It’s almost guaranteed that Worcester, Massachusetts, will wow you with all the cool things to do there. Look at our recommended travel activities and attractions in Worcester, Massachusetts, to get the most out of your time there. Check out the list of the best things to do in Worcester, Massachusetts and places to go in Worcester, Massachusetts, below. Wondrous Drifter is an ambitious Web 3.0 travel startup with the potential to revolutionize the market.
Table Of Content
- 111 Chophouse
- American Antiquarian Society
- Bancroft Tower
- Central Rock Gym Climbing Center
- Crompton Collective
- EcoTarium
- Elm Park
- Green Hill Park
- The Hanover Theatre for the Performing Arts
- Korean War Memorial
- Livia’s Dish
- Mechanics Hall
- O’Connor’s
- Salisbury Mansion
- The Sprinkler Factory
- Tuckerman Hall
- Worcester Art Museum
- Worcester Center for Crafts
- Worcester Historical Museum
- Wormtown Brewery
- Volunteer At Animal Shelters
111 Chophouse
You have to go to 111 Chophouse, one of Worcester’s go-to restaurants when in Worcester.
When you walk into 111 Chop House, you’ll see nice furniture and an open kitchen that lets in a lot of light.
The white-coated waiters and waitresses are immaculate. The restaurant was created by Peter Niemitz, a well-known restaurant architect.
Art Nouveau and beautiful wood paneling decorate the walls. There are also opulent wine cellars in the hotel.
There is an excellent selection of prime-grade steaks on the menu, such as New York strip and filet mignon.
Classic steakhouse entrees and seafood delicacies are featured on the menu. Regarding the steaks, you can opt for the Mishima Reserve Wagyu Flat Iron Steak, which comes with sautéed asparagus, mushrooms, and roasted potatoes.
After that, check out their extensive selection of fine wines available to go with your food.
Address: 111 Shrewsbury Street, Worcester, MA, United States
American Antiquarian Society
In the mood for something historical and educational on your trip to Worcester?
The American Antiquarian Society was a crucial independent research library and academic institution established in 1812.
It was founded by Revolutionary War patriot Isaiah Thomas, who is notably known for being the “Patriot Priner” of the Massachusetts Spy.
The AAS library has more than four million items, like newspapers, pamphlets, books, magazines, periodicals, music, and graphic arts, all open to the public and stored on more than 25 miles of shelves.
Secondary texts and manuscripts, and digital resources related to early American culture and history can be found in the AAS’s enormous collection.
The American Antiquarian Society offers free tours on Wednesday afternoons.
Additionally, a wide range of activities, such as concerts, talks, and lectures, are held.
Take a stroll through the shelves and appreciate the history of a library that’s been significant for the last 200 years and more.
Address: 185 Salisbury Street Worcester, Massachusetts, United States
Bancroft Tower
The Bancroft Tower is one of the top attractions in Massachusetts.
How about a visit to one of Worcester’s historic places?
The Bancroft Tower in Worcester, which was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1980, is another place that people will remember.
A benefactor named Stephen Salisbury built it in 1990 as a tribute to George Bancroft, a friend of his.
Salisbury Park’s 56-foot-tall Bancroft Tower is a fantastic medieval-inspired structure.
The tower, which is made of stone, resembles a little feudal castle with a notable feature.
You will feel like you’ve been transported to another era by just looking at the tall structure.
Because it’s situated in a quiet neighborhood, the tower enjoys a gentle breeze.
You’ll be at peace away from the city bustle and traffic, marveling at the tower while learning about its history.
It’s also an excellent spot for pictures!
Address: 3 Bancroft Tower Road, Worcester, Massachusetts, 01609, United States.
Wondering where to go this holiday? Try Massachusetts. Use our travel guides to see and do more on Cape Cod and Salem! You should not miss out on the fun. Check out on best things to do in Cape Cod, Massachusetts, and the best things to do in Salem, Massachusetts.
Central Rock Gym Climbing Center
Check out the Central Rock Climbing Centre for a day of rock climbing fun! Courses are also available for kids!
The Central Rock Gym is a world-class facility that provides the latest equipment and enormous climbing walls.
