Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Billerica, MA

Situated in Middlesex County, approximately 25 miles from downtown Boston, Billerica is a city that originated along the banks of the Concord River in the mid-17th century.

Subsequently, the river became lined with textile mills and marked a significant point of a canal that connected Lowell to the port of Boston. This historical narrative is displayed at the remarkable Faulkner Mill in North Billerica.

Billerica also boasts numerous acres of public land ideal for woodland excursions, cross-country skiing in winter, and enjoyable afternoons at lakeside beaches during summer months.

The Town Common, framed by charming 19th-century buildings, serves as the backdrop for events ranging from outdoor concerts in the summer to the festive Billerica Holiday Festival.

1. Middlesex Canal Museum and Visitors Center

This remarkable civil engineering project was one of the first of its kind in the United States, connecting the port of Boston to the Merrimack River at Lowell through a 27-mile barge canal traversing Billerica.

Constructed between 1793 and 1803, the Middlesex Canal was functional until 1851, when it fell into disuse following the development of rail transport. In North Billerica, visitors can explore the canal’s highest point, where the waterway was nourished by the Concord River.

The mid-19th century Faulkner Mill now hosts a modest yet engaging museum that illustrates the transformative impact of the canal on rural life.

Do not miss the opportunity to explore the surrounding historic district, which features large-scale 19th-century textile mill structures, workers’ housing, and the dam on the Concord River.

2. Billerica Town Common

As the central hub of downtown Billerica’s historic district, the Town Common provides a perfect setting to reflect on the city’s history while appreciating its impressive architecture.

The historical significance of this land can be traced back to 1655, with the first meetinghouse established here in 1663.

From the late 17th century, part of the common served as a muster point for the local militia and played a crucial role at the onset of the American Revolutionary War in 1775.

Characterized by a succession of churches and prominent civic buildings along the west side, the Town Common features a variety of architectural styles ranging from Federal to Second Empire.

On the opposite side, a collection of locally-owned dining establishments can be found, including a sandwich shop and pizzeria. Remaining a focal point of the community, the Town Common hosts weekly summer concerts, Billerica’s farmers’ market, and the beloved Holiday Festival in December.

3. Great Brook Farm State Park

Located just a ten-minute drive from downtown Billerica, this expansive 1,000-acre state park resides in Carlisle.

Established in 1967 on historical farmland, the park offers a range of interesting sights, from Native American landmarks to 17th-century cellar holes.

A family-friendly attraction within the park is the operating dairy farm, which is open for tours free of charge on weekends.

Visitors can observe a herd of dairy cows, and there is a small petting zoo featuring sheep, goats, chickens, and more.

Don’t miss trying the delicious ice cream produced on-site. For those eager for outdoor activity, the park provides nearly 20 miles of trails suitable for hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, dog walking, and, during winter, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

During winter months, the Great Brook Ski Touring Center manages the park’s trails and rents skis and snowshoes.

4. Vietnam Veterans Park

Established on land that was previously a working farm owned by the Middlesex House of Corrections, Vietnam Veterans Park was dedicated in 1994 as the first park in the United States honoring veterans of the Vietnam War.

Over two-thirds of the park’s 250 acres consist of diverse conservation land, which protects mixed woodlands, riverbanks, wetlands, and beaver ponds.

The park also offers an extensive range of amenities such as a disc golf course, BMX track, soccer complex, radio control flyer area, equestrian area, two children’s playgrounds, and bocce courts.

With five miles of groomed trails accessible for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing in winter, there is ample opportunity for outdoor recreation.

5. Griggs Farm

Owned and managed by the same family since 1943, Griggs Farm encompasses over 50 acres and has become a well-known local destination for fresh fruits, vegetables, plants, and flowers.

The farm features 14 greenhouses, offering an extensive variety of perennials, annuals, herbs, and vegetable plants.

Opening in time for planting season in spring, the farm presents an impressive selection of fresh produce in summer, with tomatoes and sweet corn particularly notable.

During fall, Griggs Farm showcases cool-weather vegetables such as squashes and cabbage, alongside seven varieties of apples and delicious apple-based products like pies and cider.

The winter season at Griggs Farm begins just after Thanksgiving, featuring fir and balsam Christmas trees, poinsettias, and handmade wreaths.

6. Manning State Park

This tranquil stretch of forest offers an ideal environment for tranquil walks, while also providing facilities for families at Manning State Park.

For younger visitors, the park features a splash pad operational from early June through the end of August. Older visitors can utilize the fitness trail, complete with various stations for outdoor exercise.

The park’s amenities make it an excellent choice for summer picnics, with shelters, tables, and grills available. Unsurprisingly, the park becomes quite popular in summer, with parking fees applicable during peak seasons.

7. Micozzi Beach

From the third Sunday in June until late August, Nutting Lake in Billerica becomes a cherished local retreat.

