Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Attleboro, MA

In the Providence metropolitan area, Attleboro is a developing city, with a population of 50,000 residents situated along the Massachusetts-Rhode Island state line.

For many years, Attleboro earned the title of the Jewelry Capital of the World due to a thriving metalwork industry led by the L.G. Balfour Company, which was established here in 1913.

Throughout this period, this city was the primary producer of the nation’s class rings, pins, badges, and commemorative medals. You can learn about the peak manufacturing period of “The Jewelry City” at the Attleboro Area Industrial Museum.

If you’re visiting on a Saturday during the summer months, Attleboro boasts what could be considered the premier farmers’ market in the state. In December, the National Shrine of Our Lady of La Salette hosts an exquisite light show that draws visitors from far and wide.

1. Capron Park Zoo

Attleboro’s picturesque Capron Park has featured a zoo since 1937, and this attraction underwent renovations in the 1980s.

Currently, the zoo houses 100 animals representing over 40 species, including African lions, red kangaroos, amur leopards, kookaburras, servals, emus, ringtail lemurs, water monitors, dwarf caiman, sloth bears, and golden lion tamarins.

Indoor exhibits are available for rainforest species such as two-toed sloths and fruit bats, along with an innovative structure for nocturnal animals.

A splash pad, reminiscent of a miniature water park, encourages families to spend more time at the zoo, complemented by a large playground near the entrance.

2. Attleboro Arts Museum

As a cultural pillar in downtown Attleboro, this contemporary art museum boasts a history that dates back to 1923, moving into its expansive current facility in 1994.

With 3,500 square feet of gallery space, the Attleboro Arts Museum hosts meticulously curated exhibitions and juried shows that are updated every few weeks, featuring work from both established and emerging artists.

The Charles Thompson Museum School offers a wide array of classes and workshops for all ages, while the museum maintains an active events calendar, culminating in an art auction in the fall and a flower show in spring.

Additionally, do not miss the museum gift shop, which showcases accessories, decorations, ceramics, handmade toys, greeting cards, and locally crafted jewelry.

3. Attleboro Area Industrial Museum

Industry, particularly jewelry manufacturing, is a significant aspect of Attleboro’s narrative, driving rapid growth from the late 19th century onward.

To gain insight into the period when Attleboro was recognized as the jewelry capital, visit a remarkable museum located in a downtown structure dating back to 1899.

The Attleboro Area Industrial Museum features over 17,000 objects in its collection and had five principal exhibits at the time of writing.

Visitors can observe a mid-19th-century craftsman shop, learn about the L.G. Balfour Company, examine machinery from the Eugene Hunt Machine Turning Company, and view the preserved studio of sculptor Philip Kraczkowski (1916-1996).

Smaller displays also highlight various other industries that have operated in Attleboro throughout the years, including an assortment of metal buttons and pins.

4. National Shrine of Our Lady of La Salette

Annually, over one million visitors come to the U.S. National Shrine dedicated to the Marian apparition reported to have occurred in 1846 at La Salette-Fallavaux, France.

Located on a serene campus adjacent to a nature preserve, the National Shrine of Our Lady of La Salette is a Roman Catholic community that provides events, pilgrimages, workshops, guided retreats, and seminars suitable for individuals of all ages and backgrounds.

The largest annual event is the Christmas Festival Lights, which commenced the same year the shrine was inaugurated in 1953.

This cherished tradition features a stunning display of over 400,000 lights, alongside concerts and masses from the night of Thanksgiving through January 1.

5. Attleboro Farmers’ Market

For more than ten years, a farmers’ market has been held at Capron Park every Saturday morning from mid-June to the end of October.

Attleboro Farmers’ Market is frequently recognized as one of the best in the state, featuring approximately 50 vendors during the peak summer season.

Visitors can anticipate a selection of local fruits and vegetables, fresh bread, honey, homemade sauces, wine, mead, pickles, farm-raised meats, charcuterie, pastries, pet treats, flowers, a diverse range of prepared foods, and numerous crafts.

Arrive hungry, as there are typically several food trucks present each week, offering waffles, burgers, mac and cheese, cupcakes, and more.

6. Downtown Attleboro

Attleboro’s historically vibrant downtown area had diminished significantly by the late 20th century. In the past 20 years, the city has been revitalizing this district located at the crossroads of Main Street and Park Street.

This revitalization is evident in improved sidewalks, new central residences, street furniture, and a lovely park along the Bungay River.

Shoppers can find an assortment of locally owned stores offering games, craft supplies, unique gifts, and vintage clothing, alongside intriguing dining and drink options ranging from a craft brewery to a bubble tea shop and sushi bar.

7. Mass Audubon’s Oak Knoll Wildlife Sanctuary

Now accessible via the GATRA bus, there exists a beautiful Mass Audubon sanctuary spanning 75 acres near Lake Talaquega.

As you walk along the tranquil wooded trails, it may be surprising to learn that this area was once the site of a bustling casino and hotel.

Currently, it serves as a natural sanctuary, featuring woodlands, a red maple swamp, and a freshwater marsh with well-marked trails.