The Gym opened in 2009, and its cutting-edge and state-of-the-art exercise equipment gives everyone world-class indoor climbing, community, and fitness options.
To name just a few things the CRG Worcester offers: there are 13,000 square feet of indoor climbing walls with over 100 bouldering, top-rope, and lead-climbing stations.
There are also several classes and teams for members and non-members alike.
Head Setter Justin Wright and his team designed the facility’s courses. It has a wide range of fun and challenging climbing routes for climbers of all skill levels.
There are several different climbing classes, from beginner climbs with a guide to more advanced techniques and private lessons.
Address: 299 Barber Avenue, Worcester, MA, United States
Crompton Collective
The Crompton Collective is one of the best things to do in Massachusetts.
Everyone in the family may enjoy Crompton Collective’s wonderful mix of antiques and art and boutiques, markets, and fresh fruit.
This venue’s design pays homage to the city’s cluster of small businesses and creative individuals.
This gives the location filled with rare gems to be discovered.
It includes everything from lovely clothes to unique handicrafts and even antique cups.
Foodies can visit the lively Canal District Farmers Market for a quick bite in the same area.
It also showcases the produce from local farmers, so you can stock up on food and lose weight at the same time.
Finally, if you’re still hungry, stop into the loved Birch Tree Bread Company.
You can get a hearty breakfast or a light lunch (and some snacks, too!).
It’s safe to say that a trip to Crompton Collective will be enjoyable for the whole family, regardless of age.
Plus, they’re open every single day.
Address: 138 Green St, Worcester, MA 01604, United States
Wondering where to go this holiday? Try Massachusetts. Hop over to the best travel guides for Springfield and Boston. Don’t forget to also see the exciting things to do in Springfield, Massachusetts and the best things to do in Boston, Massachusetts.
EcoTarium
The EcoTarium is one of the best places to visit in Massachusetts.
The EcoTarium in Worcester is a must-see for science lovers and nature lovers visiting the city.
A science museum and a nature museum, the EcoTarium encourages and motivates visitors to become interested in science and nature.
Guests can visit the Alden Digital Planetarium, go on an exciting hike through the trees, and meet different animals at their Animal Corner.
Are you looking for things to do with kids in Worcester? This is the place to go!
In the EcoTarium’s museum, they offer multiple levels of interactive, hands-on displays where people can learn about nature.
The hallmark exhibits are Alden Planetarium and The Arctic Next Door: Mount Washington.
Another intriguing display is the City Science: The Science You Live.
Throughout the year, the museum houses a wide variety of educational activities and special events.
If you come at the right time, you can see their seasonal events like their summer camps, their Frozen Fun Weekends, and the spooky Great Pumpkin Fest are all examples of these activities.
Address: 222 Harrington Way Worcester, Massachusetts, United States
Elm Park
Elm Park is great for getting some fresh air and having a good time visiting Worcester.
It is a historic Worcester park situated between Park Avenue, Highland, and Russell Street.
The lovely park was one of America’s early public parkland purchases in 1854.
An on-site plaque proclaims it to be the nation’s first public park!
It is also listed as a National Historic Landmark for its historical significance.
Sadly, it was subject to years of neglect and wear and tear until the park underwent a $4 million restoration, turning it into a tourist attraction.
The park, once pastureland, has grown to a total area of 60 acres. The park’s amenities include Newton Hill, basketball courts, picnic areas, and tennis courts.
Ice skating and weddings are also popular in the winter, but the park is also a popular location year-round.
Address: 138 Russell St, Worcester, MA 01602, United States
Green Hill Park
Skyline Drive is the location of Worcester’s Green Hill Park, a significant municipal park. At 480 acres, it is the largest park in the city.
A zoo, two quaint ponds, a playground, a baseball field, a skateboarding area, and two handball courts are all included within the park.
Among the various creatures that live at Green Hill Park Farm are a flock of chickens, a herd of goats, and sheep.
The Green Hill Park Shelter, erected between 1910 and 1911 by architect George H. Clemence, is one of the oldest structures in the park.
