Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Amesbury, MA

Where the Powwow River converges with the lower Merrimack, Amesbury is a delightful city located in the far northeast of Massachusetts.

Historically, Amesbury gained an esteemed reputation for shipbuilding, which is showcased at Lowell’s Boat Shop, where wooden dories and skiffs are still crafted by hand.

As the industrial era unfolded, Amesbury evolved into a center for hat-making and carriage manufacturing. The downtown area is lined with historic brick mills that have been repurposed into unique stores and service establishments.

The renowned poet and abolitionist, John Greenleaf Whittier (1807-1892), spent most of his life in Amesbury, and his residence has been preserved as a museum, remaining largely unchanged since his time.

1. Amesbury Center

With its elegant, tree-lined main street and preserved mill buildings around the Powwow River, downtown Amesbury warrants as much exploration as possible.

The area is characterized by hilly terrain, leading to a maze of roads and numerous local businesses, many of which have stood the test of time.

Within a small radius, visitors can find galleries, boutiques, antique shops, a craft brewery, and a surprising array of dining options, ranging from wood-fired flatbread pizzas to upscale Italian cuisine.

Along the Powwow’s millrace, one’s curiosity may guide them to the Millyard, a charming enclave of historic textile factories surrounding a picturesque outdoor space for live performances and summer movie screenings.

Amesbury boasts an active social calendar, featuring a large block party in June that signifies the start of summer and the commencement of Amesbury Days.

2. John Greenleaf Whittier House

In Amesbury, visitors have the opportunity to explore the residence of John Greenleaf Whittier, where the esteemed poet and abolitionist composed much of his literary work, including the beloved poem “Snow-Bound” (1866).

This historic house, constructed in 1811, was acquired by Whittier in 1836, accommodating his mother, aunt, and sister Eliza, who is also recognized as a poet and ardent abolitionist.

Most of the original furnishings, decor, and architectural elements remain intact as they were during Whittier’s lifetime, thanks in part to the efforts of his great-nephew, who added a second story to the home in the early 20th century.

The house is open to visitors on Saturdays from May through October, and the recently added Amesbury Hat Museum on the second floor enhances the tour experience.

3. Lowell’s Boat Shop & Museum

This functioning boat shop on the Merrimack River dates back to 1793, and continues to craft traditional dories and skiffs utilizing techniques refined over seven generations of the Lowell family.

Lowell’s Boat Shop holds a significant place in New England’s maritime history, being the birthplace of the fishing dory, developed by founder Simeon Lowell (1745-1830), and later perfected by his grandson Hiram Lowell (1814-1897).

The complex served as an assembly line in the 19th century, which is believed to have influenced the mass-production methods of Henry Ford.

For example, in 1911 alone, over 2,000 boats were constructed here by hand. Visitors can witness more than two centuries of history through the structural elements of these buildings, witnessing traditional craftsmanship in action.

The shop welcomes guided tours and organizes various programs and events throughout the warmer months.

4. Bartlett Museum

The town museum is housed in a charming historic building that originally served as the Bartlett School, established in 1870 and repurposed as a museum for Amesbury’s tricentennial in 1968.

This attraction is open on afternoons from Friday to Sunday, spanning Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. The History Room features Native American artifacts, a timeline of local history, and reproductions of a Victorian parlor and a Colonial kitchen.

In addition, other rooms contain displays of natural history specimens, an exhibit highlighting Amesbury’s military legacy, and a preserved 19th-century schoolroom.

The grounds also feature a carriage house that displays various farm tools, machinery, and authentic carriages and wagons produced in Amesbury.

5. Cider Hill Farm

Established in 1978 and spanning three generations of the Cook family, Cider Hill Farm is located in a picturesque setting on a verdant hillside. The farm encompasses 145 acres cultivated using organic, non-GMO practices, generating 90% of its electricity through wind turbines and solar panels.

Visitors can enjoy an extensive pick-your-own season that runs from April (with tulips) through to the holiday season (Christmas trees). The summer and fall months are particularly popular, featuring berries, wildflowers, peaches, apples, and pumpkins, alongside hayrides that enhance the experience.

The Farm Store offers an array of delicious products sourced from the farm or produced locally, with a bakery famed for its apple cider donuts.

Children will find plenty to engage with at the farm, including play equipment, opportunities to meet goats, feed chickens, and participate in various programs.

6. Macy-Colby House

Amesbury’s first town clerk, Thomas Macy (1608-1682), constructed this historic house around 1649 before becoming one of the earliest European settlers in Nantucket.

In 1654, he transferred ownership to Anthony Colby, a prominent figure in Amesbury, marking the beginning of nine generations of Colbys to inhabit this residence. Eventually, Moses Colby (1822–1901) donated the property to the Bartlett Cemetery Association in 1899.

During Saturdays in summer, visitors can explore this meticulously preserved First Period residence, which underwent extensive modifications in the mid-18th century.

Notable items within the house include Whittier’s Quaker hat and a cradle belonging to Susannah North Martin, a Salem witch trials victim who was executed in 1692.

7. Chain Bridge

This picturesque bridge, recognized as the country’s oldest continually occupied long-span bridge, is located at the south end of Main Street, spanning the Merrimack River towards Newburyport.

