Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Hudson, MA

A historical manufacturing town with strong Irish and Portuguese heritage, Hudson has demonstrated remarkable resilience in overcoming various challenges throughout its history.

One notable challenge was a devastating fire that destroyed 40 buildings in the town center in 1894. Subsequently, the shoe industry, once vital to the town’s economy, declined significantly after World War II and was further impacted when Intel ceased operations at its semiconductor facility during the Great Recession.

Despite these adversities, Hudson has become increasingly welcoming to both residents and visitors alike. This revitalization is attributed to a transformation along Main Street, which has evolved into a culinary hub characterized by innovative enterprises and vibrant live music throughout the year.

A multi-use rail trail now connects downtown Hudson with Marlborough and Maynard. Additionally, a prominent military museum has recently opened in the eastern part of the town.

1. Downtown Hudson

Always lively, sociable, and enjoyable, Hudson’s central commercial district embodies a modern vision of a downtown area in the 21st century.

Main Street features a remarkable variety of thriving local businesses, many of which showcase original concepts that evoke curiosity and intrigue.

This transformation of downtown Hudson, which began in the early 2010s, was a strategic response to both the Great Recession and various economic setbacks.

Numerous events invigorate the town center, including a weekly summer farmers’ market, seasonal pop-up markets, ArtsFest in June, Celebrate Hudson in September, and the Downtown Music Series, held every Thursday and Saturday evening during the summer.

2. American Heritage Museum

It is fair to assert that Jacques Littlefield (1949-2009), a Hewlett-Packard engineer, had a profound enthusiasm for historic military equipment.

Beginning in the early 1980s, he accumulated a collection valued at over $30 million, which included tanks, howitzers, armored vehicles, missile launchers, and personnel carriers, all aimed at restoration and public exhibition.

This vision was realized posthumously in 2013 when Littlefield’s foundation entrusted his collection to the Collings Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation and public display of transportation-related history.

The artifacts at the American Heritage Museum are organized by campaign or theater, predominantly centered on World War II, including the Eastern Front, North Africa, the Italian Campaign, the Battle of the Bulge, D-Day, the Battle for Berlin, as well as additional areas pertaining to the Korean War, Vietnam War, Cold War, Gulf War, and the War on Terrorism.

3. Assabet River Rail Trail

Winding through downtown Hudson is a multi-use rail trail that has been developed in phases since 2005 and will ultimately connect Marlborough with Acton.

The Assabet River Rail Trail utilizes the former rail bed of the old Marlborough Branch (completed in 1855) of the Fitchburg Railroad.

As of the latest updates, the trail is nearly complete, with the exception of a 3.4-mile segment between the South Acton MBTA station and the Maynard–Stow line.

The trail runs continuously through Hudson, beginning at the trailhead on Wilkins Street, providing a safe commuting option between downtown Hudson and downtown Marlborough. If you require bicycle accessories or maintenance services, Assabet River Bicycles is conveniently located adjacent to the trail downtown.

4. New City Microcreamery

Experience the unique delight of liquid nitrogen ice cream at this singular establishment, which was established in 2015 and has expanded to locations in Sudbury and Cambridge.

If you are curious about the advantages of liquid nitrogen in ice cream preparation, this extremely cold element produces finer ice crystals, resulting in a remarkably smoother texture.

Flavors include classic favorites such as chocolate, mint chip, and cookie dough, alongside inventive New City specials ranging from cannoli and baklava to crème de menthe & chocolate, vanilla bourbon, and creamsicle.

Additionally, discreetly on the premises, there exists a speakeasy.

5. Wood Park

This charming public park is located along a section of the Assabet River just upriver from downtown Hudson, making Wood Park an ideal venue for community events, especially those held at the Victor Dyer Music Shell.

This includes the Wood Park Summer Concert series, which occurs throughout the summer, featuring concerts that commence at 6:30 pm and showcase a diverse array of artists and musical styles.

The series is designed with families in mind, and attendees are encouraged to bring snacks, lawn chairs, blankets, and mosquito repellent.

Alongside a playground and picnic areas, a footbridge spans the river, connecting to the local Portuguese Club. Visitors can also access the water below the bridge for fishing or kayaking opportunities.

6. Assabet River National Wildlife Refuge

Just past the American Heritage Museum on the rail trail, visitors can access the National Wildlife Refuge, managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; it is one of eight refuges within the Eastern Massachusetts National Wildlife Refuge Complex.

This particular refuge is characterized by ponds, vernal pools, and wetlands and features an array of pine and hardwood forests, serving as a critical stopover for migratory birds during spring and fall.

Notably, the 2,230-acre property is located at the historical site of the Fort Devens-Sudbury Training Annex, rapidly established in 1942, with around 50 munitions bunkers still present in the surrounding woods.

These sites add an element of intrigue to hikes, bike rides, and cross-country skiing excursions, while the plentiful water bodies attract kayakers, complete with a launch and dock situated off White Pond Road.

7. Puzzlescape

Located along the Assabet River Rail Trail, this acclaimed escape room experience is one of several businesses that have taken residence in the refurbished Hudson Mills complex.

Puzzlescape was established in 2016 and relocated to its current venue in 2021, featuring a vibrant, playful atmosphere.

The main antagonist at Puzzlescape is “Pepe La Scuzz,” an evil genius whom participants must overcome in the primary escape room, “The Legend of Pepe,” designed for 2-6 players and featuring an interactive choose-your-own-ending format.