The pavilion was constructed in the Oriental style and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
It’s also a terrific place for a stroll, bike ride, or trek because it’s perched atop Worcester’s seven major hills.
Stop at one of the many picnic tables available when you’re ready to take a break from the action.
Address: 50 Skyline Drive Worcester, Massachusetts, United States
The Hanover Theatre for the Performing Arts
In 1904, what used to be the Franklin Square Theatre was renamed the Hanover Theatre for the Performing Arts.
It was previously known as the Franklin Square Theatre, where burlesque, headlining performances, Broadway touring musicals, and even silent films were all performed.
Also, the theatre has a wide variety of plays, musicals, and art shows to celebrate the performing arts and the local artists.
As a matter of fact, the theater is Central Massachusetts’ “cultural treasure.”
It has a capacity of around 2300 people and hosts a variety of shows, including Last Comic Standing.
The Franklin Square Salon Gallery is located on the theatre’s second floor and showcases different types of visual arts.
Some local art students can even take an internship, a part-time job, or summer camps.
There are plenty of romantic date spots in Worcester, but Hanover Theatre takes place.
The décor and the outstanding performances will surely make it a night to remember for you and your loved ones.
Address: 2 Southbridge Street Worcester, Massachusetts, United States
Korean War Memorial
This spot is a great way to respect the fallen Massachusetts soldiers.
On your way to the Memorial, you’ll see a black polished granite wall inscribed with the names identifying all 191 young Worcester County soldiers who gave their lives in service to their country during the Korean War.
This area is special with a bronze statue of a US soldier and a young Korean whose orphans were saved during and after the war.
The bronze statue of the man symbolized the estimated 100,000 orphans rescued by the soldiers.
And the figure of a child beside it represents Korea’s bright future.
There’s also the recently built Walkway of Honor, a tree-lined memorial to Massachusetts’s fallen soldiers from Iraq, Afghanistan, the Gulf War, and half a dozen American news reporters. They lost their lives in Pakistan and Iraq.
It is in a quiet residential area to give visitors a calm and severe feeling while looking around.
Address: 52 Foster St, Worcester, MA 01608, United States
Livia’s Dish
Livia’s Dish is a laid-back Italian and Mediterranean eatery known for its hearty portions, friendly service, and good food.
As a young boy, Enton Mehillaj, the executive chef and co-owner of Livia’s Dish, learned to cook from his family before moving to the United States.
The freshest seafood and meats are used wherever possible, and organic, local produce is used whenever possible. New millennium comfort food can be made with ingredients, herbs, spices, and cooking methods.
There is food for everyone at Livia’s, from soups and salads to appetizers like bruschetta and sautéed mussels to entrées like Livia’s Fettuccini and Chicken Parmesan.
If you’re visiting Worcester on a particular day, in addition to breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner, Livia’s also has a catering service and a menu for special events.
If you’re looking for a unique dining experience in Worcester, this is one of the best restaurants to check out.
Address: 1394 Main Street Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
Mechanics Hall
Visit Mechanics Hall and get amazed by the decor and the performances.
Mechanics Hall is one of the most popular places for events and performances in Central Massachusetts.
It is known for its beautiful architecture, luxurious furniture, and high-quality sound.
After being restored in 1977, Mechanics Hall has since become one of North America’s top four performance halls.
It was included in the National Register of Historic Places because of its historical significance and stunning architecture.
Event planners can expect a world-class venue that combines the grandeur of the 19th century with modern conveniences and excellent acoustics.
The building’s magnificent chambers are now set up to hold various events, including weddings, galas, and concerts.
There are so many beautiful photographs of the building that you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time.
Events like weddings and galas can be held in the Mechanics Hall, which can be used for recording sessions, performances, and special events of various kinds.
Address: 321 Main Street Worcester, Massachusetts, United States
O’Connor’s
O’Connor’s is a casual Irish restaurant and bar in the middle of Worcester.
It is known for its bright, friendly atmosphere.
According to a survey with 4,000 respondents, O’Connor’s Restaurant and Bar was named the best Irish Pub in Massachusetts.
For over two decades, O’Connor’s has provided a home-away-from-home atmosphere and wonderful meals to diners worldwide.
