Top 15 Must-See Attractions in Leominster, MA

In hilly North Central Massachusetts, Leominster emerged in the early 19th century as a significant manufacturing hub.

Much of this industry flourished along the Monoosnoc Brook, which meanders through downtown Leominster and is set to become part of an expanding trail network linking this city with Fitchburg to the north.

Leominster is recognized as the birthplace of the pioneering nurseryman, John Chapman (1774-1845), famously known as Johnny Appleseed, who introduced apple trees to extensive areas of the United States and Canada.

An annual festival is held in honor of Johnny Appleseed every September, providing opportunities for visitors to pick their own fruit at local orchards featuring over 30 apple varieties during late summer and fall.

1. Doyle Community Park

In the northernmost part of Leominster lies an impressive urban park spanning 157 acres. At the turn of the 20th century, this area was the extravagant estate of industrialist Harry W. Pierce, featuring a 29-room mansion, stables, paddocks, and an extensive network of bridle paths.

The estate was endowed to the city of Leominster by Louise I. Doyle in 1981 and now serves as a green refuge, just five minutes away from downtown Leominster.

Within this tapestry of historic formal gardens, woodlands, meadows, wetlands, and landscaped parkland, visitors can explore more than three miles of trails, half of which are designed to be accessible.

A leisurely afternoon can be enjoyed at Pierce Meadow, the site of the former mansion, which contains ten acres of open space and mature trees, ideal for picnics and outdoor activities.

2. Downtown Leominster

Take some time to explore the heart of Leominster, characterized by impressive late 19th-century commercial architecture, particularly along Main Street.

At the southern end, Monument Square serves as the centerpiece of a historic district, providing a logical venue for community events from spring through fall.

The square is adorned with memorials, including a marker for the town’s second meeting house, which existed from 1775 to 1824.

Nearby, you can continue your promenade along the Monoosnoc Brook Walk. In the 19th century, this brook was the power source for several mills, producing a diverse range of goods including paper, garments, baby carriages, combs, and pianos.

If you find yourself feeling hungry, downtown Leominster boasts a vibrant multicultural dining scene, featuring diner-style meals, pizza, tapas, steak, Chinese cuisine, and kebabs all available.

For shopping, there are local establishments offering handmade gifts, craft materials, cheese, floral arrangements, and countertops crafted from locally quarried granite.

3. Johnny Appleseed Festival

Downtown Leominster’s Monument Square serves as an appropriate venue for an annual day-long festival celebrating the city’s local icon, Johnny Appleseed.

Since its inception in 1994, this event marks the arrival of autumn each year, occurring at the end of September.

Supported by the community and local businesses, the Johnny Appleseed Festival features a parade, over a hundred craft and food booths, extensive live entertainment, and numerous activities for children, including a petting zoo, pony rides, and a large inflatable slide.

4. Monoosnoc Ridge Trail

To the west of Leominster rise two notable granite peaks, the North and South Monoosnoc Hills, reaching elevations of 985 and 1132 feet, respectively.

For those seeking an energetic hike, the ridge between these two summits is traversable via a trail that runs down the western slope of Leominster, just a couple of miles from downtown.

The Monoosnoc Ridge Trail spans approximately eight miles and tends to take about four hours to complete, offering stunning views of Leominster along the way.

Close to the southern end, nearing Fall Brook Reservoir and Sholan Farms, the trail skirts the summit of Bayberry Hill (1068 ft), which can be accessed via a side trail.

If you are pressed for time, you can opt to walk portions of the main trail, which is divided into north, middle, and south sections, with ample parking options available by the main trail or its spurs.

5. Leominster State Forest

This 4,246-acre state forest encompasses a considerable portion of western Leominster and extends into several adjacent communities.

Within Leominster State Forest lie the Crow Hills, which consist of a singular monadnock with twin summits reaching elevations of 1,234 feet and 1,220 feet, along with a prominent eastern cliff.

Traversing the Crow Hills is the 92-mile Midstate Trail, which winds through Worcester County from the Rhode Island state line to the New Hampshire border.

The extensive trail system within Leominster State Forest connects with the Monoosnoc Ridge Trail, providing an uninterrupted journey into the wilderness.

Nestled within the woods are several ponds and reservoirs, such as Crow Hill Pond, which includes a swimming area, and Paradise Pond, an ideal location for kayaking.

6. Wachusett Mountain State Reservation

If you are willing to venture a bit further, there exists 3,000 acres of protected mountainous scenery just beyond Leominster State Forest.

The Wachusett Mountain State Reservation offers excellent opportunities for hiking and mountain biking from spring through fall, while the Wachusett Mountain ski area provides 26 runs during the winter season.

The principal attraction, of course, is the mountain itself, which at 2,006 feet stands as the highest peak in the state east of the Connecticut River.

Rocky ledges located just below the summit support some of the largest stands of old-growth forest in the region, with many trees dating back nearly 400 years.

The view from the summit, accessible via a roadway during the spring and fall months, is truly spectacular, extending towards Boston (to the east), Vermont (to the northwest), Mount Greylock (to the west), and Mount Monadnock, located approximately 30 miles to the north in New Hampshire.

7. Leominster Historical Society

Occupying a charming site between Leominster City Hall and the Leominster District Court, the city’s historical society is housed in the historic Field School building, established in 1870.

