Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Holbrook, MA

Holbrook is a picturesque town located on the South Shore, featuring numerous family-owned enterprises along with ample opportunities to engage with nature in nearby conservation areas and a state park.

The primary commercial activities primarily occur along Union Street, which accommodates a diner well-loved by locals and a quaint summertime farmers’ market.

Although originally settled by Europeans in the early 18th century, Holbrook stands out as a comparatively young town in the South Shore region.

Once part of Braintree, Holbrook became an incorporated town in 1872, receiving its name from Elisha N. Holbrook, who generously supported the establishment of the Town Hall and library before his passing in that same year.

1. Holbrook Square Historic District

Situated at the intersection of Franklin Street and Plymouth Street, visitors can explore the civic core of the town. The notable features of the Holbrook Square Historic District stem from the fact that its primary landmarks were constructed within a short time frame.

This rapid development can be attributed to the town’s incorporation in 1872, alongside a destructive fire in December 1877 that resulted in the loss of the prominent church and initial town hall.

Within close proximity are the Gothic Revival Town Hall (1879), the Panel Brick-style Central Fire Station (1881), and the Winthrop Congregational Church (1880), designed in the Stick architectural style.

The Town Hall serves as a dignified centerpiece for the district, constructed from brick with granite and sandstone embellishments, and is the venue for annual events such as the enchanting Festival of Lights during the holiday season.

2. Holbrook Town Forest

Holbrook proudly possesses a vast expanse of forest, designated as a town forest on undeveloped land in the 1950s.

This location boasts a diverse landscape, featuring steep granite outcrops that transition into unspoiled wooded wetlands.

The elevated climbs and rocky conditions present a formidable challenge for mountain biking enthusiasts, while nature lovers can venture into Braintree’s Cranberry Pond to the north.

Remnants of ancient stone walls reflect the town’s agricultural past, and the forest is dotted with vernal pools that serve as critical habitats for amphibians.

3. Lake Holbrook

Perhaps the most picturesque area in the town is the banks of Lake Holbrook, which spans 31 acres. Located along N Shore Rd, this lakefront is complemented by a compact yet beautifully manicured park.

This venue is an excellent spot for a picnic during sunny days, providing an idyllic view across the lake towards residences partially obscured by hardwood trees.

The park features various benches and picnic tables, both in open areas and within a small grove, and accommodates a car top boat launch.

Lake Holbrook is home to a substantial population of largemouth bass, alongside some yellow perch, bluegill, and black crappie, though it is advisable not to consume any fish caught here.

4. Ames Nowell State Park

Located just a few miles from the center of Holbrook lies Ames Nowell State Park, comprising 700 acres of natural beauty along the shore of Cleveland Pond.

Featuring over ten miles of trails that navigate through woodlands and wetlands, as well as alongside the water’s edge, Ames Nowell State Park serves as an ideal destination for hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, and picnicking.

Non-motorized boating and fishing are permitted on the pond, which was created in the 1920s as part of an initiative to establish a bird sanctuary.

The park offers various historical points of interest, including remnants of 17th and 18th-century quarries, historic wagon bridges, impressive glacial boulders, and old stone walls reclaiming what was once farmland.

5. Fuller Craft Museum

Holbrook’s proximity to the Fuller Craft Museum, a leading establishment for contemporary crafts in New England, is an added benefit for visitors.

Beautifully sited on a chain of ponds developed into a park during the 1920s, the museum showcases exhibitions that encompass a wide array of contemporary crafts, featuring artists from various disciplines, including ceramics, furniture, jewelry, woodworking, textiles, and glass.

The museum grounds are adorned with sculptures, and the gift shop offers a selection of local and ethically sourced items.

6. Roberts School

Adjacent to Stanney’s Ice Cream & Sandwich Shoppe on Union Street is Roberts School, a small but significant piece of local history.

The one-room schoolhouse, built in 1873, features a unique façade that retains separate entrances for boys and girls leading to a shared classroom.

Remarkably, the building functioned as a school until 1979, after which it was repurposed as a venue for the Holbrook Historical Society.

7. Nihtila Farm

Before becoming a residential area, Holbrook had agricultural roots, which are currently being celebrated by Nihtila Farm.

Established in 2001 by a local family aiming to create something unique with their land, Nihtila Farm spans ten acres and opens its doors to the public in the fall for a pumpkin patch experience.

Visitors can select pumpkins, while children can enjoy hayrides, observe farm animals, and play in the farm’s playground.