The main dining area is cozy and friendly. At the same time, the traditional Irish “Shannon Bar” serves a wide variety of draft beers, wines, and spirits worldwide.
You can’t pass this up; this is what the Irish are known for.
A New England Fisherman’s Pie of haddock, salmon, shrimp, and bay scallops, baked in a chowder sauce, is one of the restaurant’s unique evening offerings.
O’Connor’s has weekly lunch and dinner specials, a full breakfast buffet, and first-rate private dining options if that’s more your cup of tea.
Address: 1160 West Boylston Street Worcester, MA, United States
Salisbury Mansion
Visit one of the most well-preserved historic homes in New England!
The Salisbury Mansion, a historic home museum in Worcester, is located on Highland Street.
It is the city’s sole historic house museum, in fact.
Built in 1772 by Stephen Salisbury, the home had a business selling foreign goods until the Salisbury family decided to expand their living quarters in 1820.
After numerous incarnations as a rooming house and a gentlemen’s club, it went through some changes once more.
It became a girls’ school, a tenancy house, and a social club. The home had many different purposes before being donated to the American Antiquarian Society in 1929.
It was ultimately properly restored to represent its former life as the Salisburys’ home in the 1960s.
The house was moved to its current position after being donated to the Worcester Art Museum.
The Worcester Historical Museum now runs the house as a museum after it was restored to its original 1830 state.
Address: 40 Highland Street Worcester, Massachusetts, United States
The Sprinkler Factory
If you and your family are interested in learning more about the modern marvels that we all take for granted, visiting The Sprinkler Factory is a must!
With more than 3000 square feet of exhibition space, the factory houses a variety of artworks, including sculptures, wall paintings, and installations, as well as artist workshops where printmaking, ceramics, jewelry-making, and demonstrations take place.
The facility is housed in the former Rockwell Sprinkler Co. building. It is known for having a lot of natural light and high ceilings, which makes it a popular place for interior snobs.
Monthly art exhibitions are held at the factory and numerous workshops where artists can work on a variety of projects, including ceramics, jewelry, pottery, painting, sculpture, and more.
Recently, the factory even held an auction of the local artists’ creations to help raise money for their cause.
You can have a better experience after booking a tour of their facility.
Address: 38 Harlow St, Worcester, MA 01605, United States
Tuckerman Hall
Home to the magnificent Massachusetts Symphony Orchestra, this hall was designed by a remarkable architect.
Thanks to Josephine Wright Chapman, Tuckerman Hall is as beautiful in the past as it is now.
She was one of the first women architects in the United States that designed the hall in 1902.
In 1999, the structure underwent extensive renovation and restoration.
This resulted in an acoustically superior venue that can accommodate 521 fans for concerts, parties, and other social events, which it is known for today.
Weddings, events, and corporate banquets can be held in the hall, which has a capacity of 200 to 270 people.
The hall is an excellent alternative for fundraisers, meetings, seminars, parties, and other events.
They have a kitchen, bathrooms, a projection booth, and other amenities inside the venue and the main auditorium’s 40-foot incredibly high ceiling.
It was even added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1980.
So, be sure not to miss this historic concert hall.
Come for the beautiful decor and architecture, and stay for the remarkable performances.
Address: 10 Tuckerman Street Worcester, Massachusetts, United States
Worcester Art Museum
Collections from more than 50 centuries can be seen in Worcester’s Art Museum.
We have about 35,000 works of art in the museum, which include everything from paintings to sculptures to prints to photographs to decorative arts to drawings and anything else.
The Worcester Art Museum is one of the best things to do in Worcester.
It was opened in 1927 and was one of the first museums and public schools to work together in the United States.
You’ll find familiar names like Gauguin, Monet, and Goya, as well as Cassatt and Whistler, in the museum.
Paul Revere’s silver collection is one of the museum’s most popular displays, as are the Renaissance Court mosaics on the Renaissance Court floor.
The museum also has educational opportunities for adults and students, such as guided tours, artist lectures, a community day, art classes, workshops, and community days.
After that, you can browse for souvenirs at their gift shop and relax in the café.
