Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Oxford, MA

First settled by Huguenots at the end of the 17th century, Oxford is a town of just over 13,000 on the French River. An interesting aspect of the town’s landscape is that a significant portion is owned by the United States Army Corps of Engineers for the purpose of flood control. You can visit two properties operated by the USACE in and near Oxford: Hodges Village Dam and Buffumville Lake, which features one of the premier public disc golf courses in New England.

Oxford’s most notable resident is Clara Barton (1821-1912), the founder of the American Red Cross. Her captivating and inspiring narrative is showcased at her birthplace and childhood home.

1. Oxford Center

Oxford’s downtown area, located where the bustling roads of Main Street, Sutton Avenue, and Charlton Street intersect, is designated as the Oxford Main Street Historic District. Along Main Street, one may find several elegant residences, primarily built in the Greek Revival style during the early 19th century. Notably, Oxford’s Italianate Town Hall was constructed in 1872 to honor the town’s Civil War soldiers. This building occupies the site of a residence that had a reputation for loud parties, prompting the town to acquire the property through eminent domain. A number of locally-owned businesses in the area merit your attention, which will be highlighted later.

2. Clara Barton Birthplace Museum

Clara Barton, the founder of the American Red Cross, was born in North Oxford. She is remembered as a resolute humanitarian at a time when women had limited opportunities. Barton made significant contributions to education and was among the first women to receive a federal salary equivalent to that of men while employed at the U.S. Patent Office. Her calling was solidified during the Civil War, where she provided essential medical supplies to battlefields and facilitated family reunions post-war. This pivotal period in her life elevated her to prominence, leading her to establish the American Association of the Red Cross in 1881, where she served as the inaugural president until 1904. A visit to Barton’s birthplace and childhood home will provide a deeper understanding of one of the 19th century’s most inspiring figures.

3. Buffumville Lake Park

Located just a short drive east of Oxford Center, this flood control initiative represents one of two properties maintained by the United States Army Corps of Engineers within easy access. Buffumville Lake Park welcomes the public and is renowned for its disc golf course, which will be explored further below. For those wanting to explore the surroundings, the blue-blazed Lake Shore Trail encircles the lake for a distance of 7.2 miles. Additionally, the park offers ranger-led programs, including guided tours of the dam. The Corps has developed a beach area that includes a 300-foot sandy stretch, a volleyball court, a horseshoe pit, and two picnic shelters.

4. Midstate Trail

In Oxford, visitors can hike a segment of a 92-mile trail traversing Worcester County, extending from the New Hampshire border to the Rhode Island border. Similar to the Bay Circuit Trail in Greater Boston, the Midstate Trail incorporates existing public lands and pathways, crossing Oxford from west to east. Hikers will experience publicly accessible properties, such as the Hodges Village Dam, and traverse tranquil backcountry roads through pastoral farmland and alongside a series of ponds located on the boundary between Oxford and Sutton.

5. Carl’s Oxford Diner

Carl’s Oxford Diner, an unpretentious breakfast establishment in Oxford Center, has established its reputation for a hearty menu, even referring to itself as the “Birthplace of Cholesterol.” This eatery, which opened in 1990, features a core structure dating back to the WWII era. Diners can expect towering stacks of buttermilk pancakes, fluffy Belgian waffles smothered in whipped cream, biscuits coated with gravy, generous portions of crispy home fries, and extensive omelet options such as the popular Kielbasa Western.

6. Hodges Village Dam

The Hodges Village Dam, built by the United States Army Corps of Engineers in the 1950s, was a response to the massive flooding that affected the Thames River basin in Connecticut in 1936. This expansive project encompasses a large area along the French River, richly endowed with hardwood forests and wetlands. Visitors enjoy activities such as fishing and canoeing or kayaking on the waters, and can explore 22 miles of trails. However, it is essential to note that motorized vehicles are permitted only on the orange-blazed trails on the west side of the French River, while the blue-blazed trails on the east side are exclusively for non-motorized usage. A notable attraction is the 13-hole disc golf course that extends along the dam.

7. Carbuncle Pond

Located next to Oxford Middle School, Carbuncle Pond is a medium-sized water body that serves as the town’s beach during the summer months. The northern shore features a small yet well-kept sandy area, accompanied by a delightful beach house, open grassy spaces, and a cluster of tall pine trees. Recently, the town has introduced a splash pad equipped with various jets and sprinklers, along with benches for accompanying parents. At the onset of the season in mid-July, an open day typically occurs at the beach, offering a range of complimentary activities for children.

