Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Haverhill, MA

Near the New Hampshire border and connected to Boston by the namesake MBTA commuter line, Haverhill emerges as a city rich in recreational spaces.

A ski area located just ten minutes from downtown complements a collection of lakes featuring a hilltop castle from the 1870s.

At Haverhill’s industrial zenith prior to World War I, the city was responsible for a significant portion of shoe production in the United States, leading to the moniker, “The Queen Slipper City.”

Numerous historic factories have been preserved within Haverhill’s lively downtown, breathing new life into these structures as lofts, offices, restaurants, and shops.

1. Winnekenni Castle

Haverhill’s most renowned landmark was constructed in the 1870s for local chemist Dr. James R. Nichols.

With inspiration drawn from the medieval fortifications he encountered during his travels in England, Winnekenni Castle exhibits a whimsical design featuring rustic stone walls, crenellations, Gothic pointed windows, dual towers, and a smaller corner turret.

The castle, which has been restored with Victorian interiors, hosts scheduled public events on weekends throughout the summer. Visitors are welcome to explore the scenic wooded parklands ideal for strolling and picnicking.

This area boasts miles of trails, including the scenic Dudley Porter Trail, which encircles much of Kenoza Lake. Winnekenni Castle captivates visitors year-round, with particularly mesmerizing autumn colors.

2. Museum of Printing

A notable attraction with a dedicated facility, the Museum of Printing conserves the history of printing and typesetting technology, craftsmanship, and the graphic arts.

Founded in 1978, the museum relocated to its current location in Haverhill in 2016. Originally initiated to safeguard hot metal typesetting equipment being phased out by the Boston Globe, the collection has expanded significantly over time.

The inventory includes historical Gutenberg-style manual presses, early copiers, an exceptional array of typewriters, phototypesetters (believed to be the largest collection in the country), data storage media, bindery machines, thousands of wooden display fonts, and more.

3. Downtown Haverhill

In a familiar narrative, Haverhill’s commercial hub has experienced considerable revitalization over the past couple of decades.

However, Haverhill distinguishes itself from many other locales through the subtlety of these enhancements, preserving its industrial character while improving walkability and cycling accessibility.

A transformative initiative, the boardwalk along downtown’s riverfront leads to Riverfront Park, the site of Team Haverhill’s Riverfront Ruckus Festival every September, featuring live music, classic cars, food vendors, and fireworks.

One block in from the river, around the Washington Street Shoe District, elegant old shoe factories have been repurposed into lofts and offices, with vibrant independent businesses occupying the ground floors.

4. Buttonwoods Museum

It is impossible to spend time in Haverhill without developing an interest in the city’s history. This can be explored at the Buttonwoods Museum, situated prominently above the Merrimack River to the east of downtown.

Named after the sycamores (buttonwoods) that were planted on the property in the 1740s, the site includes a grand Federal mansion constructed by the affluent Duncan family in 1814, which houses the Buttonwoods Museum. Additionally, it features the 1710-1810 John Ward House and the 1859 Daniel Hunkins Shoe Shop.

This facility serves as a showcase for approximately 400 years of local history, particularly highlighting the shoe industry, along with artifacts from ancient Native American cultures, military collections, decorative arts, and textiles.

The museum also curates a significant collection of materials related to Supreme Court Justice William Henry Moody (1853-1917), who resided in Haverhill and was the junior prosecutor in the notorious Lizzie Borden murder case in 1893.

5. Ski Bradford

In the southeast region of Haverhill, Bradford’s Dead Hill features a ski area. Covering 48 acres, Ski Bradford provides a compact mountain experience, ideal for novice skiers.

Notably, the location is popular among young skiers acquiring their skills, with three chairlifts and six surface lifts ensuring a smooth flow.

Ski Bradford offers 15 trails, more than half classified as black diamond (difficult), yet intermediate skiers will find these manageable due to their short lengths.

A prominent attraction is the extensive terrain park, a state-of-the-art facility equipped with boxes, rails, and jumps for freestyle skiing and snowboarding.

6. Washington Street Shoe District

An atmospheric sector of downtown Haverhill is situated on Wingate and Washington Streets, nestled between Railroad Square and Essex Street. This area was the center of Haverhill’s thriving shoe industry during the turn of the century, with over 60 shoe factories operating within a few blocks.

As you navigate through these historical districts characterized by tall brick façades, you can discern the earlier, more delicate Italianate factories from the more massive, austere factories that emerged later in the 19th century.

Currently, the first floors are occupied by boutiques, restaurants, bars, and cafes, creating a vibrant community atmosphere.

7. John Greenleaf Whittier Birthplace

The historic residence where Quaker poet and abolitionist John Greenleaf Whittier (1807-1892) was born has been preserved as a museum for over 130 years.

Recognized as one of New England’s notable fireside poets, Whittier is perhaps most famous for the narrative poem “Snow-Bound” (1866), which is set at this property.

This homestead, built in 1688 by Whittier’s great-great-grandfather, has been meticulously maintained since 1893 to reflect the poet’s time here (1807-1836).

