Top 15 Must-Do Activities in Easton, MA

Thirty minutes south of Boston, Easton is a town associated with the Ames Family, one of the oldest and most significant dynasties in Massachusetts.

The family arrived in Easton in the early 1800s, establishing a shovel factory that provided supplies to the Union Army during the Civil War and assisted in constructing the Union Pacific Railroad.

Over several generations, numerous members of the Ames family have made notable contributions to Easton, including Frederick Lothrop Ames (1835-1893), the wealthiest individual in the state at the time of his passing.

In honor of his father, he commissioned several buildings from the eminent architect H. H. Richardson (1838-1886), many of which are enhanced by landscaping from Frederick Law Olmsted (1822-1903), co-designer of New York’s Central Park.

1. Borderland State Park

Situated in the western part of Easton, the estate of Oakes Ames (1874-1950) and Blanche Ames Ames (1878-1969) has now been transformed into a state park, encompassing over 1,800 acres. The diverse interests of the couple are reflected in this estate.

The mansion, which is accessible via a guided tour, contains Blanche’s art studio, while Oakes was a botanist at Harvard who established a vast woodland preserve.

With a long section of the Bay Circuit Trail, this area now offers a picturesque setting for hiking, horseback riding, cycling, as well as fishing and boating on Leach Pond.

The park also features an 18-hole disc golf course, and visitors can obtain information about the landscape and acquire a trail map at the ranger station.

2. Ames Mansion

There are many compelling reasons to explore the three-story, 20-room Ames Mansion located within Borderland State Park through a guided tour.

Completed in 1910, the Ames Mansion showcases an eclectic design, merging Gothic Revival, Georgian, and Colonial Revival architectural styles.

Here, one can gain an intimate understanding of the life of feminist, inventor, and artist Blanche Ames Ames, alongside her botanist spouse.

Visitors will learn about Blanche’s effective involvement in the suffragist movement and discover her contributions to various fields, including turkey rearing, warfare, and the prevention of water pollution.

The mansion’s interior has served as a filming location for numerous films, most recently for the mystery thriller, Knives Out (2019).

3. Easton Historical Society

In the early 1880s, Frederick Lothrop Ames commissioned H.H. Richardson to design a new building for the North Easton station.

This project coincided with his design of the Ames Gate Lodge at Ames’ nearby Langwater Estate. As with many of Richardson’s works, the landscaping was provided by Frederick Law Olmsted.

In 1969, the Ames family acquired the building from the Penn Central Railroad and subsequently donated it to the Easton Historical Society.

The society’s museum operates on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and occasionally Saturdays, reflected by the presence of the “open” flag.

Besides being a historical artifact in its own right, the building is filled with intriguing artifacts from Easton’s history and maintains a comprehensive collection of documents, photographs, and books for research purposes.

The society has also published an informative self-guided tour of the North Easton Historic District.

4. Ames Free Library

Twice recognized as the Best Small Library in America, most recently in 2016, the Ames Free Library was established as a bequest by Oliver Ames Jr (1807-1877).

As outlined in his will, the library is not owned by the town but is operated in trust for the benefit of the public.

The building was designed by H. H. Richardson in his signature Romanesque Revival style and opened in 1883, six years after the commencement of construction.

Set amidst exquisite grounds within the former Ames estate, the main building forms a stately pair with the historic Queset House, which serves as the library’s meeting space.

The interior, adorned with intricate woodwork, includes long halls under barrel arches, showcasing stone and bronze medallions featuring Ames’ likeness, crafted by sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens (1848-1907).

More than 140 years after its inauguration, the Ames Free Library remains a central part of community life, featuring extensive collections, an outstanding children’s wing, and numerous programs for all ages.

5. Children’s Museum in Easton

Designed for children aged 1-5, the Children’s Museum in North Easton occupies a unique building that is sure to inspire young imaginations.

The structure is a former firehouse, constructed in 1904, which remained vacant for decades until the town decided to sell it in the 1980s. The Children’s Museum opened in 1991, featuring over a dozen exhibit areas spread across three floors.

For an introductory experience, the STEAM Lab encourages innovative thinking while introducing children to scientific concepts, whereas the MakerSpace provides a space for young creators to explore using a variety of materials and tools.

The Hospital section offers an interactive glimpse into the medical profession, and the Dinosaur Den showcases actual fossilized dinosaur tracks dating back 200 million years. Check the museum’s website for information on upcoming craft events.

6. Simpson Spring

At the conclusion of a lengthy access road off Washington St, one will find the oldest bottling plant in the United States.

This site, Simpson Spring, was founded atop a natural spring in 1875, featuring a grand old building from that period.

Preferring this spring water, sourced directly, to tap water, individuals travel from far and wide to utilize the self-serve station.

Visitors can fill their own containers for a minimal cost, significantly less than what would be charged at a major retail store. Simpson Spring also produces a range of traditional sodas and craft seltzers available for purchase on-site.

Additionally, a wide selection of locally sourced specialty foods can be found here, from fine small-batch chocolates to handmade pasta, fresh seafood, artisanal cheese, and an assortment of spices and seasoning mixes.

7. Queset House

Positioned behind the Ames Free Library is a Gothic Revival mansion commissioned by Oakes Angier Ames and constructed in 1854.

Recognized as one of New England’s finest examples of this architectural style, Queset House was designed by Andrew Jackson Downing (1815-1852), with a rear extension added in 1873 by Oakes Angier’s cousin, John Ames Mitchell (1845-1918).

