Top 15 Must-See Attractions in Wrentham, MA

Located in Norfolk County, Wrentham is a town with a population of approximately 12,200, positioned equidistant between Boston and Providence.

Wrentham offers a straightforward drive from both metropolitan areas and is conveniently intersected by I-495, facilitating access to Cape Cod. Moreover, Gillette Stadium is located less than a ten-minute drive away.

Bordering Rhode Island, Wrentham features expansive areas of hilly woodlands safeguarded by various conservation lands, including Wrentham State Forest and the F. Gilbert Hills State Forest.

At the heart of the town are two significant lakes, with Lake Pearl being the largest, providing visitors with a beach area and scenic trails that extend into wooded areas and wetlands teeming with birdlife to the west.

1. Wrentham Village Premium Outlets

Situated at the junction of I-495 and Route 1A, this upscale outlet mall features over 170 retailers as of the time of this writing.

Launched in 1997, Wrentham Village Premium Outlets is designed akin to a small town, with the parking area on one side and a network of pedestrian-friendly alleys on the other.

Quaint storefronts accommodate outlet shops for prestigious brands such as Karl Lagerfeld, Gucci, Tommy Hilfiger, Michael Kors, Guess, Hugo Boss, Armani, and Polo Ralph Lauren, among many others.

Additionally, several sports and active apparel brands are represented, including Timberland, Columbia, Nike, Adidas, Under Armour, Reebok, and Puma.

Discounts typically range from 10% to 75%. While dining options may be limited, there are often food trucks available, as well as a playground for children and small plazas for relaxation.

2. The Big Apple Farm

While pastoral landscapes abound in Wrentham, the southwestern section of the town showcases enchanting rolling hills adorned with orchards and vegetable gardens.

This is where the Big Apple Farm, which spans 200 acres, employs Integrated Pest Management (IPM) alongside organic farming practices.

During the summer and fall seasons, visitors can enjoy the experience of picking their own blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, and apples, while the farm stand is a must-visit destination.

The stand offers a variety of fruits and vegetables grown on the farm and features an in-house bakery, known for its exquisite pies, donuts, turnovers, cookies, and muffins. Patrons will also find an array of local products, including maple syrup, honey, jams, and jellies.

3. Supercharged Entertainment

Providing a distinct contrast to Wrentham’s rural tranquility, Supercharged Entertainment presents a plethora of action-oriented activities within an expansive 125,000-square-foot venue.

The focal point of the establishment is the world’s largest indoor multi-level karting track, which consists of two uniquely engineered courses that may be combined into one impressive “supertrack.”

Featuring zero-emission electric karts, guests can participate in single races or opt for cost-effective multi-race packages.

Other attractions include a cutting-edge Ninja Wipeout arena, an indoor trampoline park, “Bionic” bumper cars, and a large gaming lounge boasting over 90 gaming stations.

4. Lake Pearl

One of Wrentham’s two principal lakes, Lake Pearl encompasses 245 acres and is bordered by seasonal residences and tranquil conservation lands.

Since the mid-19th century, the eastern shore has been a site of tourism development, initially referred to as George’s Park. Over the years, this area has transformed from a minor resort at the turn of the 20th century into a popular venue for events, primarily weddings.

Located on the northwest shore, Lake Pearl hosts Wrentham’s main public beach, known as Sweatt Beach, which is accessible for both residents and non-residents commencing Memorial Day Weekend.

The beach features a well-maintained sandy area, a picnic grove nestled in the woods, and a boating center offering kayak and paddleboard rentals along with instructional sessions.

5. F. Gilbert Hills State Forest

Located in the eastern part of Wrentham, you can embark on an adventure through over 1,000 acres of pine and oak forests that stretch into Foxborough.

The F. Gilbert Hills State Forest features 23 miles of trails, and the park is also part of the Warner Trail, allowing for an extended excursion when combined with Wrentham State Forest.

Leisurely walkers will appreciate the system of wide fire roads that lead past numerous granite rock formations, which invite further exploration. Additionally, the forest is a destination for mountain bikers, offering a network of tight and technical singletrack paths.

6. Wrentham State Forest

The Wrentham State Forest spans over 1,000 acres of moderately hilly woodlands interspersed with intriguing granite formations.

One of the standout activities in Wrentham State Forest is the Pinnacle Trail, which offers a scenic ridge hike with several summits, occasionally providing views of the Boston skyline, the Blue Hills, and Gillette Stadium.

For those seeking panoramic vistas, an early spring visit is advisable before excessive foliage obscures the view. The Warner Trail also intersects the forest, extending for 30 miles from Sharon, MA, to Diamond Hill State Park in Cumberland, RI.

Mountain bikers will find ample opportunities, including a lengthy singletrack trail connecting both sections of the forest that traverses beneath I-495.

7. Gillette Stadium

Home to the New England Patriots, this 65,900-seat stadium is situated just five minutes from Wrentham.

Completed in 2002, Gillette Stadium coincided with a remarkable era in the franchise’s history, during which the team secured six Super Bowl titles under the leadership of Bill Belichick and record-setting performances from Tom Brady.

