Lunenburg, Massachusetts, sits about 37 miles northwest of Boston in Worcester County. It’s named after the Duke of Lunenburg, better known as King George II of England. Lunenburg was initially an agricultural town but later became an industrial community. This Massachusetts town has a long history, and the area is known for many different things. Take a look at some of Lunenburg’s best-known historical features and characteristics, both past and present.
Whalom Park
PO_yrt-1446 by Virginia State Parks is licensed with CC BY 2.0
Whalom Park was a popular amusement park on Lake Whalom in Lunenburg. It first opened in 1893 and remained open until 2000. When it closed, it was one of the oldest amusement parks in the country and the second-oldest trolley park in the world. The Fitchburg & Leominster Street Railway developed the park as a traditional English-style park with walking paths and gardens, but it was also developed as a trolley park.
One of the most popular rides at Whalom Park was the Flyer Comet. This wooden roller coaster first opened in 1940 and remained a popular ride until the park closed. The park was also known for many other rides, including the:
- Ferris wheel
- Flying Scooters
- Looper
- Octopus
- Roto-Jets
- Giant slide
- Satellite Jets
- Paratrooper
- Tumble Bug
Otter River State Forest
Otter River State Forest in nearby Baldwinville, Massachusetts, is a popular spot for summer day trips and camping, as well as winter activities. The park offers various outdoor activities, from hiking to camping, fishing, and swimming. In the winter, the park has snowmobile trails to explore and is also a great place for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
Take a day trip to Otter River State Forest to enjoy athletic fields, a picnic area, and a covered pavilion. The pavilion is available for rent if you want to reserve it for a special occasion or family gathering. It sits right on the water and has a grill and fire pit.
Camping is another popular activity at Otter River State Park. The park is home to the first campground in the Massachusetts State Park system. There are 73 campsites, three group sites that sit around Beaman Pond, and four yurts that can accommodate four to six people. The campground offers hot showers and flush toilets, and every campsite has a picnic table and a fire ring.
Drawbridge Puppet Theater
The Drawbridge Puppet Theater is a unique theater in Lunenburg that will appeal to younger kids. This theater puts on puppet and marionette shows for any occasion. It's the perfect place for a birthday party for the little ones and a great place to go on a rainy day when you want to get the kids out of the house.
Shows run on Saturday and Sunday every week and get started at 11 a.m. Tickets cost just $7, making this a fun and affordable family activity. The show changes monthly, and you can find out what's playing by checking the website.
You can rent the theater to host group meetings, functions, or showers. It offers safe off-street parking, banquet tables, a sound system with a microphone and music, clean restrooms, and trash removal and cleanup. The enchanted gardens make it a perfect spot for an outdoor event and include a picnic area with umbrella-covered tables.
Oxbow National Wildlife Refuge
The Oxbow National Wildlife Refuge is one of eight refuges that make up the Eastern Massachusetts National Wildlife Refuge Complex. It has locations in Harvard, Massachusetts, and Devens, Massachusetts, both of which are less than 30 minutes away from Lunenburg. The refuge is part of the national migratory bird management program and seeks to protect and conserve species that depend on its land and water.
The refuge offers various activities for visitors all throughout the year. There are miles of trails to explore on foot, or you can get out on the water and kayak the Nashua River. The refuge also offers the following activities:
- Snowshoeing in the winter
- Cross-country skiing
- Bird watching
- Hiking
- Non-motorized boating
- Photography
- Wildlife watching
- Hunting
- Fishing
Settlers Crossing Golf Course
Settlers Crossing Golf Course is a regulation nine-hole course in Lunenburg with stone walls, rolling hills, and fairways lined with trees. The clubhouse is a colonial house built in 1899 and a perfect example of late 17th-century design and construction. It's a popular spot for photos and houses the pro shop, where you can shop for equipment and book a lesson with Don Lyons, the PGA professional on staff.
Wachusett Mountain
Wachusett Mountain is located less than 30 minutes from Lunenburg, and it’s a popular ski destination for Massachusetts residents and skiers from all around. The mountain has 2,006 feet of elevation and a 1,000-foot vertical drop. It offers 27 trails, eight lifts, and 100% snowmaking technology.
The mountain is home to several racing leagues if you want to take your skiing skills to the next level and take on the competition. The Night Race League is one of the most popular and features head-to-head team competition on a Dual Giant Slalom course. The NASTAR league is for all ages and abilities. This recreational program is a great way for young skiers to build confidence as they enjoy the thrill of skiing through a course.
Wachusett Mountain also hosts several festivals and events during the off-season. Head here in the fall for family-friendly events, including:
- AppleFest
- BooFest
- Kids Fest
- OktoberFest
- Fall Food Truck Fest
MTNside Sale & Swap
These are just some of the events, local spots, and outdoor parks that Lunenburg, Massachusetts, is known for. It’s also home to North End Mazda, where you can find a large selection of new and used Mazda vehicles. Stop by and let us tell you more about Lunenburg while we get you out for a test drive in one of the latest Mazda cars or SUVs. We’ll help you find the perfect vehicle to get you out and about in Lunenburg so you can see all the great sites and attractions this area has to offer.
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