Top 15 Must-See Attractions in Southbridge, MA

Southbridge is an evocative old mill town situated along the Quinebaug River, boasting an industrial legacy dating back to the 18th century. The town transitioned from early sawmills and grist mills to extensive textile and spectacle manufacturing.

Dominating this industrial landscape was the American Optical Company, which profoundly influenced Southbridge for over a century, earning the city the moniker “Eye of the Commonwealth.” The prominent American Optical building remains a significant landmark, and a museum dedicated to its history and the broader optical industry offers fascinating insights.

The prosperity of Southbridge during the 19th century prompted waves of immigration, particularly from Ireland and Canada, resulting in the beautiful Notre Dame Parish Church (1916), a testament to the town’s French Canadian heritage.

1. Optical Heritage Museum

For over a century until 1984, the American Optical Company was pivotal in driving Southbridge’s economy, having been established in the town via a merger in 1869. The roots of the optical industry in Southbridge precede this era, which you can explore at the Optical Heritage Museum, inaugurated in 1983.

This museum offers a comprehensive view of Southbridge’s optical technology history, with extensive exhibits showcasing antique spectacles, protective eyewear, and various optical instruments produced in the town. Notable pieces include original paintings by Herbert Morton Stoops (1888-1948), which adorned numerous optician offices nationwide during the mid-20th century.

2. Old Sturbridge Village

Located a short distance away, New England’s largest living history museum recreates regional rural life from the late 18th to early 19th century. Founded by the Wells family, Old Sturbridge Village comprises over 60 buildings spanning more than 200 acres, staffed by friendly interpreters who engage visitors with traditional crafts, customs, and skills.

Many buildings are authentic and have been relocated from various parts of New England. Attractions include meetinghouses, residences, a school, and three water-powered mills. The village hosts seasonal programs and events, from craft fairs to festive celebrations.

3. Westville Lake Recreation Area

Situated upriver from downtown Southbridge, the Westville Dam was constructed for flood control in the early 1960s by the US Army Corps of Engineers. This dam significantly mitigated damage downstream, contributing millions of dollars in savings over the years, while the recreational area on the riverbend offers a welcoming space for hiking, picnicking, and winter ice skating.

The Westville Lake Recreation Area is equipped with charcoal grills, fishing zones, and a canoe/kayak launch, making it a prime location for both summer and winter activities.

4. Downtown Southbridge

Main Street embodies the architectural grandeur of a prosperous Victorian-era manufacturing town, defined by fine brick commercial structures and Revivalist towers. Noteworthy sites include the Notre Dame Parish Church (1916), the Romanesque Revival Town Hall (1888), the Universalist Church (1840), and the Renaissance Revival Elm Street Fire House (1899), which are all recognized in the National Register of Historic Places.

With a resurrected population, downtown Southbridge maintains a vibrant atmosphere accompanied by diverse dining options, featuring French, Puerto Rican, Chinese, and American fare among others.

5. Southbridge Town Common

Distinct from typical town commons, this green space is positioned away from the commercial core of Southbridge, situated under the shadow of the substantial American Optical Company factory. The expansive brick building now operates as a hotel and conference center flaunts a Renaissance-style tower.

The common is adorned with mature hardwoods and features numerous benches and picnic areas. During summer evenings, a bandstand hosts the Concerts on the Common series, running from late June through mid-August.

6. St. John Paul II Parish (Notre Dame Parish Church)

In the late 1860s, the French Canadian community in Southbridge grew significantly, leading to the establishment of the Notre Dame Parish in 1869. Funds were subsequently raised to erect a more durable church to replace the temporary wooden structure.

Completed in 1916, the church features a towering height of 210 feet and a wide nave measuring almost 80 feet. Designed by the esteemed Québecois architect Joseph Venne (1858-1925), this church showcases a Rococo-style interior complemented by Romanesque and Renaissance influences.

7. Gateway Players

A cultural staple in Southbridge for the past 50 years, the Gateway Players are a community theater group that presents a season of performances at the Elm Street Congregational Church (61 Elm St) in the town’s center. Founded in 1975, the group has showcased local talent through a diverse range of productions from original comedies to Broadway-style musicals.

