Located partway between Worcester and Springfield, Sturbridge is a historic town in south-central Massachusetts. Originally inhabited by the Nipmuc people, it was visited by English Puritans in 1644 and settled 85 years later. Sturbridge takes its name from the English market town of Stourbridge.
Things to do in Sturbridge
In the heart of town is the Sturbridge Common Historic District, which centres around a town square laid out in 1738. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it’s home to the 1838-built Greek Revival Town Hall and the Joshua Hyde Library, as well as a tavern that has existed since 1772. Don’t miss the whitewashed Sturbridge Federated Church, which dates back to 1922.
Take a step back in time at Old Sturbridge Village, which recreates life in rural New England during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Encompassing more than 80 hectares, it comprises dozens of antique buildings, water-powered mills and farm buildings where costumed staff demonstrate artisan crafts. Visit the Quaker meeting house and admire the covered bridge before getting up close to friendly animals at the working farm.
North of Sturbridge is Wells State Park, a popular recreational area that’s traversed by hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding trails. It encompasses the impressive cliff face of Carpenter Rocks and wildlife-filled wetlands, as well as woodlands dominated by oak, hickory and white pine trees. Boating and fishing can be enjoyed on Walker Pond.
Getting around Sturbridge
Sturbridge is around 30 minutes’ drive from Worcester and just over an hour from Boston. Boston Logan International Airport is 1.5 hours away and has flights to destinations across the globe. Buses connect to Sturbridge while renting a car gives you greater freedom to explore the area.