Since 2007, the stadium has been surrounded by the outdoor shopping center, Patriot Place, which offers a variety of dining options, retail establishments, and entertainment venues, including Showcase Cinema de Lux.

As of our last update, the stadium was undergoing a substantial renovation project costing $225 million. This renovation includes the addition of a striking 218-foot lighthouse, providing panoramic views of the stadium, the surrounding Patriot Place, and the expansive region.

During the period between early spring and fall, Gillette Stadium also serves as the home arena for the New England Revolution of Major League Soccer (MLS).

8. Joe’s Rock

This 60-acre conservation area located in the southwest of Wrentham is positioned on the banks of a former cranberry bog and is bordered by imposing cliffs that rise 150 feet above the water. At 490 feet, Joe’s Rock represents the town’s highest point.

The trail from the parking area leads through a freshwater marsh, passing a beaver dam, and crossing a footbridge. Hikers can choose to explore the shores of the pond and bog or ascend to the top of the cliffs.

The effort to climb is certainly rewarded with distant views toward Boston or south into Rhode Island.

9. Wollomonopoag Conservation Area

A notable feature of Lake Pearl is that the woods along its western shore are part of an additional town-owned conservation area, making it an ideal starting point for hikes in a tranquil part of Wrentham.

The winding trails within the Wollomonopoag Conservation Area guide visitors to a secluded pond, bordered by wetlands that can be traversed via footbridges and boardwalks.

This site is crucial for various bird species, with great blue herons nesting in the dead trees surrounding the pond.

Visiting in spring and early summer is particularly rewarding when vibrant wildflowers, such as pink lady’s slippers, bloom throughout the woods.

10. Cook’s Valley Farm

A frequent sight at farmer’s markets throughout the region, Cook’s Valley Farm is a produce farm set amidst stunning scenery in the southwest of Wrentham.

Housed within a charming old barn, this straightforward operation focuses on providing exceptional fruits and vegetables directly from the fields.

The farm stand operates from mid-June to Thanksgiving, and depending on the season, visitors may discover fresh cut flowers, corn, apples, blueberries, tomatoes, zucchini, squash, garlic, and pumpkins, in addition to local honey and preserves.

11. Birchwold Farm

A complementary location for a hike after visiting Joe’s Rock, Birchwold Farm conservation area lies just south across the road.

This 129-acre landscape features several informal trails marked with colored arrows and includes informative interpretive signs.

Diverse habitats encompass the property, ranging from woodlands and expansive meadows to swampy areas, punctuated by impressive geological formations such as glacial erratics and ledges.

At the center of the largest meadow stands a grand assembly of hardwood trees, concealing a tranquil stream—especially picturesque in spring.

12. The Patriots Hall of Fame

One does not need to be a fan of the Patriots to appreciate the Brady-Belichick era, renowned as one of the most impressive dynasties in professional sports.

Visitors can relive significant moments from the team’s history and honor its many key figures at the high-tech Patriots Hall of Fame, which debuted at Patriot Place in 2008.

The exhibits feature uniforms worn by luminaries such as Brady, Rob Gronkowski, Julian Edelman, Wes Welker, Randy Moss, and Ty Law, in addition to a wealth of other memorabilia.

This attraction also serves as the repository for the Patriots’ six Super Bowl trophies and numerous Lamar Hunt trophies.

13. Knuckup Hill (Sweatt Hill)

Located just south of Wrentham Center, this prominent hill offers breathtaking panoramas from its summit.

From the 1960s until the early 1980s, Knuckup Hill was utilized as a ski area, and remnants of the former ski runs can still be traced.

The path leading to the top is relatively gentle, following an old fire road that maintains a steady incline, allowing visitors to comfortably savor the sights, sounds, and scents of the woods.

Select a clear day for this excursion, as favorable conditions may present views of the Boston skyline, approximately 30 miles to the northeast.

14. Cracker Barrel Fair

A local tradition that has been celebrated for over 40 years, the Cracker Barrel Fair takes place on the grounds of the Wrentham Developmental Center every mid-September.

The event provides an opportunity for 4-H members from across Norfolk County to showcase their skills through various exhibits, including animal displays, flower arranging, and a dog show, among others.

For attendees, a wide array of activities are available throughout the weekend, encompassing hayrides, games, pony rides for children, demonstrations by local clubs, carnival rides, food trucks, and a multitude of other vendors. The Cracker Barrel Fair is held regardless of the weather, with free parking available.

15. Wrentham Artisan Market

Located at the American Legion post at 592 South St, this monthly outdoor market runs during the summer months.

Scheduled for the fourth Sunday of each month from May through October, the Wrentham Artisan Market showcases over 70 skilled artisans from the region. The vendor lineup varies monthly, but attendees can generally expect to find candles, jewelry, fashion accessories, organic soaps, ethical cosmetics, home décor, pet supplies, and a wide assortment of additional items.

The market is also frequented by several local produce farms, ensuring a selection of tempting prepared food options.