A Colonial house dating back to 1759 is located on the premises and houses a nature center that provides insights into the habits and ecosystems of the sanctuary, along with live exhibits of reptiles and invertebrates in terrariums.

8. Attleboro Springs Wildlife Sanctuary

Located adjacent to the National Shrine of Our Lady of La Salette, this Mass Audubon property offers a peaceful setting for contemplation along wooded trails.

Spanning over 110 acres, Attleboro Springs features three miles of trails that include a boardwalk, a pond, a red maple swamp, an impressive puddingstone outcropping, and an observation platform overlooking a picturesque vernal pool.

The main trailhead includes an educational pavilion detailing the variety of bird and plant species inhabiting the sanctuary.

9. Capron Park

While the zoo is undoubtedly the main attraction at Capron Park, the remainder of the park offers a serene environment for relaxation, hosting numerous free community events during the warmer months, including the farmers’ market.

The park features expansive grassy areas with winding trails and lofty hardwood trees. Located on the west side is the Newell Shelter, which hosts outdoor concerts each Thursday evening from early July to early September, along with occasional Sunday concerts.

Moreover, keep an eye out for occasional movie nights held during the summer school break.

10. Lloyd G. Balfour Riverwalk Park

Located behind the Attleboro Public Library, this delightful public park along the Bungay River features lush lawns, winding pathways, benches, and picnic tables, all shaded by abundant summer foliage.

Remarkably, this area was previously the site of the old L.G. Balfour Jewelry Plant. Currently, visitors are just steps away from a variety of downtown Attleboro’s eateries, including Coney Islands, pizza places, sushi bars, bubble tea shops, and mochi donut vendors, allowing for alfresco dining.

Lloyd G. Balfour Riverwalk Park also marks the northern trailhead for the Bungay River Walk, which runs alongside the tree-lined banks for approximately half a mile, concluding near the train station on Riverfront Drive.

11. Colonel Blackinton Inn

Approaching downtown Attleboro from the north, visitors will glimpse this quaint property on Main Street. The Colonel Blackinton Inn was constructed in 1850 by its namesake, a descendant of an early Attleboro settler.

This structure served as a residence for the colonel’s sons and their families, designed in the Greek Revival architectural style, and is currently listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Similar to a traditional tavern, this establishment serves as a restaurant and bed & breakfast, featuring a sunlit terrace for outdoor dining and live music during summer.

Select menu items include walnut salmon, dijon-crusted rack of lamb, chicken & shrimp rossini, and maple-glazed pork chops.

12. Skyroc Brewery

Situated in a repurposed warehouse overlooking the Bungay River, Skyroc Brewery represents the natural evolution of the owner’s passion for home brewing sparked by a Father’s Day gift.

Currently, Skyroc beers are available at various bars and restaurants throughout town and into Rhode Island and Connecticut. The taproom offers 18 beers on tap, featuring a mix of year-round favorites and innovative experimental brews.

Notable offerings include 14 Karat (Golden Ale), I-295 IPA, Capron Park Porter, and Ghost (NE Pale Ale), along with unique selections such as a NE IPA fermented with wine juice and the popular Blue Bomber, a blueberry wheat ale.

13. Level Acres Farm

Positioned at the intersection of Route 123 and Adamsdale Road, this farm stand has been a local staple since the early 20th century.

For much of its history, it served as the retail outlet for numerous surrounding acres of farmland, which were sold for residential development in the 1980s.

Level Acres Farm was reestablished a few years later as a garden center and store, offering products and produce sourced from various local farms across Massachusetts and Rhode Island.

The inventory changes with the seasons, featuring perennials and annuals in spring; fruits and vegetables in summer; pumpkins, squashes, and chrysanthemums in fall; and Christmas trees and decorations during the holiday season.

A trained pastry chef is also in residence, producing pies, brownies, madeleines, and cookies.

14. Winslow Farm Animal Sanctuary

A short distance from town in Norton, a non-profit sanctuary exists for animals that have been abandoned or neglected.

As per the latest reports, Winslow Farm Animal Sanctuary is home to approximately 300 animals, primarily domestic species such as horses, donkeys, mules, goats, peacocks, llamas, chickens, dogs, and cats.

The sanctuary’s pens and paddocks are situated within attractive parkland, providing ample shade from trees, and many animals are permitted to roam freely on the grounds.

The sanctuary welcomes visitors and hosts events throughout the year, including an Easter egg hunt in spring and a family field day with competitive activities in July.

15. North Bowl Lanes

Recently refurbished with upscale decor, this spacious bowling facility in North Attleboro features 40 renovated lanes.

The current owners assumed control in 2008 after relocating from Southern California, aiming to introduce the entertainment-centric bowling experience typical of the Golden State to Southern New England.

Family bowling specials and packages for children’s birthdays, parties, and corporate events are available, and the facility includes a full bar and a modern game room with over 30 gaming machines. Cosmic bowling, complete with energetic music and a light show, is offered from Thursday to Saturday.

On Saturday afternoons, the atmosphere is more family-friendly, featuring music suitable for all ages and special offers on pizzas and soft drinks.