Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Hopkinton, MA

In the MetroWest region, Hopkinton is a town well-recognized as the commencement point of the Boston Marathon, which takes place on Patriots’ Day in April.

Hopkinton was granted this distinction in 1924 after the marathon course was adjusted, transferring the starting point from the adjacent town of Ashland.

This development is one segment of a long-standing rivalry between Hopkinton and Ashland, highlighted annually by a Thanksgiving football match between the two high schools.

A distinct feature of the environment surrounding Hopkinton is the abundance of reservoirs, all part of a 19th-century infrastructure developed on the Sudbury River and its tributaries to supply water to Boston.

By the conclusion of World War II, these reservoirs were deemed unnecessary, and two in Hopkinton have since transformed into state parks renowned for their adventure activities.

1. Starting Line of Boston Marathon

It is nearly impossible to spend time in Hopkinton without recognizing that this town hosts the world’s oldest annual marathon.

Numerous local establishments celebrate this iconic event, and in 2015, the elementary school was renamed Marathon Elementary. Interestingly, Hopkinton was not always the starting line; from 1897 to 1923, the starting point was located a few miles to the west along Route 135 in Ashland.

The marathon course was extended to adhere to a newly established standard distance of 26 miles and 385 yards, as designated by the IMF in 1921.

The starting line is situated on the northern side of the Town Common, but to secure an unobstructed view, it is advisable to arrive early. The most suitable parking option is at Hopkinton State Park, with a B.A.A. shuttle service available from there to the starting line.

2. Hopkinton State Park

For a tranquil day immersed in nature, Hopkinton State Park is an exceptional choice. This 1,245-acre public recreational area extends into Ashland and is positioned along the shores of a substantial reservoir, which was constructed in the late 19th century and decommissioned in 1947.

Since that time, the park has become a popular destination for swimming and sunbathing amidst pristine beaches, with extensive trails weaving through the surrounding forests.

The shorelines are equipped with a dozen shelters and over 160 grills, making them ideal for picnics and barbecues. Moreover, seasonal boat rentals are also available, which will be detailed later in the article.

In addition to these offerings, Hopkinton Reservoir is a favored site for fishing, stocked with trout and also home to plentiful yellow perch and largemouth bass, as well as a white catfish population.

3. Whitehall State Park

Originally designated in the late 19th century for water supply purposes, the 620-acre Whitehall Reservoir, classified as a great pond, evolved into a recreational hub shortly after World War II.

As will be discussed further, one prominent feature of Whitehall State Park is the continuous loop trail encircling the water.

On the eastern shore, this trail connects with paths leading into Hopkinton’s conservation lands, providing ample opportunities for hiking just a few miles from downtown Hopkinton.

In the summer, Whitehall Reservoir is a well-known destination for boating and kayaking, enhanced by the presence of numerous small islands. Fishing is another significant activity here, with substantial populations of largemouth bass and trout, which are restocked each spring.

4. Downtown Hopkinton

At the intersection of Cedar St and Main St, Hopkinton features a compact central commercial district filled with a variety of stores, services, and dining establishments that are easily accessible on foot.

Along Main St, one can find significant residences as well as points of interest such as the Hopkinton Supply Co. Building (26-28 Main St), an example of an early 20th-century mail-order commercial storefront dating back to 1906.

Nearby, the stone-built Hopkinton Public Library, established in 1895, stands next to the starting line, with Hopkinton’s Town Common located further along Main Street, framed by the First Congregational Church (now the Korean Presbyterian).

During the summer months, a farmers’ market operates, alongside various events to celebrate the Fourth of July, and a series of outdoor concerts featuring performances by the Hopkinton Community Band.

5. Waseeka Wildlife Sanctuary

This Mass Audubon property encompasses 229 acres of diverse woodland surrounding a delightful secluded pond.

Emerging from the waters are several standing dead trees that have become nesting sites for various avian species, including ospreys, great blue herons, pileated woodpeckers, and blackbirds. You may even spot a great horned owl within this habitat.

Keep an eye out for beavers along the Sassafras Trail, which features numerous examples of the namesake tree, known for having three distinct leaf shapes. The Cart Path leads to the pond’s dam, offering pristine vistas of the water.

6. Boating in Boston – Hopkinton

Another excellent feature of Hopkinton State Park is the presence of a location for the Boating in Boston rental company during the summer months.

Situated at the boathouse by Parking Lot C, this facility serves as a perfect recreational option for families with older children and teenagers.

Available for rent during the summer months are kayaks, canoes, paddle boats, and stand-up paddleboards.

Hopkinton Reservoir presents an especially enjoyable environment for paddling, primarily due to the small islands accessible from the water, such as Bacon Island, located just a few hundred feet from the boathouse, and Farr Island lying slightly further south.

7. Start Line Brewing

Located a few minutes south of downtown, near the source of the Charles River, a craft brewery has transformed the old Water Fresh Farm Marketplace.

The exclusive brewery named after the Boston Marathon, Start Line Brewing, opened its doors in 2016 and features a rustic-style taproom offering a selection of 20 distinct brews at the time of this compilation.

Half of the beers on tap consist of IPAs, including two flagship options: Hop Load Mosaic, with notes of tangerine, papaya, and grapefruit, and the juicy, mildly floral Hop Load Hazy.