A timber truss bridge was established here in 1792, succeeded by New England’s first wrought-iron chain suspension bridge in 1810.

This structure unfortunately collapsed in 1827, but the subsequent reconstruction became a model for various other regional bridges. The bridge, which measures 225 feet in length, was reconstructed in 1910 to mimic its predecessor and has undergone multiple renovations, the latest being in 2003.

8. Lake Gardner

This 80-acre reservoir along the Powwow River is conveniently located within walking distance of Amesbury Center and has been cherished for recreation since the 19th century.

A small beach can be found on the southern shore, featuring a shallow swimming area and panoramic views of the lake. On the eastern side, a network of public parks and conservation areas is accessible via a trail that commences next to the beach.

One such area, Battis Farm, boasts over half a mile of shoreline along Lake Gardner, offering secluded coves perfect for swimming or launching kayaks and canoes.

9. Amesbury Riverwalk Trail

Spanning just over a mile, this well-maintained paved pathway originates at the Lower Millyard downtown and traces the Powwow River to the Carriagetown Marketplace off Route 110.

The Amesbury Riverwalk traverses a serene part of the town, crossing only one street (Rocky Hill Rd), along the old right-of-way of the Eastern Railroad’s Salisbury-Amesbury Branch, which dates back to 1848.

Along the route, visitors will glimpse the Powwow River through the trees, with several convenient access points, including a parking area at the eastern trailhead.

10. Brewery Silvaticus

It is fitting that one of Amesbury’s 19th-century industrial buildings has been transformed into a brewery. Located at the base of a towering octagonal chimney visible throughout Amesbury, Brewery Silvaticus features a beer garden that overlooks the Powwow River.

Distinguished from many craft breweries in the region, Brewery Silvaticus emphasizes traditional European beers, including German lagers and Belgian farmhouse ales.

During our visit, the brewery had on tap two Pilsners, a Kellerbier, three Lagers, a Belgian-style Tripel, and their signature Black Lager. Food trucks frequently set up outside, complementing the selection of small bites, such as pretzels, hummus, cold cuts, and cheddar cheese sticks.

11. Amesbury Industrial Supply Co.

Although visiting a hardware store may not be a priority for many travelers, few stores can match the unique location of the Amesbury Industrial Supply Co.

Situated in a historic woolen mill established in 1825, known as Mill 2 by the Salisbury Manufacturing Company, browsing through the store invites reflection on the fact that a hand-dug channel of the Powwow River once flowed beneath your feet in the basement, powering two 24-foot water wheels.

Fortunately, today, the store relies on solar power captured by rooftop panels. Founded in 1973, Amesbury Industrial Supply Co. has earned a reputation for its extensive inventory, offering or sourcing every tool, resource, or component one might require.

12. R. E. Kimball & Company

Frequently present at farmers’ markets across northeastern Massachusetts, R. E. Kimball & Company produces an extensive variety of jams, jellies, and fruit preserves.

Housed in a clapboard building opposite an 1877 mill, the company has been operational since 1955.

With a product range exceeding 100 items, from apricot jam to cinnamon apple jelly, all offerings are crafted using traditional recipes, methods, and high-quality ingredients, including pure cane sugar. The factory and associated outlet store are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours.

13. Maudslay State Park

A short trip across the Merrimack River to Newburyport leads you to a picturesque landscape reminiscent of a turn-of-the-century estate, formerly owned by Frederick Strong Moseley (1852-1938).

Moseley enlisted pioneering landscape architect Martha Brookes Hutcheson (1871-1959) to design the beautiful grounds, which continue to showcase exquisite remnants in the form of rhododendrons, azaleas, lilacs, and fruit trees, in addition to grand drives and stone bridges.

Visiting in early or mid-summer reveals a vibrant explosion of colors. The 500-acre property features 16 miles of trails suitable for hiking, biking, horseback riding, and cross-country skiing.

A notable highlight includes one of Massachusetts’ largest naturally occurring stands of mountain laurel.

14. Amesbury Friends Meeting House

The Amesbury congregation of the Society of Friends is the oldest in the region, with its origins tracing back to 1657, when meetings were held in New Hampshire to avoid persecution by the Massachusetts Bay Colony’s Puritans.

The existing Greek Revival structure, located slightly west of downtown Amesbury, represents the fourth meeting house, completed in 1851.

John Greenleaf Whittier, a practicing Quaker, was instrumental in its establishment. His bench has been preserved inside, marked with a commemorative plaque.

This wood-frame building is notably larger than typical meeting houses, indicative of its significance as a venue for regional quarterly meetings from its completion until 1962.

The main chamber features adjustable partitions, allowing for varied setups depending on the event—entire congregational services versus segregated business meetings in the past.

15. Amesbury Days

Coinciding with the July 4th holiday, Amesbury Days spans over a week filled with activities, events, and celebrations, starting in late June.

This annual tradition commenced in 1899 when local millworkers were given the day off, cherishing their time at Lake Gardner. Previous Amesbury Days included excursions to beaches stretching from Hampton to Salisbury.

Today, the festivities feature a packed program of events, such as live music performances at the Millyard, open houses, a citywide yard sale, a block party, a beer and music walk, children’s events at Heritage Park, a 5k run, a Pride celebration, all culminating in fireworks and music at Woodsom Farm on July 4th.