Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Auburn, MA

Located south of Worcester, Auburn is a town with a population of approximately 17,000 that was incorporated as “Ward” in 1778. However, due to its resemblance to the neighboring town of Ware, the name was changed to Auburn in 1837.

Auburn is significant in modern history, being the site where engineer and inventor Dr. Robert Goddard (1882-1945) pioneered the launch of the world’s first liquid-fueled rockets, which contributed greatly to the era of space exploration.

Visitors can explore the location of this historic launch, which now serves as a golf course, while a replica of the rocket stands at Goddard Memorial Park, located next to the Auburn Fire Department Headquarters.

In terms of shopping, Auburn hosts the primary enclosed mall of the Worcester area, and the open-air Shoppes at Blackstone Valley are situated just a short drive away in Millbury.

1. College of the Holy Cross

Perched on a hillside just north of Auburn, the Jesuit liberal arts institution known as the College of the Holy Cross is frequently recognized as one of the most picturesque campuses in the United States.

A distinctive feature of the college is the impressive O’Kane Hall (1895), topped with a clock tower, which is connected to the historic Fenwick Hall. The latter is the oldest building on campus, constructed in 1843, and is notable for its twin towers flanking the entrance.

The 175-acre campus is designated as a registered arboretum, making it ideal for a self-guided walking tour. In athletics, Holy Cross is a founding member of the Patriot League and is among a select group of nine institutions to have secured NCAA championships in basketball (1947) and baseball (1952).

The football program, with its games held at the 23,500-capacity Fitton Field, has demonstrated impressive performance recently, having clinched several conference titles since 2019.

2. Goddard Rocket Launching Site

A significant event in aeronautical history occurred in Auburn in 1926 when engineer Robert H. Goddard successfully tested the first liquid-fueled rocket in the world.

This ten-foot tall rocket was launched from what was then known as Ward Farm, achieving flight for 2.5 seconds and reaching an altitude of 41 feet. The farm site later transformed into Pakachoag Golf Course, where visitors can view a couple of historic markers.

The marker conveniently located on the northwest corner of the course can be easily accessed from Upland St.

The other marker, indicating the precise launch site, is positioned at the center of the course along the 9th fairway. It is advisable to arrive early when the course opens to explore this historic location before the first golfers reach the 9th hole.

3. Auburn Historical Museum

Established in 1967, the Auburn Historical Society operates this small museum, which is housed within the repurposed Tuttle Square School building at 41 South Street.

This structure, constructed in 1922, exhibits Bungalow architecture, highlighted by an impressive Federal-style doorway and transom fanlight.

The building functioned as a school until the mid-1950s, subsequently transitioning through various uses, including storage and headquarters for the Auburn District Nursing Association, before being converted into a museum through a lease to the historical society.

The museum is open for visits on Tuesday and Saturday mornings, offering insights into the town’s history through artifacts and photographs that discuss topics such as public transportation, Robert H. Goddard’s achievements, and the town’s rapid growth following World War II.

4. Auburn Mall

For many residents, the Auburn name is synonymous with the enclosed mall that first opened in 1971.

While Auburn Mall has seen a slight decline over the past few years, when this article was composed, it still features a variety of national and international retail chains.

Among the notable stores are Aeropostale, Victoria’s Secret, Hot Topic, Macy’s, Kay Jewelers, Foot Locker, Lids, GameStop, Hot Topic, and American Eagle.

The food court offers diverse options, including Korean fried chicken, Cajun seafood, and tacos, alongside popular chains such as Papa Gino’s, Outback Steakhouse, and Arby’s, all conveniently located along Southbridge St.

5. Elm Draught House Cinema

This intimate cinema pub, located a ten-minute drive from downtown Millbury, offers a stark contrast to typical corporate multiplexes.

Initially opened in the 1930s, the Elm Draught House Cinema operates as a second-run theater, retaining the original seating from that era.

The venue transitioned into a pub in 1983, offering patrons the chance to enjoy pub-style cuisine such as personal pizzas and a variety of wines and beers while watching recent film releases on the big screen.

Patrons are encouraged to check the schedule for screenings of classic and cult films, and can request a cushion in the lobby for added comfort on the aging seats.

6. Worcester Flood Diversion Channel (Pakachoag Trail)

Both Auburn and Millbury feature a flood control channel constructed in the late 1950s by the US Army Corps of Engineers, which has effectively mitigated extensive damage to industrial, public, commercial, and residential areas since its establishment.

The project encompasses a dam across Kettle Brook, a 4,205-foot tunnel beneath Pakachoag Hill, and an open channel extending an additional 11,300 feet to the Blackstone River.

The channel can be accessed along the Pakachoag Trail, which follows the bank for approximately ⅞ of a mile and culminates at a pair of picnic tables.

7. The Shoppes at Blackstone Valley

Nearby Auburn Mall, the largest open-air shopping center in Central Massachusetts is located less than ten minutes away in Millbury.

This center, situated near the intersections of I-90, Route 20, and Route 146, features an upscale ambiance, with popular brands such as Nordstrom Rack, Barnes & Noble, LOFT, Old Navy, L.L. Bean, Sephora, and Torrid.