Additional choices encompass a Red Ale, a Kolsch, a Wheat Beer, a Blonde Ale, two Stouts, and two hard seltzers. Start Line Brewing also has a kitchen specializing in BBQ, serving ribs, brisket, and pulled pork, along with interesting vegetarian options such as a falafel sandwich.

8. Hopkinton Center for the Arts (HCA)

As a central hub for the MetroWest area, the recently expanded HCA provides a wide range of artistic experiences for a diverse audience.

This multi-faceted center hosts events and classes in visual arts, music, theater, dance, writing, ceramics, and film within a single complex.

For those seeking a brief visit, the gallery space features a variety of group and solo exhibitions, including an annual showcase by HCA members during December and January.

In summer, be sure to look for free Summer Sunset Jazz events on Saturday evenings at the center’s picturesque amphitheater.

9. Cameron Woods

On the eastern side of the Whitehall Reservoir, visitors can access over 250 acres of town-owned conservation land within Cameron Woods, featuring old-growth forests, boulders, and gently flowing streams.

This area is contiguous with Hopkinton Town Forest to the south and Phipps Woods to the southwest, with trail connectivity to the Whitehall State Park Loop Trail, enabling hours of hiking, biking, horseback riding, or cross-country skiing without encountering urban development.

The longest single trail measures 1.7 miles as the yellow-blazed loop, which follows a ridge on the east side and offers impressive scenic viewpoints.

10. Sands Conservation Area

There exists an extensive array of additional conservation lands eager to be explored in Hopkinton, with one of the most captivating being this trail that traverses a deep ravine just west of Hopkinton State Park.

The most picturesque route is the Douglas Sands Memorial Trail, which ascends sharply to a dramatic rocky overlook, providing breathtaking views to the northwest.

If you have some leisure time available, consider exploring the newly developed Greenwood Trail, which offers a four-mile loop through the property.

For a detour, the Greenwood Trail meanders around the Zettek Overlook, a small park perched on a hillside, offering uplifting views throughout the year, particularly striking in the late fall.

11. Ashland State Park

Similar to the reservoirs in Hopkinton, the Ashland Reservoir was once part of Boston’s second major water supply system, initiated in 1885, and transitioned to a public recreational area in 1947.

This expansive park spans 470 acres, encompassing the entire shoreline of the 157-acre reservoir. From Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day, Ashland State Park serves as a hub for recreation, offering opportunities for swimming, boating, paddle sports, fishing, mountain biking, and hiking.

The primary trail circles the entire reservoir, with a convenient gravel ramp available for launching watercraft from Spring St on the southern shore.

At the northern end, the original 19th-century dam and spillway have been recognized on the National Register of Historic Places since 1990.

12. Lake Maspenock (Sandy Beach)

Located near where W Main St meets the I-495, there exists a place of exceptional natural beauty along the wooded shores of a 234-acre lake.

This elongated and relatively narrow lake features a shoreline filled with numerous notches, one of which is a peninsula situated at the northern end of Lakeshore Drive.

This location serves as the main public access point to the lake and is home to its lovely seasonal swimming area, Sandy Beach. Opened to the general public for decades, access has recently been restricted to Hopkinton residents from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.

For non-residents, if an opportunity arises on a warm day outside this timeframe, a visit is highly recommended. Additionally, a public boat launch is available at 213 W Main St for year-round shore fishing.

13. EMC Park

Adjacent to Hopkinton High School, located approximately a mile south of downtown Hopkinton, EMC Park provides an excellent recreational space, particularly for families with children.

This location holds significance as EMC Park lies in close proximity to the source of the Charles River and is near town-owned hiking trails.

Upon entering the park from Hayden Rowe St, visitors are greeted by a series of appealing murals commissioned by the Hopkinton Cultural Council.

EMC Park features three baseball fields, namely Colella Field, Egan Field, and McIntyre Field, alongside a recently updated playground, which is an excellent asset for families. The playground includes equipment designed for children ages 2-12, organized into separate sets beneath the shade of towering conifers.

14. Weston Nurseries – Hopkinton

The company managing the expansive garden center and greenhouse in Hopkinton has been successfully cultivating and selling plants for a century.

This horticultural destination is located just a few minutes from downtown Hopkinton along E Main St, occupying a substantial property that takes time to navigate.

Visitors can explore a diverse range of offerings, from annuals and perennials to trees, shrubs, planters, ornamental items, hanging plants, orchids, terrariums, fertilizers, houseplants, and tools.

A knowledgeable and trained team of horticulturalists is also available to address any queries and guide you in your selections.

15. Hopkinton Farmers’ Market

On Sunday afternoons throughout the summer, a farmers’ market unfolds in a charming setting on the Hopkinton Common, adjacent to the starting line.

This market operates from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM, spanning from mid-June to mid-October, and consistently features an impressive array of vendors.

In summary, visitors can anticipate a selection of seasonal fresh produce, seafood sourced from the Atlantic, artisan breads, herbal teas, trail mixes, farm-raised meats, cupcakes, cheeses, honey, maple syrup, and more.

Crafters are a staple at the market, with artisans offering a range of products from alpaca wool items to pottery, handmade jewelry, stained glass art, and organic skincare products.