Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Norwell, MA

On the South Shore, this affluent town is bordered by the North River, which delineates the southeastern boundary.

This waterway is regarded as one of the most picturesque in the area, designated as a National Natural Landmark and recognized as a Scenic River by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

In the 18th century, the banks of the river in Norwell were a hub for Colonial shipbuilding, although that legacy is not readily apparent today.

Presently, a series of remote conservation areas and reservations line the river. One such area, the Norris Reservation, can be reached from Norwell’s charming historic town center, originally established nearly 400 years ago.

1. Wompatuck State Park

Across Grove Street from Hornstra Farms, a newly established entrance and parking area allows access to the expansive Wompatuck State Park, which spans three municipalities and includes extensive adjoining conservation land.

The park encompasses over 3,500 acres, formerly the site of the Hingham Naval Ammunition Depot Annex (1941-1962), with military activities concluding in the 1980s.

What remains are the eerie bunkers and other structures slowly merging with the surrounding woods.

Long before the base was established, there were small-scale industries on this land, and by the mid-19th century, Mount Blue Spring was commercially bottled here.

Currently, visitors can refill their bottles at the spring, located just beyond the line in Hingham. Overall, the park features 40 miles of forest trails, 12 miles of paved non-motorized roads, and a campground that accommodates more than 250 sites.

2. Norwell Center

To characterize the quintessential New England village center, one might envision a place much like Norwell.

Numerous roads converge at the Town Common, which has maintained its fundamental layout since 1640. This area and the historic edifices surrounding it are preserved by the Norwell Village Area Historic District, with development stringently regulated to preserve its charming ambiance.

Architecturally, the First Parish Church (1830) is an early exemplar of Greek Revival, while the Cushing Memorial Town Hall (1930) embodies the Colonial Revival style.

Norwell Center is enveloped by thousands of acres of wooded conservation land, and every other summer, the common transforms into the stage for Norwell’s beloved Summer Festival, which will be detailed further below.

3. The Company Theatre

Another notable feature that enhances Norwell’s reputation is an award-winning non-profit theater company.

With an impressive ticket sales figure of 35,000 annually, The Company Theatre attracts audiences from across the South Shore and Southeastern Massachusetts, providing professional-quality productions at a fraction of the cost typical for larger theater performances.

The season consists of five productions, with recent offerings including The Phantom of the Opera, The Secret Garden, and Misery.

Younger audiences can enjoy four youth productions each year, and the venue also hosts a diverse range of entertainment, from singalong films to concerts, live comedy, and children’s performances.

4. Norris Reservation

In Norwell Center, there is no need to drive to experience this property belonging to the Trustees of Reservations.

The Norris Reservation stretches from Norwell Center to the North River, featuring historic carriage roads that wind through pine forests and granite boulders leading to the riverside.

The scenic blue McMullan Trail leads to a picturesque boathouse by the water. To the south, the red-blazed River Loop offers an overlook where the Second Herring Brook merges with the North River.

The entire reservation is teeming with wildlife, showcasing frogs in the wetlands, beavers constructing dams, wading birds, and owls in the surrounding forest.

5. Hornstra Farms

A beloved local establishment for generations, Hornstra Farms was established by immigrants from the Netherlands, who arrived in the United States in 1912.

The initial dairy farm commenced operations in Hingham in 1915, yet in 2009 the entire enterprise relocated to Norwell, taking over the now-defunct Loring Farm.

The Farm Store and seasonal Ice Cream Dairy Bar opened in 2014, offering a plethora of fresh dairy products, inclusive of milk, flavored milk, farm-churned butter, cream, eggnog, delectable baked goods, and a variety of locally sourced items, ranging from farm-raised meats to specialty cheeses.

The optimal time to visit is from April through October when you can indulge in nostalgic scoops of rich, farm-made ice cream.

6. Jacobs Pond Conservation Area

This ecologically diverse conservation area is situated on the north and east banks of a manmade pond, established in 1730.

Jacobs Pond was formed when the Third Herring Brook was dammed to power grist and sawmills, while a brick factory operated here for 150 years commencing in 1680.

Diverse habitats surround the pond, including cedar swamps, mountain laurel stands, and beech, hemlock, pine, maple, and oak woodlands on higher terrain.

Visitors are welcome to traverse the marked trails, engage in birdwatching, paddle in the pond, and fish for largemouth bass, chain pickerel, yellow perch, and more.

On the southern edge of the property stands the Jacobs Farmhouse (1726), preserved by the Norwell Historical Society and hosting various events, including the popular Strawberry Festival in June.

7. Stetson Meadows

The North River meanders through this secluded 184-acre conservation property, acquired by the Town of Norwell over half a century ago to protect it from development.