The homestead hosts a diverse array of history-oriented events, including talks, guided tours, culinary events, poetry readings, and theatrical performances.

8. Riverside Park

This picturesque public park is situated on a bend in the Merrimack River, featuring uninterrupted views of the wooded southern bank.

Visitors during winter may be fortunate enough to observe bald eagles hunting along the river, while turkey vultures are often spotted during warmer months.

This park offers ample recreational opportunities, including baseball and softball facilities, open fields, basketball courts, paved trails, and a playground.

Additionally, Trinity Stadium, originally a Works Progress Administration (WPA) project completed in 1937, was the site of the New England Patriots’ first exhibition game in 1960.

9. Rocks Village Historic District

For another glimpse into Haverhill’s history, one may visit the Rocks Village in East Haverhill, which developed around a ferry crossing established in the 1640s.

The initial bridge was constructed in 1795 at the crossing site of the current multi-truss steel bridge, erected in 1905. Notably, 15 of the 25 buildings around the four-way junction date back to the 18th century.

The Hand Tub House (1829), serving as the village firehouse, is open during village events, alongside the neighboring Toll House, which features interpretive boards detailing various aspects of Rocks Village’s history.

The Ingalls House (1750), located at 29 Main Street, is noteworthy as the birthplace of Mary Ingalls, a subject of John Greenleaf Whittier’s poem “The Countess.”

10. Haverhill Farmers’ Market

Held in downtown Haverhill from late June until the end of October, the farmers’ market has been a staple since 1978.

Typically featuring over 30 vendors on Saturday mornings, the market offers local produce including fruits, vegetables, eggs, honey, flowers, wine, maple syrup, spice mixtures, popcorn, jams, preserves, pet treats, and freshly baked goods.

In addition, prepared foods such as pierogies and tacos are specialties. Services like knife sharpening and a wide variety of crafts enhance the experience, accompanied by live music performances and activities for children.

11. Bradford Rail Trail

At the time this article was written, the Bradford Rail Trail was undergoing expansion to connect with the two-mile Groveland Rail Trail to the southwest.

The initial half-mile stretch runs along the south bank of the Merrimack River, between the Basiliere and Comeau bridges, on what was once the Georgetown Spur of the Boston and Maine Railroad.

This line operated for passenger transport from 1851 until 1931 and handled freight until 1981 before its abandonment. Along the trail, one can discover historical and educational markers, as well as a series of five sculptures creating an art walk.

12. Tattersall Farm

Set on picturesque rolling terrain, this 150-acre farm was the property of the Tattersall family throughout the majority of the 20th century. When the last surviving family member, Mary Alice Tattersall, passed away in 1999, she bequeathed the land to the City of Haverhill.

Currently, Tattersall Farm is preserved as a representation of New England’s rural heritage, featuring 19th-century plantings, active hayfields, meadows, and a network of wooded trails for hiking, jogging, and cross-country skiing.

In the wooded areas of the farm, visitors can find a notable and historic red oak tree, measuring close to 15 feet in circumference. Tattersall Farm hosts various educational programs and events, including beekeeping workshops, a food festival, and wildflower walks during the spring.

13. Srybny Farms

This local 100-acre fruit and vegetable farm has remained within the same family since 1917, now entering its fourth generation.

Typically, Srybny Farms opens at the beginning of May, featuring a greenhouse for perennials, vegetable plants, and potted arrangements.

From early July onwards, visitors can explore the farmstand, which offers a bounty of fresh produce, including beans, tomatoes, peppers, several varieties of fruits, and different types of corn. The farmstand can remain open until mid-October, weather permitting.

14. Willow Spring Vineyards

Situated in the scenic hills to the west of Haverhill, a winery is located within a charming 18th-century barn surrounded by two acres of vines.

These vines consist of French hybrid varieties selected for their ability to thrive in the region’s shorter growing season and extreme temperatures. Willow Spring Vineyards is part of a larger 20-acre farm, which can be enjoyed from the wraparound deck or beside the hearth.

The selection of wines is crafted from grapes cultivated on Willow Spring’s estate or sourced from local producers, featuring varietals such as Cabernet Franc, Marquette, Marechal Foch (red), and Chardonnay, Seyval Blanc, Vignoles, and Vidal Blanc (white).

The winery serves as a favored venue for private events and weddings, additionally hosting wine-pairing dinners, painting workshops, and special Friday evening gatherings by the hearth.

15. Lake Saltonstall (Plug Pond)

Among Haverhill’s extensive array of beautiful locations within minutes from downtown lies the tranquil 45-acre natural pond, Lake Saltonstall.

Accessible on foot or by bike from Winnekenni Castle, the area features a public recreation zone to the southeast, including a small sandy beach, boat launch, swimming area, and fishing pier, exclusively for Haverhill residents.

For non-residents, a grassy space with benches and landscaping is available on the western side along Mill Street, which also includes a boat launch. Common fish species caught here include bluegill, chain pickerel, pumpkinseed, and largemouth bass, with trout stocked during spring and autumn.