Additional room options available include the horror-themed Something Wicked (2-8 players) and the beginner-friendly Escape the Cape, which requires avoiding traffic on the Bourne and Sagamore Bridges (2-6 players).

This introductory room is well-suited for young puzzle enthusiasts, as children aged 12 and above can participate without adult supervision.

8. Danforth Falls (Danforth Conservation Area)

Comprising 80 acres of public woodland located in northern Hudson, this area is managed by the local conservation commission.

The property lies along the picturesque Danforth Brook, which runs along the eastern boundary and is regularly stocked for fishing purposes each spring. A convenient flat trail, accessible from Lincoln Street, traces the brook back to a waterfall.

This waterfall is particularly impressive after heavy rainfall or during the spring thaw. The surrounding terrain also features the 450-foot summit of Philips Hill, which offers a moderately challenging trail with steep and rocky sections leading to a stunning western viewpoint.

9. Rail Trail Flatbread Co.

Among Hudson’s extensive list of charming local businesses is the Rail Trail Flatbread Co., conveniently located directly across Main St from New City Microcreamery.

Founded in 2012, this community-focused and socially responsible flatbread pizza restaurant features wood-fired, hand-tossed sourdough pizzas as its signature offering, with an imaginative array of options (including gochujang BBQ chicken and spanakopita), as well as a variety of vegan and gluten-free choices.

Additionally, the menu includes comfort food favorites such as poutine, tacos, burgers (including Impossible burgers), mac and cheese, alongside an impressive selection of over 20 draft beers.

10. Medusa Brewing Company

The roster of impressive independent businesses on Main St continues with this craft brewery, which features an expansive, rustic taproom and an unexpectedly delightful beer garden.

Medusa Brewing Company is renowned for its hoppy IPAs, with core offerings including Laser Cat (Imperial IPA), LightRunner (Hazy IPA), Lola (IPA), and Duchovni (Czech Pilsner).

While these are the flagship brews, they represent just a fraction of the diverse selection available on draft, encompassing a variety of flavor profiles from malty to hoppy and sour.

Live music performances occur in the taproom on Friday evenings, and the brewery collaborates with Taco Gato, a local business that operates as a permanent taqueria within the brewery, providing the perfect dining complement.

11. Honey Pot Hill Orchards

Situated nearby in Stow, this family-operated farm has been welcoming visitors since 1926, offering a variety of experiences during the growning and harvesting seasons.

At Honey Pot Hill Orchards, you can pick your own fruits starting in July, with blueberries, plums, and peaches, leading into an extended apple season that persists well into autumn.

There are over 25 apple varieties cultivated on the farm, and a detailed picking schedule is available to help you plan your visit.

The farm store is stocked with fresh produce and much more, including jams, jellies, fresh-pressed apple cider, and baked goods like apple cider donuts.

Children can enjoy interacting with farm animals, exploring mazes in the fall, and taking leisurely hayrides for an enjoyable day in the countryside.

12. Ferjulian’s Farm

Ferjulian’s Farm is a family-owned and operated agricultural business established in 1942, standing as Hudson’s sole working farm across 70 acres. The farm stand operates from Patriot’s Day in April through early December.

Spring marks the start of the season, featuring flowers in the greenhouse with over 100 varieties of annuals, as well as perennials, vegetables, herbs, and hanging baskets available for purchase.

The farm stand begins selling produce in June, and every item available during the season at Ferjulian’s has been carefully hand-picked and taste-tested for quality.

From July to September, visitors can engage in a pick-your-own flower-cutting garden experience, followed by a ten-day Sunflower Festival in early October that showcases approximately 30,000 blooms reaching heights of five feet.

13. Hudson Farmers’ Market

On Tuesday afternoons from mid-June through September, a farmers’ market is organized in front of the Town Hall, centrally located in downtown Hudson.

In addition to this primary market, look out for pop-up markets occurring earlier and later in the year, including in April, May, November, and December.

Each week, the market’s Facebook page provides a list of attending vendors and details about live performances as part of the Market Music series.

Typically, attendees can expect a variety of vendors offering seasonal produce, fresh seafood, pasture-raised meats, honey, spices, jams, breads, sweet baked goods, alongside a selection of craft vendors.

14. Art in the Hall

Beyond hosting the farmers’ market, Hudson’s historic 19th-century Chateauesque Town Hall doubles as an art gallery.

Since 2004, the River’s Edge Arts Alliance has curated the Art in the Hall exhibitions, showcasing the talents of local artists.

Featuring works from a diverse range of disciplines, these exhibitions typically run for several months and are refreshed multiple times each year, ensuring there is always something new to explore. The gallery is open during standard operating hours and is fully accessible.

15. ArtsFest Hudson

Hudson boasts a vibrant arts scene, and the most straightforward way to experience it is at the ArtsFest Hudson, held on the first Saturday of June.

Like many events in a town that has undergone a revitalization, this festival is a relatively new tradition that has gained significant popularity.

From morning until late afternoon, two stages host family-friendly live performances featuring a diverse array of music artists, dance groups, and more.

Simultaneously, more than 50 arts and crafts booths display the extensive talent present in Hudson. Younger festival attendees can partake in activities such as face painting and crafts, while the event kicks off in the morning with a 5K run.