Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Stoughton, MA

Incorporated in 1726, Stoughton is located approximately 17 miles south of downtown Boston and was renowned for its shoemaking industry during the 19th century.

The downtown district of Stoughton features a variety of restaurants and several noteworthy buildings, including the Lucius Clapp Memorial, housing the local historical society, as well as a grand Romanesque Revival train station.

The town is just minutes away from numerous intriguing sites, such as expansive conservation lands, the sole craft museum in New England, and the magnificent early 20th-century estate within Borderland State Park.

1. Stoughton Center

One appealing aspect of Stoughton is its modest town center, which features numerous local businesses along with several distinguished landmarks.

The most prominent of these is the clock tower of Stoughton Station, which was constructed in the Romanesque Revival style using local stone in 1888.

The area offers a wide variety of cuisines within walking distance, including Mexican, Chinese, numerous pizza establishments, breakfast options, Brazilian steaks, and Portuguese fare. Notably, the esteemed Town Spa Pizza will be discussed later in this article.

Friends of Stoughton Center has launched several improvement initiatives in the downtown area and organizes events such as the Parade of Lights, celebrating the holiday season in December.

2. Bird Street Conservation Area

A substantial portion of southern Stoughton is designated as picturesque conservation land, teeming with wildlife and suitable for activities such as hiking, birdwatching, and mountain biking.

Bird Street Conservation Area encompasses nearly 600 acres, featuring hidden ponds, former farmland, and the historical Gilbert’s Quarry, which provided stone for the Stoughton Railroad Station in the 1880s, all interconnected by various trails.

There are a total of six trails, each marked by different colors, and for those with extra time, the composite trail allows for a complete loop around the property, covering a distance of 4.8 miles.

3. Stoughton Historical Society

The Lucius Clapp Memorial, a Renaissance Revival building originally serving as a library in 1903, is one of the most impressive structures in Stoughton Center.

Designed by the Stoughton architect Walter Atherton (1863-1945), this was the town’s first dedicated library, located on the site of the town’s initial schoolhouse from the 18th century. Today, this edifice serves as the home for the Stoughton Historical Society, established in 1895.

Visitors can explore the history of Stoughton on Sunday afternoons, delving into its industrial past, particularly during the era of woolen textiles and shoemaking.

During our research for this article, we found that guests could browse historic maps, learn about local landmarks such as the Immaculate Conception Church (1859), discover historical shifts in underwear fashion, and access an extensive photography library, featuring daguerreotypes, ambrotypes, and tintypes.

4. Town Spa Pizza

This beloved local establishment has been operational since 1955, maintaining the original pizza recipe from its inception.

Town Spa Pizza began with modest operations in the upper-level of a former furniture factory on Porter St (by the railroad crossing), expanding to occupy the entire building by 1962.

In 1986, the restaurant relocated to its current address at 1119 Washington St and has continued to thrive. First-time visitors are encouraged to try the linguica pie, and popular sides include the Greek salad and chicken tenders accompanied by a signature honey mustard sauce.

5. Ames Long Pond

Stoughton is notably characterized by its abundant water bodies, particularly evident on the west side of the town.

Ames Long Pond, situated adjacent to the Bird Street Conservation Area, spans 86 acres and is divided into two basins by West Street.

The southern basin, featuring a tranquil wooded shoreline, serves as the site for the town’s supervised swimming program during the summer, conveniently located at a beach area on the west shore at 1000 Highland St.

Lifeguards are present from late June to late August, and there is a dock available for children, along with a seasonal ice cream truck. A car-top boat launch is accessible here, with another available for the northern basin at 1784 West St.

6. Fuller Craft Museum

Situated just beyond the town line in Brockton, the Fuller Craft Museum is a notable facility dedicated to applied arts, and stands as the only institution of its kind in the region.

Established in 1946, this museum boasts a stunning lakeside setting, surrounded by woodlands and featuring an impressive collection of sculptures.

The permanent collection encompasses remarkable examples of woodworking, jewelry, ceramics, glasswork, textiles, furniture, and mosaics.

With up to five exhibitions displayed simultaneously, the museum features national and international craft artisans, and every spring showcases the Craft Biennial, highlighting the work of both emerging talents and seasoned artists from the local community.

7. D.W. Field Park

Adjacent to the Fuller Craft Museum in Brockton, D.W. Field Park encompasses a network of interconnected water bodies, forming part of an expansive 700+ acre park, with Cross Pond dating back to the 1790s.

Upon the bequest of businessman Daniel Waldo Field, the area was transformed into a public park in the 1920s, offering a picturesque spot for recreation just a short distance from Stoughton.

The park features miles of waterside trails with quiet areas to relax in the shade while observing the local waterfowl during summer.

The most prominent feature is the newly restored 65-foot Memorial Tower, which provides panoramic views of the park’s landscape and, during late fall, a glimpse of the Boston skyline as the leaves recede from the trees.