8. N & J Donuts

N & J Donuts, situated adjacent to Oxford Town Hall, has cultivated a faithful clientele in the Worcester area and has been featured in multiple media outlets, including the Phantom Gourmet. With an appealing retro ambiance, the shop produces delectable donuts, bagels, and an array of baked goods, all made fresh daily. First-time visitors are particularly drawn to the extra-large chocolate frosted donuts and the glazed marble crullers. Noteworthy are the pizza bagels, with options to add bacon, ham, or sausage as toppings.

9. Buffumville Disc Golf Course

Established in 2010, the disc golf course at Buffumville Lake is acclaimed for being one of the finest free courses in the region. The course commences at the dam, featuring several holes with water hazards from Buffum Pond to the east. Players navigate through dense woodlands, facing variations in elevation. Each hole is clearly designated, and an informative map detailing the layout and distance to the basket is available at the tee. The course includes a championship set of 18 holes alongside a smaller 9-hole course suitable for beginners and casual players.

10. Huguenot Fort

The initial European settlers in what is now Oxford were Huguenots, who arrived in America following the Edict of Fontainebleau in 1685, which ended the legal recognition of Protestantism in France. They settled in the region in two waves beginning in 1686, establishing an earthen fort and facing conflicts with local Native Americans. Near Huguenot Road, visitors can view the remaining structure of the fort, which was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1988. An informational plaque presents a contemporary layout of the settlement, alongside a biography of Gabriel Bernon, the colony’s founder, and a list of the families that once resided here.

11. Bartlett’s Bridge

Crossing the French River in North Oxford, Bartlett’s Bridge is a rare remaining example of a 19th-century stone bridge in Massachusetts. Constructed in 1889 to replace an older wooden structure, this bridge was built to facilitate transport to the textile mill complex located just to the east. Named after Edwin Bartlett, the mill’s owner, the bridge features a single elliptical arch rising 13 feet above the river, faced with rough-hewn granite and constructed with more finely crafted stone for the arch.

12. Webster Memorial Beach

One of Massachusetts’s finest public freshwater beaches is located near Oxford, in Webster. This beach lies on the west shore of Webster Lake, known for its uniquely lengthy name, Lake Chargoggagoggmanchauggagoggchaubunagungamaugg, which was coined in the 1920s. For non-residents, weekdays provide the best value for parking, costing $10 compared to $30 on weekends. The beach offers a large expanse of sand, stunning views of the lakeshore, a great playground for children, a basketball court, and ample green space enhanced by picnic tables and verdant trees for shade.

13. Samuel Slater Experience

In Webster, one can delve into the town’s intriguing history. Established in 1832 by industrialist Samuel Slater (1768-1835), he is recognized as the Father of the American Industrial Revolution for introducing British textile manufacturing technology and constructing the first textile mills in the United States. Recently, Webster opened an interactive museum that shares Slater and Webster’s rich narrative. Visitors will learn what attracted textile manufacturing to this area, discover the machinery that powered the Industrial Revolution, tour Slater’s replicated office, explore the life of a millworker, and witness how the region has evolved since the 1830s.

14. Indian Ranch

Lake Chargoggagoggmanchauggagoggchaubunagungamaugg has been a popular summer destination since the late 19th century. Among its long-standing attractions is Indian Ranch, an amphitheater located on the east shore that accommodates over 3,000 spectators and has become one of the premier summer music venues in the region. Notable recent performers include Ziggy Marley, The Outlaws, The Mavericks, Three Dog Night, and “Weird Al” Yankovic. Additionally, Indian Ranch features a campground and restaurant, and operates the Indian Princess, a faithful replica of a 19th-century paddlewheel that offers both public and private cruises on the lake.

15. Blackstone National Golf Club

Located just east of Oxford in Sutton, Blackstone National Golf Club boasts a highly regarded 18-hole championship course. Designed by Rees Jones, the course harmonizes with the natural topography while emphasizing the visual appeal of each hole from the tee. Starting from the 5th hole, a recurring theme of risk versus reward emerges, tempting players to navigate through bunkers, consider cutting across wooded doglegs, or contend with the pond that influences hole #11. The club’s facilities include the National Grill, a fully-equipped pro shop, and the Golf Academy which offers lessons and clinics conducted by a team of professionals.