Top 15 Must-See Attractions in Uxbridge, MA

In the early 19th century, this town situated in the Blackstone Valley served as a significant overnight stop on the Blackstone Canal.

This waterway, completed in 1824, established an essential shipping route connecting Worcester and Providence, thereby initiating industrial growth throughout the Blackstone Valley.

Recognized as a textile manufacturing hub, Uxbridge played a pivotal role during America’s Industrial Revolution, with various manufacturing advancements taking root in this locality.

A portion of the canal, along with its towpath, can be explored at the Blackstone River and Canal Heritage State Park preserves, while the skyline of Uxbridge is still defined by the chimney stacks of 19th-century textile mills.

1. Blackstone River and Canal Heritage State Park

As the historical stopping point on the canal, Uxbridge is an ideal location for a state park that delves into the history of inland waterways and their contributions to the industrial landscape.

The Blackstone River and Canal Heritage State Park encompasses 1,000 acres of riverbanks and canal fronts, alongside remnants of locks and serene woodland areas on the rugged eastern side of the valley.

The park is rich in historical significance, featuring trails that trace the paths once traversed by the Nipmuc Native American tribes, leading visitors to scenic lookouts and remnants of industrialization.

Moreover, the valley serves as a prominent migratory corridor, a sanctuary for birdwatchers, while fishing, horseback riding, mountain biking, canoeing, and kayaking are among the various recreational activities available throughout the park.

2. Southwick’s Zoo

Located just five minutes away in Mendon, one of the premier zoos in Massachusetts offers a vast array of exhibits and attractions that can occupy an entire day.

Privately managed and situated on a homestead established in 1803, Southwick’s Zoo has been a family-operated venture for over 60 years.

Visitors can observe over 100 animal species, with highlight exhibits such as a deer forest walkthrough, a tropical bird aviary, four large cat habitats, and a North American section featuring elk in their natural environment.

The zoo boasts the largest collection of primates in New England, including the sole site where chimpanzees can be viewed. Additionally, numerous activities engage younger audiences, including a sky ride, a narrow gauge train, and a petting zoo, alongside pony rides and an expansive play area.

3. Stanley Woolen Mill (Central Woolen Mills District)

Located adjacent to the trailhead for the Towpath Trail at the southern end of the state park, the Stanley Woolen Mill exemplifies remarkable industrial heritage.

Constructed in 1852, the mill represents a pivotal moment in industrial architecture, being the last significant mechanized mill constructed primarily from wood.

The facility produced cashmeres, satinet, and a blend of wool and cotton fabrics. Notably, the mill also engaged in military uniform production starting during the Civil War, continuing until the conclusion of World War II.

Presently, the mill houses a blend of studios, offices, and retail spaces, including the expansive Stanley Mill Antiques.

4. Uxbridge Common District

The historic core of Uxbridge is centered around a quintessential New England common, surrounded by a remarkable collection of preserved architecture.

Of particular interest is the old Uxbridge Academy (established in 1818), a preparatory institution where several noteworthy 19th-century individuals were educated. Many of these men actively participated in the local textile industry, including Moses Taft (1812-1893), who constructed the Stanley Woolen Mill.

The Federal-style building has since been repurposed as a masonic lodge and forms part of a historic district comprising around 60 contributing structures.

Key landmarks include the Renaissance Revival Free Public Library (constructed in 1875), the First Congregational Church (built in the 1830s), the Deborah A. Wheelock House (dated 1769), the Blacksmith Shop (established in the 1780s), and The Uxbridge Inn (constructed in 1882).

5. Whitinsville

Located upstream in Northbridge, the Blackstone River traverses a pair of historic mill villages named Linwood and Whitinsville.

While both areas feature significant factory complexes, Whitinsville has been recognized as a mill village of national historical importance regarding America’s early industrialization.

This community showcases an intact planned environment, once hosting the largest manufacturer of textile machinery globally from 1831 to the 1960s.

Founded by the Whitin family, Whitinsville’s worker housing, places of worship, the former library (now Northbridge’s town hall), and the Whitin Community Center remain prominent elements of the village.

6. Purgatory Chasm State Reservation

Situated just ten minutes from Uxbridge’s common, one can find a striking natural fissure in the terrain, descending 70 feet and stretching for a quarter of a mile.

At Purgatory Chasm, one can appreciate this impressive granite formation, traversing to breathtaking ledges and exploring caves in the surrounding cliffs.

The area comprises two miles of trails leading to destinations with evocative names like Lovers’ Leap, the Coffin, and the Corn Crib, while rock climbing is permissible with a permit.

A visitor center features a shop and exhibits documenting the history of the chasm, alongside a playground designed for younger visitors.

7. Pout Pond

Located east of the state park and nestled within wooded surroundings, this picturesque pond is owned by the town and includes a designated beach area.

A lifeguard is on duty daily when school is not in session and extends through weekends until Labor Day. Walking trails meander through the woods on three sides and connect with those in the Blackstone River and Canal Heritage State Park.

