Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Abington, MA

This town on the South Shore has significant historical connections to the Civil War. For approximately 20 years, Abington hosted an annual Abolitionist meeting at what is now Island Grove Park, a picturesque public space adjacent to a pond.

In the 1810s, the mass-production of iron tacks was pioneered in Abington, establishing a foundation for a thriving shoe and boot industry.

Nearly half of all footwear produced for the Union Army during the Civil War originated from factories in Abington.

This facet of Abington’s heritage can be appreciated during a Civil War encampment at Island Grove Park, which occurs during the town’s Founders’ Day festival.

For half a century beginning in 1941, an extensive naval airfield occupied a significant portion of Abington, with much of this area accessible through conservation land at Thompson’s Pond.

1. Ames Nowell State Park

Situated in a residential area, far removed from main thoroughfares, this 700-acre state park is easy to overlook if one is merely passing through.

Ames Nowell State Park is a gem, featuring ten miles of paved and unpaved trails along the wooded shores of a man-made pond dating back to the 18th century.

In the 1920s, the site was designed as a bird sanctuary and hunting ground before being acquired by a member of the esteemed Ames family and subsequently donated.

Along these trails, visitors will encounter wetland areas connected by board planks, and boardwalks lining the lakeshore, revealing fascinating historical traces through the old stone walls that emerge in the woods.

Cleveland Pond is a renowned fishing location celebrated for its largemouth bass, chain pickerel, black crappie, and bluegill.

2. Island Grove Park

The premier public park in Abington encompasses over 50 acres, donated to the town in 1882. From 1846 through 1865, this location served as the venue for an annual gathering of Abolitionists, led by William Lloyd Garrison (1805-1879).

The site of these “August First” meetings is now commemorated with a bronze plaque on a large stone. Island Grove Pond was initially dammed for industrial purposes at the turn of the 18th century and subsequently became the centerpiece of an amusement park by the mid-19th century.

A sand-bottomed swimming area here is open to both residents and non-residents from late June through late August, while the park’s evergreen woods offer an ideal setting for leisurely walks. A bridge spanning the pond leads to the town’s Civil War monument, designed as a triumphal arch.

3. Founders’ Day

The Abington Celebrates Committee is responsible for several annual events in the town, with the most notable being an action-packed weekend to inaugurate the summer season in early June.

Celebrating Abington’s birthday, which is now well into its 310s, Founders’ Day features a cookout, the cutting of the town’s cake, a 5k road race, a fishing derby, and an exciting fireworks display, sponsored by numerous local businesses.

A key highlight is the traditional Civil War encampment at Island Grove Park, which includes reenactments and demonstrations of historical skills such as folk music, cooking, and medicine.

4. Dyer Memorial Library

The affluent Dyer family has been an integral part of Abington’s community since the early 18th century, before the town’s incorporation. In the 1890s, Marietta White Dyer (1853–1918) inherited a significant fortune from her banker uncle Samuel Brown Dyer (1809-1894).

Upon her passing, she bequeathed her estate to funds for the establishment and maintenance of a historical and biographical library. The Dyer Memorial Library, built in a Georgian Revival style and completed in 1932, continues to be privately funded.

This library is an exceptional resource for the history of Abington, Rockland, and Whitman, offering curated exhibits and genealogical records tracing back to the Mayflower. Visitors are welcome during operational hours and may explore via self-guided tours.

5. Fuller Craft Museum

The sole museum in New England dedicated exclusively to crafts is located just a 10-minute drive west in Brockton. Established in 1946, the Fuller Craft Museum focuses on contemporary decorative arts, showcasing works in ceramics, jewelry, woodwork, textiles, furniture, mosaics, and glass.

Additionally, the museum boasts 22 acres of stunning grounds on Upper Porter Pond, adorned with captivating sculptures crafted from stone and wood.

The galleries typically host up to five concurrent exhibitions at any given time, while the gift shop features works by local and regional artists. Regular events such as art-making activities, talks, performances, film screenings, and open studios further enhance the visitor experience.

6. Hanover Branch Trail (Abington Rail Trail)

Initiated in 1868, the 7.8-mile Hanover Branch Railroad connected the Old Colony Railroad main line in Abington with the town of Hanover.

This route later became a part of the New York, New Haven and Hartford Railroad, and since the 2000s, the right-of-way has been progressively converted into a rail trail.

While assembling this article, access to the Hanover Branch Trail was possible at the corner of Birch and Monroe Streets, allowing for a 2.6-mile walk or ride to West Hanover. In 2022, the trail received funding for an eastern expansion towards Hanover.

Predominantly traversing tranquil residential neighborhoods, the path is ten feet wide, with users granted right of way at road crossings. At the intersection with Union Street in Rockland, visitors can view a section of the original rails paired with an interpretive kiosk.

