Things to do in Sturbridge, MA

Sturbridge, Massachusetts is a charming New England town with a rich history and plenty of things to see and do. Here are the top 8 things to do in Sturbridge.

Old Sturbridge Village

What is it?
Old Sturbridge Village is a living history museum located in Sturbridge, Massachusetts. The village is a recreation of a rural New England town from the early 19th century, and features more than 40 historic buildings, including homes, barns, a schoolhouse, a meetinghouse, a sawmill, and a gristmill. The village also has a working farm with heritage breed animals, a stagecoach, and various other exhibits.

Why should you go?
Old Sturbridge Village offers visitors the opportunity to step back in time and experience life as it was in rural New England during the 1800s. The village provides a unique educational experience for people of all ages, offering hands-on demonstrations of traditional crafts such as blacksmithing, pottery, and weaving. Visitors can also interact with costumed historians who bring the town's history to life, and learn about the everyday activities of early New Englanders.

In addition to the historic buildings and exhibits, Old Sturbridge Village hosts numerous events and programs throughout the year, including seasonal activities such as maple sugaring and apple picking, as well as traditional holiday celebrations. The village also has a restaurant and tavern, which serves traditional New England fare using locally sourced ingredients.

Wells State Park

What is it?
Wells State Park is a state park located in Sturbridge, Massachusetts, covering an area of 1,400 acres. The park offers a range of outdoor activities and facilities for visitors, including camping, hiking, fishing, swimming, and more.

Why should you go?
Wells State Park is a great place to visit for those who enjoy spending time in nature and participating in outdoor activities. The park offers a variety of trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding, as well as a beach and swimming area for those who want to cool off on a hot summer day.

Camping is also available at Wells State Park, with 60 campsites available for tents, trailers, and RVs. The park offers both primitive and modern campsites, with amenities such as fire rings, picnic tables, and restrooms with showers.

Fishing is a popular activity at Wells State Park, with the park's two ponds, Walker Pond and Stearns Pond, stocked with a variety of fish including trout, bass, and perch. Visitors can also rent boats and canoes at the park to explore the ponds and try their hand at fishing.
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Westville Recreation Area

What is it?
Westville Recreation Area is a public park located in Sturbridge, Massachusetts, spanning over 350 acres. It features a large lake, nature trails, picnic areas, and a campground.

Why should you go?
Westville Recreation Area is a great place to enjoy outdoor activities such as swimming, boating, fishing, and hiking. The park has several hiking trails of varying lengths and difficulty levels, which take visitors through wooded areas and along the lake shore. The lake is a popular spot for swimming and boating, with boat rentals available at the park. The campground offers a peaceful and scenic retreat for those looking to spend the night, with campsites for tents and RVs available.

In addition to outdoor activities, Westville Recreation Area hosts several events throughout the year, including fishing derbies, nature walks, and educational programs for children. It's also a popular spot for birdwatching, with a variety of bird species found in the park.
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Hyland Orchard & Brewery

What is it?
Hyland Orchard & Brewery is a farm and brewery located in Sturbridge, Massachusetts. The property includes over 150 acres of apple orchards, making it a popular destination for apple picking in the fall. In addition to apple picking, the orchard also offers a variety of family-friendly activities such as hayrides, corn mazes, and petting zoos.

Why should you go?
One of the main attractions at Hyland Orchard & Brewery is their on-site brewery, Rapscallion Brewery. Visitors can enjoy a variety of craft beers brewed on-site, including IPAs, stouts, and seasonal specialties. The brewery also has a taproom where visitors can sample the beers and enjoy snacks.

Hyland Orchard & Brewery also hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including live music, festivals, and seasonal events such as pumpkin festivals and Christmas tree lighting ceremonies. The farm also has a market that sells a variety of local and seasonal produce, baked goods, and artisanal products.
@hylandorchard

Stageloft Repertory Theater

What is it?
Stageloft Repertory Theater is a small theater located in Sturbridge, Massachusetts, that showcases a variety of productions, including plays, musicals, and revues.

Why should you go?
If you're a fan of live theater or looking for a unique entertainment experience, Stageloft Repertory Theater is definitely worth a visit. The theater provides a cozy and intimate atmosphere for audiences, with seating for just over 100 people. Productions are typically held on weekends, and the theater's season runs from January through December.

In addition to providing an entertaining night out, Stageloft Repertory Theater also offers opportunities for local actors and theater enthusiasts. The theater provides audition opportunities for aspiring actors and technical positions for those interested in working behind the scenes. The theater also offers acting classes for both children and adults, providing a great opportunity for individuals to develop their skills and learn about the world of theater.

Stageloft Repertory Theater also offers special events throughout the year, such as murder mystery dinners, cabaret nights, and improv shows. These events are a great way to experience the theater in a new and exciting way, and they provide a fun night out for couples, families, and groups of friends.
@stageloft

Streeter Point Recreation Area

What is it?
Streeter Point Recreation Area is a popular outdoor recreational spot located on the shores of Cedar Lake in Sturbridge, Massachusetts. It spans over 140 acres and offers a wide range of activities for visitors to enjoy.

Why should you go?
Streeter Point Recreation Area is a great destination for anyone looking for outdoor fun and relaxation. The park's sandy beach is perfect for swimming and sunbathing, while the clear waters of the lake provide excellent fishing opportunities. Hiking trails wind through the woods, offering beautiful views of the lake and the surrounding countryside. Picnic tables and grills are available for those who want to enjoy a meal with family and friends, and the park also has a playground for children. Boaters can take advantage of the park's boat ramp and dock to launch their watercraft and explore the lake. Overall, Streeter Point Recreation Area is a great place to spend a day or a weekend enjoying the beauty of nature and the many activities it has to offer.

Tantiusques Trail

What is it?
Tantiusques Trail is a 5.5-mile hiking trail located in Sturbridge, Massachusetts. The trail takes hikers through a beautiful forest with plenty of opportunities for wildlife sightings and scenic views.

Why should you go?
The Tantiusques Trail offers a chance for visitors to get outside and experience nature while also getting a good workout. The trail is well-maintained and offers a variety of different terrains, making it suitable for hikers of all levels. Along the way, hikers will see a variety of flora and fauna, including towering trees, wildflowers, and birds. There are also plenty of scenic overlooks where hikers can take in views of the surrounding forest.

In addition to the natural beauty of the trail, Tantiusques is also a historic site. The trail takes visitors through what was once a thriving mining community in the 1700s. Hikers can explore the remains of old mines and see where miners once dug for iron ore. There are also signs along the trail that provide information about the history of the area.
@close_2_nature

Sturbridge Pottery

What is it?
Sturbridge Pottery is a local pottery studio and shop located in Sturbridge, Massachusetts. The studio was founded in 1974 and has been creating handmade pottery ever since. The pottery is made using traditional techniques, and the studio is open to visitors who want to watch the artists at work.

Why should you go?
Visiting Sturbridge Pottery is a great way to support local artists and find unique, handmade gifts. The studio and shop offer a variety of pottery pieces, from functional dinnerware to decorative pieces, all with their own unique designs and glazes. In addition to purchasing pottery, visitors can watch the artists at work, learning about the pottery-making process and the history of the craft.

Sturbridge Pottery is also located in the heart of Sturbridge, a town with a rich history and plenty of other attractions. After visiting the pottery studio, visitors can explore the town and its many shops and restaurants, or head to nearby Old Sturbridge Village for an immersive look at life in 19th-century New England.
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