12 Offbeat Massachusetts Towns To Visit In 2025

Since becoming part of the Union in 1788, Massachusetts' enduring heritage has allowed it to be part of landmark moments in America's history. It was home to the nation's first subway, the oldest park, and Alexander Graham Bell's first call after his invention. Beyond this vibrant culture and unlimited entertainment in Boston, the Bay State hides a selection of quirky little towns that intrigue travelers with unusual customs, eccentric attractions, and atypical festivals.

These unique gems showcase a different side of the state that can't be replicated in the metro areas. From the rare relics of the American Revolutionary War hidden in Concord to the fascinating tales of 17th-century witch trials in Salem, here are offbeat Massachusetts towns to visit in 2025.

Salem

This small city on the north coast of Massachusetts has been immortalized in books, on TV, and at the Box Office for its infamous Witch Trials. The 1692 ordeal comes to life through numerous markers and sites, including the Salem Witch Trials Memorial. Over a dozen witches persecuted during the period are honored at this surreal site, which features a granite stone inscribed with their names. Also, the Witch House preserves the home of Judge Jonathan Corwin, a prominent figure from the trials, and provides a window into the past.

Guests can tour the House of the Seven Gables, a 1668 Colonial mansion inspired by Nathaniel Hawthorne's novel. Finally, Salem hosts one of the most colorful Halloween festivals in the country, promising endless hauntings and numerous events, scheduled for October 2025.

Medfield

This small town in Norfolk County is known for hosting the Medfield State Hospital Campus. Founded in 1892, the iconic complex and former asylum has been featured in notable motion pictures, including Knives Out and Shutter Island. Today, you can visit the site to relive some of the most remarkable movie scenes. The Medfield Historical Society provides a detailed look into the town's history. Here, you can find a selection of artifacts and archives from the community.

Medfield is surrounded by pristine wilderness with numerous opportunities for the outdoorsy traveler. You can choose between the Fork Factory Brook Preservation and Rocky Woods to commune with Mother Nature along scenic hiking trails.

Shelburne Falls

This historic village along the Deerfield River boasts a string of quirky attractions drawing tourists from around the region. It is home to the Bridge of Flowers, a former trolley bridge spanning the Deerfield River with colorful flowers. People walk along the pathway to soak in the storybook scenery and admire the water views. The Shelburne Falls Potholes are another unusual point of interest worth checking out. This series of glacial potholes, formed over 14,000 years ago, makes for a fascinating spectacle.

Guests can escape to the great outdoors by visiting High Ledges Wildlife Sanctuary, where a 5-mile network of trails lets you explore native flora and bird species across a 500-acre sanctuary. But if you prefer to stay downtown, you can sample crispy New England brews at the Floodwater Brewing Company.

Sturbridge

Sturbridge is a small town in Worcester County known for its unmatched historical heritage and vivid reenactment of the past years. The borough transports guests to the old days at the Old Sturbridge Village. Spread across 200 acres, this 18th-century settlement is the state's largest outdoor living museum and features dozens of antique structures depicting New England life in the 1700s and 1800s. If you thrive outdoors, you will enjoy exploring Tantiusques, a 57-acre reservation listed on the NRHP.

Sturbridge is also home to the Westville Recreation Area, which best embodies the gorgeous natural scenery in the town. Together with Wells State Park, they cultivate remarkable excursions in the open spaces, featuring activities like mountain biking, hiking, and horseback riding.

Danvers

This northeastern coastal suburb of Boston is famous for its history with the infamous witch trials from the 17th century. It maintains multiple sites and landmarks directly linked to the hysteria around the persecutions, including the Salem Village Parsonage. Considered to be ground zero for the trials, the site sparked the frenzy for the witch hunts. Danvers welcomes guests to pay homage to the many lives lost during the time at the Witchcraft Victims' Memorial. The monument was dedicated in 1992 before an audience of thousands.

Fans of the dark, mysterious, and strange will have a blast walking through the quiet halls of the Danvers State Hospital. Past visitors to this 19th-century asylum have reported a range of paranormal activity, from eerie sounds, phantom touches, and ghostly sightings.

Concord

One of the historically immersive Massachusetts towns to visit in 2025, Concord transports you back to the origins of the American Revolutionary War, which marked a turning point in the country's destiny. It preserves the Minute Man National Historical Park, where you can explore old battlefields and relics from the conflict. The North Bridge is another noteworthy landmark spanning the Concord River. The 18th-century replica bridge was the location of the shot heard around the world, which marked the onset of the Revolutionary War.