On Tuesday and Saturday mornings, visitors can drop by to view museum exhibits or utilize the society’s substantial library, archives, and photographic records for research purposes.

The society also organizes a variety of free events and activities, such as informative talks on historical topics, guided tours, and Q&As with authors specializing in history.

During the Christmas season, there is a special tour of the Frances H. and Jonathan Drake House (21 Franklin Street), built in 1848, which is recognized as a significant local site on the Underground Railroad during the 1850s.

8. Sholan Farms

Located in the southern part of Leominster, this community-owned orchard opens to the public during the summer and fall seasons for fruit picking.

In the earlier months of the season, visitors can gather blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries; however, the apples are the most noteworthy attraction here.

Ready for harvest from mid-August to the end of October, Sholan Farms offers over 30 apple varieties, ranging from tart to sweet flavors.

The farm provides an extensive guide for each variety on its website. The season culminates in the annual Harvest Festival held in mid-October, featuring a craft fair, cider pressing, farm animals, wagon rides, food trucks, a bounce house, mascots from local sports teams, and much more.

9. Twin Cities Rail Trail

When compiling this list, the initial section of the Twin Cities Rail Trail had just been inaugurated. This trail follows a former route of the Fitchburg and Worcester Railroad (1850), which traversed from Fitchburg through Leominster and Sterling, linking these cities to the Worcester and Nashua Railroad.

The rail trail has been in development since 2004, with the first phase extending from First Street in Fitchburg to Carter Park, a small public area on the Monoosnoc Brook, near downtown Leominster. Future phases are expected to connect the trail with downtown and the Monoosnoc Brook Greenway.

10. George Hill Orchards

Located a short distance southwest of Leominster, George Hill Orchards is a family-owned farm with a history spanning half a century.

During the summer and fall seasons, visitors can engage in fruit picking, including blueberries, peaches, and a variety of apples. The latter are particularly abundant, featuring more than 15 varieties, ranging from ginger gold in late August to red delicious, macoun, empire, and mutsu deep into October.

In the fall, don’t miss the bustling pumpkin patch, offering homemade treats like apple cider donuts and freshly baked pies for sale.

11. Great Wolf Lodge Water Park

A branch of the Great Wolf Lodge resort chain is situated nearby at the northern end of Leominster State Forest. Visitors do not need to stay overnight to enjoy the impressive indoor water park, which is accessible with a day pass.

Open year-round, this expansive facility features a diverse array of rides and attractions suitable for all ages. For thrill-seekers, the park offers water slides including the signature Howlin’ Tornado, which plunges six stories into a swirling vortex.

Additionally, there are three areas specifically designed for younger children and toddlers, including a fantastic four-story playground known as Fort Mackenzie. Moreover, those looking to unwind can enjoy the leisurely lazy river, Crooked Creek, and the relaxing North Hot Springs hot tub area.

12. Johnny Appleseed Visitors’ Center

When arriving in Leominster along Route 2, you will encounter a renovated visitor center for North Central Massachusetts, located on the westbound side of the highway, just east of the city.

This modern, 2,000-square-foot facility serves as an excellent introduction to the region, featuring knowledgeable and friendly staff, a wealth of brochures, and current information on upcoming events.

The on-site gift shop offers local merchandise and typical local products, including maple syrup and a variety of apple-related delicacies. Additional amenities include restrooms, vending machines, and a 24/7 interactive information kiosk.

13. The Gate Escape

Situated in a shopping center not far from the Johnny Appleseed Visitors’ Center, there exists an interactive live adventure game attraction offering three challenging and entertaining escape rooms to select from.

The puzzles are cleverly designed, the props are immersive, and the game masters are friendly and supportive.

In The Observatory, participants assist a brilliant scientist in locating his notes ahead of a press conference; in The Assistant 2.0, your assistance is required once more to retrieve his thumb drive from a wormhole, while D.J. Death involves compiling a party playlist for the grim reaper.

The escape rooms have time limits ranging from 45 to 90 minutes, accommodating teams of up to six players.

14. The Mall at Whitney Field

This mall, located at the intersection of Route 2 and I-190, has experienced some vacancies, a trend reflective of many across the nation.

The Mall at Whitney Field has been operational in some capacity since 1967 and underwent redevelopment in 2004.

Ownership has changed multiple times in recent years, with Hull Property Group taking charge in 2020.

Despite the evident contraction, a selection of national retailers remains, including JCPenney, Burlington, rue21, Torrid, Old Navy, American Eagle, Claire’s, Bath & Body Works, and Hot Topic, with a Sephora located inside JCPenney.

Regarding dining options, there’s an Auntie Anne’s, Panera Bread, and various chain restaurants located outside, such as Dairy Queen, Chipotle, McDonald’s, Wendy’s, and Popeyes.

15. Entertainment Cinemas

Located adjacent to The Mall at Whitney Field, the only luxury movie theater in the region has been a fixture almost as long as the mall itself, first opening as a twin cinema in 1969.

Over the past 50 years, it has evolved into a ten-screen multiplex. Today, patrons can enjoy digital projection, comfortable recliners, large screens, and an on-site café serving beer and wine.

For cost savings, consider attending a matinee or visiting on Tuesdays when tickets are priced at $6.75 throughout the day, as of the current time of writing.