Address: 55 Salisbury Street, Worcester (Massachusetts), United States
Worcester Center for Crafts
Come to the place where crafts, their’ importance, immigrants workers, and women are appreciated.
The Worcester Employment Society was founded in 1856 to help the city’s citizens.
Immigrants, especially immigrant women, were the primary beneficiaries of the Center’s early efforts to teach them how to make and sell handcrafted goods for their livelihood.
Even though the center is a century-old independent, non-profit arts organization that serves the local community, it is still in the middle of the process of helping the community.
If you like glass, ceramics, and crafts, a trip to this gallery would be a treat for you.
Thanksgiving is a great time to visit with your friends and family, and the Center hosts an annual event for you to get great gifts for children and adults.
You will find everything from handmade toys, pottery, beautiful jewelry, carved wood, and glass sculptures among the items on display.
This place is not to be missed!
Address: 25 Sagamore Rd, Worcester, MA 01605, United States
Worcester Historical Museum
Dive deeper into the history of Worcester.
After learning about the city’s countless stories, you’ll enjoy the attractions more.
The Worcester Historical Museum’s (WHM) goal is to keep the city’s history alive and show it to people.
Daniel Seagrave, Richard O’Flynn, Franklin Rice, and John Smith were invited to Samuel E. Staples’ home in 1875 by the grocer/bookkeeper to talk history and archaeology.
The WHM’s collection of relics, objects, and documents is a careful record of the town’s history.
Informational displays show historical items from industrial-era Worcester, like weapons from the colonial period, an extensive collection of clothes and fabrics from the time, and early ceramics and woodwork.
Moreover, WHM also owns and runs Salisbury Mansion, built in 1772 and brought back to its original beauty after years of reconstruction.
You can also participate in more educational activities, private or public guided tours, and see permanent and changing exhibits.
Address: 30 Elm Street Worcester, Massachusetts, United States
Wormtown Brewery
Shrewsbury Street in Worcester is home to the well-loved Wormtown Brewery.
An award-winning brewery that opened its doors on March 17, 2010, has since been visited by residents and tourists who wish to relax while sipping on a wonderful beer and listening to good music.
More than 180 awards are given to a wide variety of their recipes, emphasizing quality above quantity.
If you’re seeking an excellent IPA, look no further than Wormtown.
The brewery locally sources everything from malt hops and rye.
This well-known brewery began as an ice cream parlor but has now grown into a full-fledged business and is well-known in the area for its popular beer brands.
To name just a few: Seven Hills Session Pale Ale, Be Hoppy, and Worcester’s Bravest Wit.
Also, the brewery offers tours on weekends.
Treat yourself to a cold pint of their brew. You deserve it!
Volunteer At Animal Shelters
Looking for meaningful activities? Help out a local animal shelter today! Roughly four thousand and six thousand shelters can be found in the United States. Between 8 and 10 million cats and dogs are abandoned each year. Temporary care is provided by these shelters. If an animal is found wandering the streets or its owner gives up on it, it will end up at the shelter. There aren’t enough people to take them in or homes for them to go to. Therefore between 4 and 6 million are killed every year.
Animal shelters are often overcrowded and understaffed. Even the best shelters and rescues have difficulty giving each animal the individual love and attention it would need to thrive. By spending time with the animals, you are not only giving them love, but you are also socializing them. Animals who are socialized are more likely to be adopted during a meet and greet.
The holidays are a wonderful time of year to focus on people who are less fortunate than we are. Animals are frequently overlooked but helping out when you can significantly impact your neighborhood. Consider adding regional animal welfare organizations to your list this year when you get into the giving mood! Happy holidays, howls!
Look into the various animal shelters in Worcester, Massachusetts, that you may help out at. Please help abandoned animals!
Traveling and having fun in the USA? You have to check out this page – the best states to visit in USA for the most fun and unusual travel ideas.
Need more reasons to visit Worcester, Massachusetts? Click here for all the reasons to visit Worcester, Massachusetts, at least once in your lifetime here.
Address: 72 Shrewsbury St #4, Worcester, MA 01604, United States