8. Union Street Lanes

An additional attraction along Union Street is Union Street Lanes, a bowling alley revitalized under new management in 2008.

This venue offers the chance to experience candlepin bowling, a regional game that gained popularity in Worcester during the 1880s, predominantly played in New England and Canada’s Maritime provinces.

Bowlers are permitted three rolls instead of two and will find the pins narrower and more challenging to knock down with a ball small enough to fit comfortably in the palm.

The alley features 16 resurfaced lanes equipped with televisions, a full bar, and a menu of comfort food options such as pizza and hot dogs.

9. Castle Canyon Playground

Nearby the intersection of Franklin Street and Plymouth Street lies Castle Canyon Playground, a remarkable play area adjoining Sumner Field next to Holbrook Middle-High School.

Despite its proximity to the road, the playground is securely fenced, featuring an array of swings, slides, and climbing structures suitable for children aged 1-12.

Benches are strategically placed around the play spaces, and a Dunkin’ outlet is conveniently located nearby for refreshments. Additionally, there is a gazebo that hosts free concerts on Sunday evenings from late June to late August.

10. Holbrook Farmers’ Market

Holbrook hosts a seasonal farmers’ market, typically situated in the parking lot of Union Street Lanes.

From June to October, patrons can explore this market on Saturday mornings, which features a diverse selection of vendors each week.

Common offerings include fresh fruits and vegetables, plants, flowers, honey, preserves, free-range eggs, baked goods, and various crafts.

At the time of writing, there is a dedicated group of vendors, with new additions appearing each season.

11. Stanney’s Ice Cream & Sandwich Shoppe

Located at 300 Union St, Stanney’s Ice Cream & Sandwich Shoppe is an old-fashioned American diner, serving customers for over 60 years.

This cozy establishment features a simple interior and generous portions of breakfasts that include omelets, pancakes, waffles, French toast, and a wide choice of egg combinations.

At lunch, patrons can choose from a variety of overstuffed sandwiches, burgers, salads, and plates featuring clam strips, fried chicken, and steak tips. Additionally, Stanney’s is well-known for its ice cream sundaes, offering a dozen different varieties from hot fudge to banana split.

12. High Voltage Paintball

Occupying an expansive area exceeding 20 acres, High Voltage Paintball is situated within the power line corridor on the eastern edge of Holbrook.

Offering a variety of terrains, this facility facilitates different gameplay strategies, ranging from the frantic pace of speedball to the dense cover offered by woodball fields.

Players have multiple game options, including defending or assaulting a bunker, protecting a hilltop, or attempting to plant a bomb before the opposing team can respond.

This center operates on weekends and permits walk-ins, although reserving a session with a larger group is recommended.

13. Weymouth Great Pond

Bordering Holbrook’s eastern side is Weymouth Great Pond, a substantial water body encompassed by woods and drained by Mill River, which ultimately flows into the Weymouth Back River.

As a critical water supply, recreational activities are limited here, and dogs are prohibited in this area.

Along the southeastern shore, Negus Park and the Richard E. Gifford Playground are interconnected by a mile-long walking trail that traverses picturesque deciduous woods, offering beautiful views of the untouched western shore.

Along the trail, visitors will encounter impressive granite boulders and sections of boardwalk spanning over streams and wet areas, with several smaller detours available for those seeking variety.

14. Cranberry Pond Conservation Land

From Holbrook Town Forest, a trail leads north into this tranquil conservation area positioned across the line in Braintree.

Within this area, Cranberry Pond is nestled in a hollow surrounded by rugged slopes. From the south, the green-blazed trail eventually joins a blue trail that traverses high ground around the pond.

This hike is moderated with a few challenging sections as it navigates rocky outcrops offering impressive vistas, particularly during winter when the hardwood trees stand bare.

The red trail can also be accessed from the south side through Holbrook Town Forest and runs along the steep eastern perimeter of the property, with options to form loops by cutting across orange, yellow, or white trails.

15. Festival of Lights

Since the 1970s, the Festival of Lights has been a cherished component of the holiday season in Holbrook, taking place on the first Saturday of December in the town’s historic center.

With the attractive Town Hall and a dazzling light display as a backdrop, the event features performances by local school choirs, culminating in the arrival of Santa Claus with assistance from the Holbrook Fire Department.

Participants can enjoy light refreshments, and children have the opportunity to visit Santa at the neighboring Winthrop Congregational Church.