Visitors can enjoy a day of shopping followed by a movie at the luxurious Blackstone Valley 14 Cinema de Lux located within the complex.

The area also boasts a selection of chain restaurants clustered near the theater, including Red Robin, QDOBA, and 110 Grill, among others.

8. Worcester

Occupying seven hills reminiscent of Rome, New England’s second-largest city, Worcester, is brimming with attractions that could occupy visitors for many days.

Visitors should prioritize the Worcester Art Museum (WAM), inaugurated in 1898 and renowned for its Roman mosaics, the second-largest collection of arms and armor in the Americas, along with significant collections of Japanese prints and American Impressionism.

Children will be captivated by the EcoTarium, a science and nature museum featuring indoor exhibits for hands-on, interactive learning alongside outdoor displays that showcase New England’s wildlife.

Theohs the Hanover Theatre, a magnificent venue for performing arts, built in 1904, features exquisite Renaissance Revival decor within its auditorium.

9. Lemansky Park

Lemansky Park, the primary community park in Auburn, is bordered to the south by I-90 and to the east by I-290, both of which are concealed by trees.

This park provides ample opportunities for active recreation, featuring facilities for basketball, tennis, pickleball, baseball, softball, and soccer.

Additional amenities include several multipurpose fields, a skateboard park, a high-quality playground for younger children, a quarter-mile running track, and a seasonal concession stand.

On the northern boundary lies the Town of Auburn’s dog park, with designated areas for dogs above and below 40 lbs. In the winter months, the park boasts one of the finest sledding hills in the vicinity, as well as an ice skating rink.

10. Major League Roast Beef & Wings

A locally celebrated eatery, this baseball-themed fast-food establishment is particularly famous for its roast beef sandwiches.

The extensive menu offers a wide variety of roast beef options, including platters. A standout choice is The Bullpen, consisting of thinly sliced roast beef, American cheese, tomato, onions, and horseradish on a large, toasted onion roll.

Traditionally, fries and onion rings serve as popular accompaniments to roast beef sandwiches in this region.

The establishment also features a diverse menu showcasing other New England favorites, including lobster rolls, clam chowder, steak tips, fish and chips, fried scallops, and haddock.

11. Pakachoag Golf Course

The Ward Farm, where Goddard conducted his historic rocket launch, was converted into a golf course in 1939. The town acquired the property in 1981, which was managed by private contractors until 2016 when local authorities took over operations.

Reports indicate that Pakachoag Golf Course has significantly improved since then, featuring a commendable nine-hole course characterized by well-maintained greens and engaging challenges.

In addition to being the location of that iconic launch, the ninth hole presents a particularly demanding challenge, with a dogleg that curves around a substantial water hazard, prompting many to reconsider a shortcut.

12. Blackstone River Bikeway

Auburn lies on the northwestern edge of the historically significant Blackstone Valley, a region that experienced significant industrial growth from the late 18th century onward.

An excellent way to experience this heritage is by utilizing the Blackstone River Bikeway, which is planned to eventually extend 48 miles, linking Worcester and Providence, thereby serving as both a recreational trail and an important commuting route characterized by its rich history and scenic beauty.

The bikeway is being developed in phases, with three sections completed thus far. In Auburn, visitors can access the Worcester to Millbury segment, measuring 2.5 miles in length, from the Blackstone Heritage Corridor Visitor Center in Worcester to the Main Street Parking Area in Millbury.

13. Stowe Farm

Located a short distance away in West Millbury, Stowe Farm encompasses 60 picturesque acres that have been farmed by the Stowe family for several generations.

Originally a dairy farm, it has evolved into an equestrian facility and orchard, providing public agritourism experiences during the fall season.

Throughout September and October, visitors can participate in apple and pumpkin picking, enjoy live music, and savor hard cider.

Children will relish their time at Stowe Farm, engaging with barnyard animals, riding a “cow train,” and climbing on a wooden monster truck play structure.

A BBQ food truck and an array of seasonal and local treats are available at the farm’s country store. Additionally, horseback riding lessons are offered throughout the year, and the farm runs a popular equestrian camp in the summer.

14. Bowlero Auburn

Bowlero Auburn features 50 bowling lanes and has undergone a transformation as part of AMF’s contemporary Bowlero branding. The facility now boasts comfortable lounge seating, blacklight effects, and large HD video screens showcasing a range of content from live sports to music videos.

Certain nights, notably Fridays and Saturdays, feature cosmic bowling, transforming the atmosphere with lowered house lights and elevated music.

Bowlero Auburn offers a variety of specials, particularly from Sunday to Thursday. Beyond bowling, visitors can enjoy an extensive arcade area and a newly updated bar offering selections of local craft beers.

15. Crystal Caves

Operating for over 25 years, this seasonal family entertainment center combines various attractions with an ice cream parlor offering more than 50 flavors.

Among the key features is an 18-hole mini golf course, complete with flowerbeds, shrubs, and water features, including a cascading waterfall.

Crystal Caves is also home to eight batting cages, allowing for both baseball and softball practice at different pitch speeds. Additional attractions include two trampolines and a human gyroscope for those seeking a thrilling experience.