Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Northbridge, MA

This engaging town represents a pivotal area in the Blackstone Valley, where the American Industrial Revolution gained momentum in the early 19th century.

Northbridge is an integral part of the Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor, making it an ideal location to explore the region’s industrial heritage.

Visitors can explore mill communities such as Whitinsville and Linwood, which were significantly influenced by the textile industry throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries. Additionally, the remnants of the Blackstone Canal, established in the 1820s, illustrate the historical connection between Worcester and Providence.

This area also boasts remarkable scenery, including the intriguing Purgatory Chasm and the elevated vistas at Lookout Rock and Goat Hill, further enhanced within the Blackstone River and Canal Heritage State Park.

1. Blackstone River and Canal Heritage State Park

Spanning a section of the river and the historic Blackstone Canal, this 1,000-acre state park merges breathtaking natural landscapes with the narrative of industrial history.

Visitors can familiarize themselves with the area at the River Bend Visitor Center in Uxbridge, which features an informative museum detailing the significance of canals in transporting raw materials and products among the industrial hubs of the valley during the 19th century.

A canoe launch allows for paddling excursions along the river, while an extensive network of trails on land leads to several scenic vantage points in the high slopes of the valley.

One prominent location is Goat Hill, from which you can observe a significant portion of the canal, complete with its granite locks and towpaths. Further south, the river expands at Rice City Pond, a picturesque area that attracts diverse bird species.

2. Whitinsville

One of the most enriching experiences in Northbridge is to explore its distinctive mill villages.

The ideal place to start is Whitinsville, recognized as the most complete representation of a Rhode Island System Mill Village.

Established in the early 1800s as a textile production hub by the Whitin family, this family played a pivotal role in the community for over a century.

The Whitin Machine Works emerged as the world’s leading producer of textile machinery, employing 5,600 individuals at its peak. Known as The Shop, this manufacturing complex continues to oversee the village, having transitioned to office and light industrial use.

The Whitins contributed to community development by constructing a town hall, library, churches, schools, and recreational amenities, as well as providing over 1,000 units of worker housing, most of which remain preserved today.

3. Linwood

This mill village, now recognized as a U.S. Historic District, was established in the early 19th century when the Mumford River was dammed to harness water power.

As the century advanced, industrial facilities like the notable Linwood Cotton Mill were constructed, attracting a population of French-Canadians who contributed to the textile workforce.

The prominent structure in Linwood is the cotton mill, built in 1866 to process cotton, producing cambrics, sateens, and shirting fabric, and mimicking a mansion with its Second Empire-style mansard roof.

Beneath its shadow lies the proprietor’s residence, designed in a similar style, while the district retains duplexes, dormitories, and tenements designed for workers.

Currently, the mill complex houses senior residential units along with a variety of local businesses, such as a crêperie (Maison de Manger), Purgatory Beer Company, a barber shop, and an upscale alcohol retail store (Mill House Wine & Spirits).

4. West End Creamery

The VandenAkker family has managed this land in Whitinsville since the early 20th century, with the farm’s primary products evolving from eggs to milk and cream.

Under the stewardship of the fourth generation, West End Creamery has embraced agritourism. From spring to fall, visitors can enjoy a variety of attractions, including a farm-themed miniature golf course featuring 18 holes, of which 9 are ADA-compliant.

Latter in the year, the Fall Festival showcases a pumpkin patch, pony rides, and an expansive corn maze.

While visiting, indulging in some locally produced ice cream is a must, alongside offerings from the Snack Shack which features kettle corn, hot dogs, and refreshing cold beverages throughout the summer months.

5. Massachusetts State Police Museum & Learning Center

Situated adjacent to the picturesque Town Common in Whitinsville, this museum occupies the elegant Whitinsville Bank Building, which was constructed in 1905.

Inside, visitors can learn extensively about the Massachusetts State Police (MSP), tracing its origins in the mid-19th century to its current responsibilities.

The museum is staffed by retired state troopers, with exhibitions that include historic cruisers, motorcycles, uniforms, equipment, badges, patches, an original teletype machine, significant station logs, and memorabilia connected to JFK.

The Learning Center hosts workshops aimed at youth, covering various elements of law enforcement such as forensics, public safety, and criminal justice.

6. Purgatory Chasm State Reservation

Located across Route 146 from West End Creamery lies a rugged territory that was once part of the Whitin Machine Works.

Designated as a state park in 1919, Purgatory Chasm is a striking 75-foot gorge carved into granite bedrock, extending approximately a quarter of a mile.

Offering dramatic viewpoints, caves, and substantial rock formations, the Chasm Trail presents an unforgettable adventure in summer, although it is closed during winter months due to hazardous icy conditions.

Rock climbing is permitted with an appropriate permit, and the reservation features a visitor center, picnic areas, and a playground.

7. Purgatory Beer Co.

Within a wooded stone outbuilding at the Linwood Mill complex (Building C), Purgatory Beer Co. is a craft brewery established by two friends in 2017.

The tasting room offers a cozy and inviting atmosphere, consistently buzzing with energy. The beer menu frequently changes, featuring a wide array of styles along with varied flavor profiles ranging from hoppy IPAs to robust Porters.