You can learn more about the war at the Concord Museum, which documents the region's history using 16 galleries with rare exhibitions. Finally, stop by the Sleepy Hollow Cemetery and pay your last respects to some of the country's greatest thinkers, such as Washington Irving.

Groton

Popularly known as the "Submarine Capital of the World," Groton has a longstanding heritage spanning approximately 370 years and houses numerous landmarks and sites from the old era. Bancroft's Castle ruins are prominent among them; a turn-of-the-century castle was never completed. There have been haunting stories around the building, with people reporting sightings of the ghost of a woman. Groton is an excellent escape for wildlife watchers, inviting them to stake out at least 100 native wildlife species throughout Rocky Hill Wildlife Sanctuary.

Meanwhile, the arts community is vibrant in Groton. It constantly entertains, educates, and spreads awareness about the arts using live stage performances, programs, workshops, and classes at the Groton Hill Music Center.

North Adams

This hidden gem in the Massachusetts Berkshires is renowned for housing the state's only naturally created white marble arch. Guests from New England visit the Natural Bridge State Park to witness this archeological masterpiece, carved by the Hudson Brook over millions of years. North Adams is a small arts and culture mecca thanks to the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art. This world-class museum is America's largest facility dedicated to contemporary visual and performing arts.

Opportunities abound for those who crave an outdoor excursion, starting with hiking the rugged trails cutting through the Hoosac Range Reserve. Alternatively, you can go camping on the lush grounds of History Valley Park and soak up stunning vistas of Windsor Lake.

Lynn

Situated approximately four miles north of Boston, Lynn is a fun suburban community with a cosmopolitan flair, known for its mixed immigrant population. However, travelers come to see its most whimsical point of interest at Dungeon Rock. This mysterious cave has a captivating backstory and was dug by a man under the influence of ghosts to find pirate treasure. Red Rock Park is perfect for nature lovers, providing a cool spot by the water and stunning panoramas of the Atlantic Ocean.

A drive along the Lynn Shore Drive allows guests to appreciate the scenic beauty that defines the outdoors. However, those who prefer to stay indoors can catch a live musical performance at the Lynn Memorial Auditorium.

Clinton

This Worcester County community has a fair share of eccentric attractions that deliver an alternative tourist experience. It is home to the Clinton Train Tunnel, which once stood as the longest in the state. The structure was completed in the early 1900s and provides a random, out-of-the-box escapade. It also passes near the Wachusett Dam and Reservoir, which is among the largest water bodies in the state and fuels aquatic activities like boating, fishing, and kayaking.

Clinton also invites visitors to play baseball on the world's longest continually used baseball diamond. The field was opened in 1878 and serves as a popular public gathering spot. Finally, consider visiting the Icon Museum and Study Center to browse a quirky collection of over 1,000 Russian icons.

Lexington

This tiny borough northwest of Boston is renowned for its rich history and war heritage. It is associated with the beginning of the Revolutionary War and houses multiple monuments from the showdown. The highlight for many visitors is the Lexington Battle Green, which hosted the Battles of Lexington and Concord. It even has a Revolutionary War Monument. Several other markers paint a picture of the early days in Lexington, including the 18th-century Buckman Tavern. The historic inn served as an essential public spot as townsfolk strategized for the war. But there is more to Lexington beyond history; ardent adventurers can take advantage of 100 isolated acres at Willard's Woods. The area accommodates hiking, mountain biking, camping, and nature photography activities.

Holyoke

This quiet college town along the western bank of the Connecticut River harbors evidence of prehistoric life in a sprawling archeological treasure. Holyoke lures tourists with the Dinosaur Footprints, an 8-acre site with hundreds of dinosaur footprints dating back millions of years. There are boundless opportunities to immerse oneself in the open spaces. The Mount Tom State Reservation challenges hikers with demanding climbing trails to a 1,200-foot peak, where sweeping panoramas of the town await.

Meanwhile, the Ashley Reservoir accommodates various recreation activities, including hiking, picnicking, fishing, and viewing wildlife. On the other hand, those seeking indoor leisure will fancy a retail therapy and dining session at the Holyoke Mall.

Final Thought

A trip to Massachusetts doesn't have to circle around the Boston area; the state has a beautiful backcountry with a fair share of gorgeous little towns that have been grossly overlooked. An excellent escape from the bustle of the city, some of these destinations stand out for their oddities, which visitors can check out for a remarkable out-of-the-box adventure. From the numerous haunted sites in Danvers to the stunning natural landforms in North Adams, these provide the perfect offbeat Massachusetts towns to visit in 2025.