spicy Italian sausage, and linguica available at Vic’s Waffle House.

Homemade beef hash and chili feature on the lunch menu, which also includes a selection of burgers, grilled chicken, club sandwiches, BLTs, tuna melts, and tenders served on bulkie rolls.

First-time visitors with a hearty appetite should opt for the fried chicken and waffles (bone-in or tenders), accompanied by freshly squeezed orange juice.

10. Wamesit Lanes

A family entertainment venue featuring numerous attractions, Wamesit Lanes is anchored by a bowling alley equipped with 36 lanes.

Visitors can choose between tenpin bowling and candlepin bowling—a variant traditional to Massachusetts and the Northeast, featuring narrower pins and a hand-held ball.

An arcade boasting over 60 games, golf simulators, and the Firewater Tavern can also be found here. The tavern features more than 30 beers on tap, along with a comprehensive menu of comfort foods, including flatbreads and chicken parmesan, and a vast summer patio equipped with games like cornhole and jumbo Jenga.

11. Haggetts Pond

This nearby reservoir offers opportunities for land-based recreation, showcasing breathtaking views of the water. The reservoir remains operational, serving the town of Andover, and permits only registered rowboats on its waters.

A network of trails encircles the upper two-thirds of the shoreline, winding through an ever-green forest.

By moving quietly, visitors stand a favorable chance of encountering wildlife, including deer, herons, eagles, turtles, and beavers.

Along the western shore runs a converted railbed once part of the Lowell and Lawrence Railroad, inaugurated in 1848 and later taken over by the Boston and Maine Railroad. This trail stretches from High Plain Rd in Andover to Bonnie Ln in Tewksbury.

12. Escapology Tewksbury

Located on the same stretch of Main Street as Wamesit Lanes and Vic’s Waffle House, Escapology is an escape room attraction with branches nationwide.

The Tewksbury location features five rooms, each tailored with distinct themes and various difficulty levels to accommodate both newcomers and seasoned players.

Options include “Scooby-Doo and the Spooky Castle Adventure,” where participants assist in solving another mystery, and “The Antidote,” where groups have 60 minutes to locate an antidote before a biological weapons facility self-destructs to avert an outbreak.

No specialized skills are required for participation, and a dedicated Game Master is available to provide hints from the Control Room should participants encounter challenges.

13. Merrimack Valley Pavilion

This family entertainment center is set in an appealing location right along the banks of the Shawsheen River in the southeastern part of Tewksbury.

During the summer, the main attraction at Merrimack Valley Pavilion is the 18-hole mini-golf course, which features a tropical tiki theme, complete with palm trees and a waterfall, overseen by a giant gorilla named Kong.

There is also a 6,000-square-foot multi-level laser tag arena utilizing contemporary technology in a jungle-themed setting.

The Vines is a small ropes course designed for children, alongside an arcade offering over 50 games, including various redemption machines.

Parents can relax at the café, which offers alcoholic beverages and features a large screen for sports, with the option to conclude the visit with a scoop or more of Richardson’s Ice Cream.

14. Middlesex Canal Museum & Visitor Center

The Middlesex Canal is recognized as one of America’s significant early civil engineering feats, traversing west of Tewksbury and connecting the Merrimack River in Lowell with the Port of Boston.

This 27-mile waterway, which was finished in 1803, paved the way for other influential projects like the Erie Canal.

Visitors can learn about the canal at this museum located in North Billerica, which is housed in part of the historic Faulkner Mills, part of a U.S. Historic District, next to a scenic dam. The display showcases tools, maps, period drawings, and a functioning model of a lock.

15. Trull Brook Golf Course

This 18-hole public course is situated at the northernmost point of Tewksbury where the eponymous brook flows into the Merrimack River.

Adorned with flowers, Trull Brook Golf Course is set on verdant hilly terrain, rewarding players with spectacular views of the river and valley on a challenging course.

The greens present both speed and tricky placements, which may lead to multiple three-putts if players are not attentive to their short game.

Each hole is unique, prompting players to adopt a powerful approach on some drives, while others necessitate precision to avoid the abundant vegetation.

Visitors can recharge at T’s Grille, which boasts a scenic location overlooking the ninth fairway, offering a variety of breakfast items, subs, burgers, wraps, and more.