8. Borderland State Park

Located in the adjacent towns of Easton and Sharon is a remarkable historic estate that is now managed by the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR).

Borderland State Park encompasses over 1,800 acres and was acquired in 1906 by Oakes Ames, a Harvard botanist, and his wife Blanche Ames, a noted suffragist and artist. Blanche supervised the construction of their magnificent Gothic Revival mansion (completed in 1910), which remains a focal point of the estate.

At Borderland State Park, visitors can participate in activities that the Ames family enjoyed, including exploring over 20 miles of trails on foot or horseback, as well as fishing or canoeing in the ponds.

Facilities for disc golf and tennis are available, and the mansion is open for public tours every other Sunday from August through November.

9. TreeTop Adventures

For those seeking more outdoor excitement, TreeTop Adventures offers a high ropes course located less than ten minutes away in Canton. This award-winning attraction is recognized as the premier climbing and zip-lining experience in Greater Boston.

TreeTop Adventures features ten distinct trails, varying in difficulty from beginner to expert, each presenting a range of challenges including ladders, rope bridges, and rolling logs.

Zip-lines add to the adventure, with a total of up to 27 available to enjoy. It is advisable to wear clothes comfortable for a full harness and to consider bringing climbing gloves, although these can also be acquired on-site.

10. Crescent Ridge Dairy

Just over the border in Sharon lies another longstanding local enterprise, which has been in operation for over 90 years.

Founded in 1932, Crescent Ridge Dairy began by delivering milk and high-quality provisions across Massachusetts, and initiated ice cream production from surplus milk in 1968, establishing its dairy bar.

This award-winning stand attracts long lines during the summer and has been recognized by publications such as National Geographic as one of the finest in the United States.

With over 40 flavors of ice cream, sorbet, sherbet, and frozen yogurt available, including no-sugar-added varieties, there is something for everyone.

If you choose to try just one flavor, make it the celebrated Black Bear, a delightful blend of raspberry ice cream with chocolate chips and chocolate-covered raspberry truffles, a recipe dating back to the stand’s opening.

11. Showcase Cinema de Lux Randolph

A notable site in Stoughton Center with abundant potential is the historic State Theatre movie palace. This former balcony cinema, which opened in 1927, has undergone various transformations and remained in operation until 2007.

A non-profit organization, Friends of the State Theatre, was established following the theatre’s closure, with the long-term objective of restoring the venue and reopening it as a performing arts center.

For the meantime, the nearest cinema option is the highly-rated Showcase multiplex, located less than ten minutes away in Randolph. As the most frequented cinema in its chain, it consists of 16 screens and offers stadium seating, recliners, as well as IMAX, 3D, and 4D viewing options.

12. Cedar Hill Golf Course

For those interested in golfing, there is a well-regarded municipal course situated in the southeastern part of Stoughton, not far from the Fuller Craft Museum.

Cedar Hill is a nine-hole course established in 1920, with a total length of 2,161 yards from the championship tees.

The course presents a well-balanced challenge, accommodating players of all skill levels. Challenging features include inconsistent elevation changes, densely wooded areas bordering the fairways, and small greens.

Be sure to visit the welcoming J & G Hillside Grill, offering a Portuguese-American menu that includes burgers, sandwiches, salads, and appetizers like shrimp Mozambique.

Additionally, check the schedule for Summer Movies on the Green, organized by the Stoughton Recreation Department.

13. Mary Baker Eddy Historic House

Mary Baker Eddy (1821-1910), a pivotal figure among 19th-century women and the founder of The Church of Christ, Scientist, has notable connections to Stoughton.

During her stay as a guest of the Wentworth family at their residence at 133 Central St from 1868 to 1870, she completed her first teaching text on Christian Science, the culmination of years of dedication.

The house, built around 1840 and later extended with Greek Revival architecture, was donated to the Longyear Museum in 1961, and has since been restored to reflect its mid-19th century appearance. Visits and tours can be arranged by appointment.

14. 4th of July Parade & Fireworks

If you find yourself in town during early July, Stoughton takes the opportunity to commemorate the nation’s independence with an exciting fireworks display and a parade through the town center.

The fireworks typically occur on the fields of Stoughton High School (232 Pearl St), usually preceded by a carnival and live performances.

The parade traditionally takes place at 10 am on the nearest Saturday to the 4th, commencing at Park/Prospect Street and progressing through the center to Washington St.

This parade typically includes patriotic floats, marching bands, local groups, sports teams, and a collection of classic automobiles.

15. Summer Concert Series

Throughout the summer, Stoughton offers a wealth of cultural activities thanks to the local Lions Club. This organization hosts a weekly concert series at the soccer fields of Gibbons Elementary School, in collaboration with the Stoughton Recreation Department.

Open to both residents and visitors, the concerts typically occur on Sunday evenings, encouraging attendees to bring chairs and picnic blankets for comfort.

The concert series runs throughout July and August, with performances featuring a mix of popular cover bands and a selection of original artists.