The recreation area on the southeast shore features a sandy beach and swimming area, bathhouse, picnic tables, a sand volleyball court, children’s playground, accessible fishing pier, and a basketball hoop.

Lifeguards are present seven days a week throughout the season, and various equipment, including fishing rods, stand-up paddleboards, canoes, and kayaks, are available for rent.

As of the time this list was prepared, there was a daily parking fee of $5, with an option for seasonal passes at $50.

8. Collins Bowladrome

Duckpin bowling is a variation primarily enjoyed in the Northeast, characterized by smaller, squat pins, roughly half the size of traditional ten-pin bowling pins.

The bowling ball is also smaller and typically easy to grip, lacking finger holes. For those interested in trying duckpin bowling, Billerica offers a dedicated alley, located less than a mile north of the Town Common.

With ten lanes, the Collins Bowladrome operates seven days a week and accommodates both league bowling and private events.

9. Billerica Farmers’ Market

Regardless of the weather, a weekly farmers’ market is conducted just off Billerica Town Common from mid-July to mid-October.

This market takes place on Mondays from 2:30 PM to 7:30 PM (or dusk) and features a diverse array of vendors. In addition to local fresh produce available throughout the season, shoppers can find farm-raised meats, sauces, baked goods, artisanal candies, mead, jellies, and much more.

The selection of prepared foods is impressive, ranging from empanadas to New England-style seafood. The market also features numerous crafters selling jewelry, home décor, candles, organic skincare products, cards, ceramics, knitted apparel, and more.

10. Country Club of Billerica

Despite its name, the Country Club of Billerica functions as a public golf course featuring 18 holes that span nearly 5,800 yards from the longest tees.

The course is designed along Jones Brook, coming into play on several holes, notably the 18th, where it flows beside a large pond that poses a hazard along the left side of the fairway.

In addition to the course, a golf school, driving range, and two practice greens are available for players looking to enhance their skills. The 19th Hole combines a lounge and family-friendly restaurant, equipped with ten televisions and a pleasant seasonal patio overlooking the 18th green.

11. Altitude Trampoline Park

Located in the Towne Shopping Plaza in Pinehurst, there is a branch of the national chain of indoor trampoline parks.

This venue is among the largest of its kind within the state, covering over 30,000 square feet, with half of it dedicated to wall-to-wall trampolines.

In addition to a vast main court for recreational bouncing, Altitude Trampoline Park features several smaller attractions, including tumble tracks for gymnastics, hoop lanes for slam dunks, foam pits, 3D dodgeball, and a Gladiators-style battle beam over additional foam pits.

12. Kohlrausch Park

This community park in North Billerica offers an excellent resource for parents with younger children.

The playground is renowned as one of the best in the city for smaller kids, featuring unique equipment in the shape of a fire truck, all situated on a wood chip surface and completely enclosed by a fence.

Additionally, Kohlrausch Park offers an engaging storybook trail, with panels that include both braille and regular text.

Close by, there is a picnic area, while a long perimeter trail encircles much of Kohlrausch Park, providing routes for joggers and dog walkers, complete with dog bag stations.

13. Hallenborg Ice Pavilion

This ice rink is connected to Billerica Memorial High School and operates from late April to mid-May, hosting classes, practices, and games/meets for hockey and figure skating teams, as well as the Eastern Mass Senators and the New England Bulldogs.

Unlike many similar facilities, the Hallenborg Ice Pavilion features heated locker rooms and provides a comfortable environment for spectators.

Be sure to look for public skating sessions, which are free of charge and typically scheduled for one hour every Sunday from early October to mid-April.

14. Yankee Doodle Homecoming

Billerica is celebrated as the birthplace of Thomas Ditson (b. 1741), who is considered the inspiration for the nursery rhyme “Yankee Doodle.”

Notably, he was subjected to being tarred and feathered by British forces in 1775 for attempting to acquire a firearm in Boston.

For over three decades, Billerica has honored its role in American Revolutionary history through a festive day of events in September.

This occasion features a Colonial Minuteman Encampment, historical demonstrations, a parade, food vendors, crafting booths, marching bands, competitions, sporting events, and numerous activities for children.

15. Billerica Holiday Festival

Inaugurated in 1998, this annual festival enhances the holiday season in Billerica with added joy and excitement. The Billerica Holiday Festival is eagerly awaited year-round, centered at the Town Common.

The highlight of the event is the Tree Lighting ceremony, which is preceded by several hours of free games, activities, and entertainment, accompanied by complimentary refreshments from The First Parish Church.

Throughout the following weeks, the common and adjacent areas are adorned with over four miles of LED lights, alongside various happenings throughout the holiday season, including an annual reception prior to Thanksgiving and complimentary pictures with Santa in mid-December.