For the initial decades of the 20th century, this residence was inhabited by Broadway producer Winthrop Ames (1870-1930), who hosted notable figures such as Leslie Howard, Katherine Cornell, and George Arliss.

The mansion is surrounded by beautifully restored grounds designed by Frederick Law Olmsted and has belonged to the Ames Free Library since 2007.

This splendid building, intended as a unique meeting venue and learning center, is open to the public during the same hours as the library.

8. Governor Oliver Ames Estate Community Park

In 2012, the Trustees of Reservations acquired this 36-acre parcel located in the heart of the North Easton Historic District from the Ames family.

This land was home to Oliver Ames (1831-1895), nephew of Oliver Ames Jr., who served as the 35th Governor of Massachusetts from 1887-1890.

His estate features picturesque landscapes with gently sloping lawns adorned with beautiful mature trees, meadows, a garden pond, a brook, and an agricultural field. A stone-built stable remains from Oliver Ames’ era.

Visitors are encouraged to bring a blanket for a relaxing picnic under one of the large trees. The Trustees of Reservations organization was founded in 1891 in the Boston offices of Frederick Lothrop Ames, who constructed the adjacent Langwater Estate and was a cousin of Oliver Ames.

9. Oakes Ames Memorial Hall

Perched upon a steep slope next to the Ames Free Library stands another striking building by H. H. Richardson, accompanied by landscaping from his frequent collaborator, Frederick Law Olmsted.

The Oakes Ames Memorial Hall was presented to the town by the children of Congressman Oakes Ames, and it was completed in 1881.

This stately structure, characterized by a grand arcade, was originally intended to serve as a town hall but transitioned into a gathering space and events venue instead.

From an external perspective, one can observe interesting details such as the initials “O. A.” surrounded by organic carvings in the central dormer, along with zodiac signs carved into the frieze surrounding the tower on the north side.

10. Wheaton Farm Conservation Area

The largest contiguous parcel of conservation land under the town’s jurisdiction is the Wheaton Farm Conservation Area, situated in the southwestern corner of Easton.

In the 1960s, prior to its acquisition by the town, this area was slated for development and could have been transformed into an airport.

Presently, this area comprises 1,200 acres of forests and meadows interspersed with Mulberry Brook, which feeds the sizeable Fuller Hammond Pond located on the conservation area’s southeastern side.

A broad main loop traverses the wooded northern section of the reserve, while a secondary trail (marked in blue) leads south toward the pond, with an incline providing a lovely view of the water.

11. The Rockery (Memorial Cairn)

Situated in conjunction with the Oakes Ames Memorial Hall and the Ames Free Library in North Easton Center, the Rockery stands as a prominent war monument created in the early 1880s by Frederick Law Olmsted.

This installation, which honors the Civil War casualties from North Easton, is composed of numerous boulders arranged into an extended mound.

A carriage promenade runs along the Lincoln St side, offering views of North Easton. Here, a stairway descends through a Romanesque-style round-arched portal, reflecting Richardson’s architectural style.

Olmsted designed the Rockery to evoke a prehistoric method of commemorating the deceased, with the gradual growth of flora over the stone walls symbolizing peace overcoming war.

12. Frothingham Park

Established in 1930, Frothingham Park in North Easton serves as a memorial to Louis A. Frothingham (1871-1928), who represented the U.S. House of Representatives from 1921 until his untimely demise in 1928.

In honor of her husband, Mary Ames Frothingham initiated the creation of this park, leading the formal dedication attended by hundreds in 1930.

Much of Frothingham Park contains a running track flanked on one side by bleachers, encircling a baseball field used for both varsity and legends games. The park also features lawns suitable for picnics, alongside tennis courts and a well-equipped children’s playground.

13. NRT’s Sheep Pasture

The main site of the Natural Resources Trust of Easton (NRT) is located in the countryside, just east of North Easton.

This agricultural area is ideal for passive activities, featuring trails winding through woods and open fields, alongside a variety of farm animals that are certain to engage younger visitors.

Among the residents are goats, sheep, ducks, cows, and chickens laying eggs for purchase at the office. Sheep Pasture hosts a range of NRT events, programs, and educational opportunities for individuals of all ages.

14. Easton Country Club

Recognized as one of the best-maintained golf courses in the area, Easton Country Club welcomes non-members despite its name.

Comprising five sets of tees, the course accommodates players of all skill levels, while the fairways are impeccably maintained, and the greens consistently provide a quick and true surface.

Water hazards come into play on no fewer than 11 holes. Precision is key on the 10th hole, a par 4, which features two ponds to navigate around.

The most challenging hole may be the par-5 9th, which has a severe dogleg and strategically positioned bunkers located precisely on the bend. Easton Country Club also offers one of the few all-grass driving ranges in the region and includes a substantial practice green for short game improvement.

15. Golf Country

Golf Country serves as a family-oriented destination, featuring an 18-hole mini golf course alongside a driving range, batting cages, and the acclaimed Richardson’s Ice Cream.

The mini golf course, resembling an attraction from a theme park, is situated on a hillside, enhanced by a waterfall and additional water features such as ponds, streams, and cascades.

Despite the impressive landscaping, the holes are designed to reward skillful putting with minimal obstacles.

The driving range includes 60 astroturf mats and features 20 covered and heated tees for practice in winter, while the eight recently updated batting cages cater to varying pitch speeds.