7. J.P. Ryan’s Tavern

Featuring live music, satisfying pub fare, and a diverse selection of beers on tap, casual neighborhood taverns like this are a staple in South Shore communities.

A must-try item on the menu is the bar pizza, a culinary hallmark of the South Shore.

These pizzas, served in 10-inch personal pans, feature a crispy crust with various toppings and specialty selections. Live music is available most weekends, with performance schedules accessible via the establishment’s website.

8. 10th District Brewing Company

Established in 2014 by two childhood friends from Abington, 10th District Brewing Company has gained popularity and is now available at various bars and restaurants from Hull to Holbrook.

Visitors can experience the brewery firsthand in Abington, where a taproom with ample outdoor space for dogs is available.

At the time of writing, the brewery offered a selection of IPAs, a Gose, a Kolsch, a peanut stout, and unique creations including jalapeño ale and lime sour.

Cans and growler fills are available for purchase, along with tasting flights that allow patrons to sample four beers in smaller quantities.

9. Naval Air Station Weymouth (Control Tower)

From 1941 to 1997, a U.S. Navy Airfield occupied a vast area across Abington, Weymouth, and Rockland. Naval Air Station Weymouth served as a blimp base during World War II and subsequently became part of the Naval Air Reserve Training Command.

The land has been gradually transferred back to the respective towns since the mid-90s, partially for redevelopment projects like Union Point.

Other sections remain undeveloped, allowing visitors to explore the Wildlands Trust preserve to appreciate the impressive scale of the airfield, where runways once extended over 7,000 feet.

While discussing Thompson Trail below, it is notable that north of that area, off Adams Street, one can access the old control tower, which, though showing signs of age, remains intact alongside a few decaying hangar bays.

10. Thompson Pond Trail

The former site of the South Weymouth Naval Air Station is expansive and can be explored along this trail system.

Managed by the Wildlands Trust, the Thompson Pond Trail is accessible from Spruce Street on the Abington-Rockland border.

This out-and-back trail stretches just under two miles, crossing the perennial French’s Stream, and leading to the picturesque northern shore of the pond where a section of boardwalk and benches can be found.

At the trailhead, visitors can also venture along the Twin Ponds Trail towards Rockland, while to the south of Spruce Street lies the 40+ acre Rockland Town Forest, awaiting exploration.

11. Oktoberfest

Since the mid-2010s, Abington has hosted a family-friendly celebration during the second weekend of October.

Oktoberfest combines German and Halloween-themed events and activities, offering light-hearted fun such as a dog costume contest, a pumpkin carving competition, an open house at the Dyer Memorial Library, and a children’s costume parade.

The Saturday marketplace features vendors, craftspeople, and live music, while the Sunday activities include a family celebration, a beer garden for adults, and a performance by the Double Eagle Oktoberfest German Band.

12. Barrett’s Haunted Mansion

One of the region’s premier haunted attractions, Abington features a haunted house that has spanned four decades.

Barrett’s Haunted Mansion comprises two distinct experiences: a chilling journey through the main house and “Condemned” (at the time of writing), where visitors enter an old chemical laboratory, sealed off and inhabited by mutants.

Throughout the season in September and October, several special events occur, including lights-on visits on Saturdays, allowing guests to appreciate the craftsmanship and dedication evident in the scenarios, props, costumes, and makeup.

13. Abington Summer Concerts

Summers in Abington would not be complete without the annual series of concerts held in July and August.

The venue is the Catherine and Joseph Nisby Bandstand located next to Abington Town Hall, with a spacious field capable of accommodating sizable crowds for these events.

Concerts are scheduled for Sunday evenings, featuring a variety of performers from multiple genres, whether one prefers soul, classic rock, country, doo-wop, jazz, or 80s pop hits.

One evening during the season is dedicated specifically to children, featuring balloon artistry, educational demonstrations of exotic animals, and face painting.

14. High Voltage Paintball

Nestled within over 20 acres of woodland nearby in Holbrook, High Voltage Paintball welcomes walk-ins on Saturdays and Sundays.

A diverse array of terrains is available, from the dense cover of woodsball fields to the open spaces of speedball arenas.

The facility is equipped to accommodate various game modes, whether one is attacking or defending a strategic hilltop or bunker, playing bomb the base, or capturing the flag.

All necessary gear for beginners is provided, and the attentive staff ensures that safety is maintained throughout the game.

15. Strawberry Valley Golf Course

For an uncomplicated round of golf, Abington offers an excellent municipal course nestled within mainly open parkland on the town’s southern side.

Strawberry Valley Golf Course features a 9-hole layout that is relatively short, making it ideal for beginners or those looking to enhance their iron play and short game.

The course is well-maintained, boasts an efficient pace of play, and offers remarkable value for money. During winter, the course’s rolling terrain transforms into a perfect sledding area for local children.