This area boasts a Colonial history tracing back to a land grant awarded to Robert Stetson in 1634.

Subsequently, in the 18th century, it became a center for shipbuilding, launching over 1,000 vessels, including the Columbia Rediviva, the first American ship to circumnavigate the globe (1790).

Today, there is no trace of this history in the woodlands and wetlands, where pathways guide you alongside the river or into the white pine-oak forest along the Twin Pines Trail.

8. James Library & Center for the Arts

Commonly referred to as The James, this cultural center features a gallery, performance space, and library, situated on the village green in Norwell Center.

The James is an elegant Victorian building constructed in 1874, which has served as a gathering spot for various organizations since its inception.

For visitors, the center provides a platform to appreciate a broad spectrum of regional art, with new exhibitions occurring every few months, including juried art shows.

The concert hall, equipped with a Steinway B piano, boasts a vibrant performance schedule, emphasizing small classical ensembles.

9. South Shore Natural Science Center

On the eastern side of Jacobs Pond, this 30-acre parcel of meadows and woodlands is owned by the YMCA, providing educational experiences for individuals of all ages.

The center includes the EcoZone museum, featuring interactive exhibits and various native wildlife. Furthermore, it boasts a gift shop, greenhouse, outdoor amphitheater, picnic area, and six interpretive color-coded trails.

One of these trails, the child-friendly Discovery Trail, comes equipped with stations for exercise and play, including balance beams, a log path, xylophone, and pull-up bars.

Thanks to the center’s advantageous location, visitors also have access to over 200 acres of conservation land.

10. North River Wildlife Sanctuary

Directly upriver from Norwell lies a Mass Audubon property in Marshfield. This land was gifted to the society in 1977 and encompasses nearly 200 acres of grasslands, salt marsh, oak-pine woodlands, and red maple swamps.

The North River Wildlife Sanctuary features two miles of trails, including a half-mile universally accessible route.

The River Loop offers a delightful experience through grasslands in the valley adorned with historic stone walls, alongside boardwalks leading to the river’s edge.

The Woodland Loop, the sanctuary’s most extensive trail, traverses oak-pine forest, while the indoor Discovery Rooms provide an intimate look at the wildlife inhabiting these environments.

11. Local Pottery Studio + Gallery

Located within the Village Gardens shopping center in Norwell, this independent pottery studio and gallery is operated by experienced artisans keen to impart their skills through various classes and workshops.

Participants can learn the art of wheel throwing, craft festive porcelain ornaments, explore glazing techniques, and much more.

Classes for children are also available weekly, focusing on wheel throwing, surface decoration, and glazing. In addition, the gallery showcases the work of over 60 ceramicists, making it an excellent venue to find unique pottery pieces.

12. Gaffield Park

Another public space near Norwell Center is this expanse of town-owned woodland featuring a playground nestled within a glade.

In addition to providing abundant shade during summer, this amenity includes separate play equipment for children both below and above five years old.

The playground is also fitted with a rubberized surface, accompanied by benches and picnic tables, allowing parents to supervise their children comfortably.

This area was generously donated to the town back in 1896, with the stipulation that it should perpetually remain public parkland.

13. Strawberry Fair Restaurant

For half a century, Strawberry Fair Restaurant has held the status of a local favorite, renowned for its comforting breakfast and brunch offerings within a welcoming environment.

The establishment is housed in a charming farmhouse featuring an eclectic interior. Although there has been a recent change in ownership, minimal alterations have been made to an already successful formula, with the new owner adding lighter options to the extensive menu.

Among the menu highlights is the homemade cornbread, which complements various dishes and is also transformed into French toast laden with whipped cream and powdered sugar.

14. Norwell Summer Festival

Every other Saturday in June, the Norwell Town Center transforms into a vibrant open-air festival designed for all ages and interests.

The Norwell Summer Festival draws nearly 10,000 visitors each year, offering a diverse array of vendors, exceptional local cuisine, and live entertainment across three distinct stages.

Shopping is central to the festival experience, featuring a juried collection of artisans from the surrounding area. Culinary options are also abundant, ranging from lobster rolls and tacos to Italian subs, pizza, waffles, and cannoli.

15. Great River Race

Another excellent opportunity to appreciate the North River’s beauty in summer is participating in this event organized by the North and South Rivers Watershed Association.

Initiating at Norwell’s Bridge Street Canoe Launch, the Great River Race extends upriver for 7.5 miles, concluding at Indian Head Road in Hanover.

Typically held on a Sunday morning in late July, this race welcomes any type of non-motorized vessel, including paddleboards.

Entering its fourth decade, the event appeals to both competitive participants and those seeking a leisurely experience, featuring an award for the Best Decorated Boat or Boater.