New England is filled with quaint, rustic, small towns known for natural beauty, history, and community. And there’s nowhere more evident of that than in the charming town of Sturbridge, Massachusetts, a village located about 60 miles southwest of Boston (home to America’s oldest public park) and 22 miles from the state’s second-largest city of Worcester. Founded in the 18th century, Sturbridge’s central location at the geographic heart of the early American colonies helped the area flourish. Later in its history, given its connectivity to major highways that stretch east, west, and south, it remained a hub for travel and commerce. However, today it maintains a distinctly small town feel that Tripadvisor describes as “a portrait of New England Charm.”
Sturbridge exudes all that makes travel in New England unique, with plenty of shops, restaurants, and leisure activities. It is filled with historic sites which played host to a number of great American figures while maintaining a local, small-town flare. History buffs, nature enthusiasts, cottagecore lovers, family travelers, and fanatics for shopping small can escape Boston’s crowds and check out the must-visit town of Sturbridge instead.
Can’t-miss spots in Sturbridge
The town’s long history lends itself to attracting buffs on the subject, and travelers can witness it come to life at Old Sturbridge Village, a living history museum that recreates the town in its 19th-century heyday. Old Sturbridge Village boasts the largest outdoor history museum in the area, encompassing over 40 historic structures — including homes, mills, and schoolhouses. Here, actors simulate life in historic Sturbridge, and visitors have access to a number of indoor and outdoor exhibitions. This can easily be an all-day activity and is a family-friendly adventure, too.
If history isn’t something that necessarily captures your attention, then Southwick’s Zoo, located 40 miles east of Sturbridge, is a great seasonal outdoor activity. The zoo houses a wide variety of wildlife, from Bengal tigers and zebras to guinea pigs and porcupines. It offers a robust variety of activities for families, including rides and attractions. Speaking of potential wildlife, the area around Sturbridge is home to many popular outdoor spaces that are open to the public. Westville Recreation Area offers picnic shelters, a large open space for sports games, and canoe and kayak launches for those wanting to experience Sturbridge from the Quinebaug River.
Wells State Park is another ideal outdoor spot. Here, visitors can go boating, fishing, horseback riding, mountain biking, or hiking across 12 miles of trails. Nestled in the hilly woodlands along Walker Pond, outdoor enthusiasts are able to book a camping site there seasonally. The park can accommodate RVs but also offers yurts. The campground’s amenities include comfort stations with free showers, drinking water, picnic tables, fire pits, and grills.
Where to shop and eat in Sturbridge