8. The Ruth Wells Center for the Arts

The headquarters of the Gateway Players also serves as an arts center that hosts exhibitions and workshops throughout the year. Located at 111 Main St, this venue was initially the largest single residence in Southbridge when built in the mid-1820s by Ebenezer Ammidown.

The estate has since been a significant part of the community, offering diversified artistic experiences, including open studio workshops and a local shop featuring unique handmade items.

9. Sturbridge Coffee Roasters

Emerging from Sturbridge in 2004, Sturbridge Coffee Roasters has established itself as a prominent local coffee house after relocating to Southbridge shortly thereafter. With recent expansions, they have opened additional branches and a dedicated roastery, attracting coffee enthusiasts with their locally roasted beans.

This establishment offers an extensive selection of coffee, hot chocolates, teas, and light meals, alongside various whole-bean options for purchase.

10. Bigelow Hollow State Park and Nipmuck State Forest

Crossing into Connecticut, visitors can access 9,000 acres of outdoor recreational opportunities at Bigelow State Park, located within a sprawling state forest. This area encompasses one of Connecticut’s largest unbroken forest tracts, preserving scenic landscapes typical of rural New England.

With 35 miles of trails, the park facilitates exploration of stunning locations like Breakneck Pond, accessible solely by foot. Summer activities include swimming, kayaking, and fishing at Bigelow Pond and Mashapaug Lake.

11. Wells State Park

In the opposite direction lies Wells State Park, a rugged area encompassing nearly 1,500 acres filled with hardwood forests and pristine wetland landscapes surrounding Walker Pond. This park provides a multitude of recreational opportunities for visitors, including boating and fishing.

Visitors can explore ten miles of trails, including a notable path that leads to Carpenters Rocks, providing a breathtaking overview of the surrounding landscape. The park also features a campground with a beach on Walker Pond.

12. Grand Trunk Trail

Starting at the Westville Lake Recreation Area, you can embark on a scenic walk or bike ride along a four-mile stretch of the Quinebaug Valley. This trail, part of a larger project, aims to connect the towns of Brimfield, Sturbridge, and Southbridge in the future while linking to the extensive Titanic Rail Trail across Central Massachusetts.

During this hike, you’ll encounter the impressive Westville Dam, measuring 78 by 560 feet, and explore adjacent, secluded stretches of riverbank, enveloped by dense woods.

13. New York, New Haven & Hartford Passenger Depot (Southbridge Station)

Located at the north end of downtown Southbridge, this historical train station, built in the Spanish Colonial style in 1910, is a rare remnant of the town’s railroad history. Originally serving as a passenger depot until 1930, it is now utilized by the Southbridge Registry of Motor Vehicles, representing the only surviving railroad structure in Southbridge.

14. Quinebaug Valley Rail Trail

Historically, Southbridge station was the terminus for the Southbridge and Blackstone Railroad, established in 1849 and subsequently integrated into the Boston and New York Central Railroad. Repeatedly utilized for freight through the 20th century by the Providence and Worcester Railroad, this line was ultimately abandoned. A long-term initiative is now underway to transform it into an 11-mile rail trail connecting Southbridge to Webster.

Currently, visitors can explore a two-mile segment in Southbridge’s southeast region that meanders through the scenic Quinebaug Valley, with access to a trailhead and parking area off Route 131 by the Quinebaug River Reservoir.

15. Escape the Pike

Just a short drive in Sturbridge, Escape the Pike is an escape room experience founded by local residents David and Meghan Jaquith, who have drawn from their extensive travels and escape room experiences to create an engaging entertainment option since its inception in 2019.

Noteworthy for its diverse themes and tones, Escape the Pike features rooms such as the family-friendly North Pole Meltdown, the adventurous Spy2k, and the darkly captivating Son of the Zodiac. The experiences are designed for groups of up to eight participants, with each game set within a 60-minute timeframe, ensuring a thrilling and immersive adventure.