The beach provides all necessary amenities for an enjoyable summer day, including shaded picnic areas and playground equipment. Additionally, if equipped with a canoe or kayak, visitors can launch from the beach area.

Historically, Pout Pond has hosted public events, ranging from outdoor concerts to movie screenings and regattas.

8. Lookout Rock

The most picturesque location within the state park is this impressive overlook, allowing visitors to take in the beauty of the Blackstone Valley from the eastern side.

It is advisable to time your visit to Lookout Rock later in the day to witness the sunset, which has become a cherished local custom.

There are two accessible trails to reach the overlook: the longer route commences at the parking lot on Hartford Avenue (by Rice City Pond) along King Phillip’s Trail heading north.

Alternatively, a secondary parking area along Wolf Hill Road is available, just a couple of minutes from the viewpoint.

9. River Bend Farm Visitor Center

The visitor center situated within the state park is established on a dairy farm operational from the Revolutionary War era until the 1970s, housed in a repurposed bullpen.

A notable fact about River Bend Farm is that it was among the forefront of dairy farms in the nation to pasteurize milk.

Visitors can gather extensive practical information regarding outdoor activities such as birding, fishing, and hiking within the park.

On the second level, an exhibit area features informative panels and artifacts chronicling the rich history of the Blackstone Valley, the evolution of the textile sector, and the transformative effects of the canal and industrial development on the community.

10. Rice City Pond

If beginning your hike to Lookout Rock at Rice City Pond, take a moment to familiarize yourself with the recent history of this location. Until 1981, the picturesque park currently surrounding the pond was a neglected area.

Previously, it functioned as a five-acre junkyard, filled with hundreds of rusting vehicles, until the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Management intervened, acquiring and rehabilitating the 15.6 acres of land.

The park has been intentionally preserved in its natural state to contribute to the Blackstone Valley’s greenway, and it is a preferred spot for canoeing and birdwatching.

The pond is natural in formation; however, the water level was substantially increased through dam construction during the manufacturing era of the 1800s. This was compromised by Hurricane Diane in 1955, and the water level remains five feet lower than prior to the storm, even post-repairs.

11. West Hill Dam

This flood control structure located on the eastern side of Uxbridge was erected in the 1950s in response to the severe flooding incurred from Hurricane Diane in 1955.

The West Hill Dam is positioned on the West River, a tributary of the Blackstone River, and is unique in that its water level remains low, except during flood conditions.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers permits public access to the surrounding parkland, where visitors can utilize seven miles of trails meandering through woodlands and grasslands, all with remarkable views of the West River.

This area is an ideal location for fishing, offering trout in the river and various other species such as bass, bullhead, and pickerel in the pools. For recreational facilities, picnic shelters with tables and grills, an accessible playground, sand volleyball courts, and horseshoe pits are available.

12. Blackstone River Greenway

Tracing the route of the Blackstone Canal, and partially utilizing its historic towpath, a long-distance trail is currently evolving throughout the Blackstone Valley.

Upon completion, the Blackstone River Greenway will extend nearly 50 miles, linking Worcester to Providence.

Within Uxbridge, visitors can walk or cycle along a finished 3.5-mile segment, leading to the riverfront in the adjacent town of Blackstone.

The journey is picturesque, as it involves crossing the river several times via bridges restored in the 2010s, as well as passing through a small tunnel beneath Church Street in Blackstone.

13. Bernat Mill Antiques

A serene back road in Uxbridge leads to the banks of Still Corner Brook, where the Elmdale Mill, constructed in 1879, awaits visitors.

Inside, one can discover an intricate antique shop that hosts numerous dealers spread across three floors.

This establishment originated at Uxbridge’s historic yarn factory, the Bernat Mill, which dates back two centuries but suffered significant fire damage in 2007.

Part of the appeal of visiting Bernat Mill Antiques lies in the opportunity to explore the historic site, navigating aisles filled with furniture, collectibles, kitchenware, handmade gifts, prints, vinyl records, art, and much more.

14. Blissful Meadows Golf Club

Avid golfers in pursuit of a challenge need look no further than this 18-hole championship course in Uxbridge.

Opened in the early 1990s, Blissful Meadows was designed by award-winning architect Brian Silva and is characterized by its many fade and draw doglegs.

A small but pleasing feature is that the tees for the 1st and 10th holes are conveniently located by the clubhouse, as are the 9th and 18th greens.

The clubhouse has been significantly restored and is housed in a Victorian barn, originally constructed around 1880. The signature hole, the 13th, has an intriguing history, being situated on the site of a former silver mine.

15. Cormier Woods

The Trustees of Reservations manage this 186-acre open space reserve, which is situated on a former farmstead adjacent to Southwick’s Zoo.

It is noteworthy that this land has been cultivated since the 17th century, with remnants of historical agriculture evident in stone walls and cellar holes across the restored woodlands.

Visitors can traverse through five miles of trails within Cormier Woods, experiencing diverse landscapes that include evergreen and hardwood forests, rolling pastures, and rocky terrains. On the northwest side of the reservation, one can find impressive stands of white pine, towering to heights of 100 feet or more.