Among the popular selections are the smooth Two-Car Garage (Double IPA) and the citrusy What a Fool Believes (IPA). An outdoor area with umbrellas is available during summer, where you may also order freshly-baked pretzels to complement your beverage.

8. Pirate’s Cove

Located in Linwood, Pirate’s Cove is a seasonal establishment offering fried seafood and ice cream, reminiscent of traditional New England fare.

Open from March to October, the menu features fried clams, fried scallops, clam cakes, fish and chips, lobster rolls, clam chowder, and a variety of non-seafood options such as hot dogs, burgers, wings, and tenders.

Frozen desserts enhance the experience here, with more than 25 soft serve flavors alongside an extensive menu from the award-winning Gifford’s Ice Cream, based in Maine. The standout flavors include their renowned chocolate and black raspberry varieties.

9. Lookout Rock

Along Quaker Street in the Blackstone River and Canal Heritage State Park, a parking area serves as the trailhead to this remarkable viewpoint.

The trail guides you through wooded terrain with boulders leading to Lookout Rock, which offers one of the most stunning panoramas of the Blackstone Valley.

From this vantage point, you can observe the winding Blackstone River, River Bend Farm, Goat Hill, and Rice Pond, along with breathtaking sunsets (bug spray is recommended during summer).

For an extended hike, parking at Rice City Pond in Uxbridge allows access to King Philip’s Lookout Trail, which stretches roughly 2.5 miles out and back.

10. Sparetime Recreation

Located along Church Street in the heart of Whitinsville, this bowling alley specializes in candlepin bowling.

This variation of ten-pin bowling originated in Worcester in the 1880s, featuring taller, narrower pins which pose a greater challenge to achieve a strike.

Additionally, the balls are smaller, designed to fit comfortably in the palm of your hand without finger holes. Despite these differences, Sparetime Recreation offers all the modern conveniences of a contemporary bowling center, including bumpers for younger players.

Furthermore, this venue hosts an active social calendar, featuring regular programming for comedy, trivia, and karaoke activities.

11. West Hill Dam Reserve

To the east of the state park, the West Hill Dam was constructed on the West River by the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) in the late 1950s.

This flood control initiative was initiated in response to the substantial flooding that impacted the Blackstone Valley following Hurricane Diane in 1955.

The dam serves as the focal point of a reserve managed by the USACE, welcoming visitors for a range of activities, including mountain biking and fishing.

The area features seven miles of hiking trails weaving through woodlands and grasslands, as well as a beach area at Harrington Pool, complemented by over 30 picnic areas scattered across two distinct locations. Additional amenities include horseshoe pits, a sand volleyball court, and a fully accessible playground.

12. Foppema’s Farm

As a premier source for local, seasonal produce, Foppema’s Farm operates a store within a rustic post-and-beam facility established in 1998.

The farm specializes in fruit and vegetable cultivation, spanning 75 acres dedicated to crops such as blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, and apples, as well as an extensive variety of vegetables ranging from sweet corn to zucchini.

The growing season typically commences around June, showcasing greenhouse vegetables, early greens, and rhubarb, extending until Thanksgiving week.

Fall is an especially rewarding time to visit, as it features winter squash and pumpkins, in addition to the farm’s fresh-pressed cider.

13. Southwick’s Zoo

Just ten minutes from Linwood, this family-owned zoo has been a significant attraction in the area for over 60 years.

Spanning 300 acres on what was formerly a dairy farm, Southwick’s Zoo was founded in the early 20th century by Justin F. Southwick, who had a passion for avian species and began collecting exotic poultry, leading to the zoo’s establishment.

Currently, over 100 different species inhabit Southwick’s Zoo, featuring majestic big cats like cheetahs, Bengal tigers, and lions, alongside New England’s largest collection of primates.

Enhancing the zoo’s appeal are additional attractions such as the Woodland Express train traversing the North American exhibit and native wetlands, and the Skyfari Sky Ride offering aerial views of several exhibits, including the Deer Forest and African Plains.

14. Mendon Twin Drive-In

As one of only two drive-in theaters currently operating in Massachusetts, the Mendon Twin Drive-In is located approximately five miles east of Northbridge.

Since its opening in 1954, this drive-in expanded to include a second screen in 1998. The old-fashioned speakers on metal poles have been replaced, allowing guests to tune in with an FM radio for sound.

Both screens offer full digital projection and sound, and the owners have recently opened a 5,000-square-foot patio area where visitors can enjoy ordering beer and wine.

With a season spanning from March to November, the drive-in operates daily during the summer break from school and on Fridays and Saturdays during other times of the year.

15. Shining Rock Golf Club

This 18-hole golf course, accessible to the public, is situated near the center of Northbridge, albeit somewhat concealed among newer housing developments.

Having undergone years of planning, the course ultimately opened in 2010 after navigating a complex development phase.

Shining Rock Golf Club features notable elevation changes, smoothly contoured greens, and astonishing vistas of the Blackstone River Valley.

Players will encounter memorable holes, including particularly short yet technical par-4s and elongated par-3s reaching up to 200 yards. In recent years, advancements have been made to the course’s practice facilities, which now include a driving range.