The Most Charming River Towns In Massachusetts
Massachusetts is a historic state bordering the Atlantic Ocean and cut through by several rivers, including the Merrimack and Connecticut Rivers. Starting in 1628, the lands around these rivers, like other parts of the state, were settled en masse by Europeans, and today, the riverside settlements, particularly, have grown into some of the most vacation-worthy destinations in the country. From Agawam to Ipswich, these river towns in Massachusetts are charming and worth visiting for a vacation full of scenery and outdoor adventures. While they all have rivers in common, each city has unique features, making them worth visiting individually. For instance, travelers will find an enchanting bookstore beside a river and waterfall in a city like Montague. At the same time, Agawam hosts one of the most exciting amusement parks in the country. Without further ado, Massachusetts's most charming river towns are worth the next flight.
Newburyport
Newburyport is a gorgeous town on the Merrimack River, bordering the Atlantic Ocean, and perfect for a waterside vacation. Here, travelers are invited to the Waterfront Park to enjoy relaxing strolls on the boardwalk along the river or soak in the views from one of the benches. Access to the water for boating is available at Cashman Park, which has a boat ramp and plenty of space for trailer parking. Elsewhere, Maudslay State Park invites nature lovers to walk through thickets, 19th-century gardens, meadows, and along rivers and ponds. The park is right on the Merrimack River, and is also an amazing place to see raptors and other wildlife, plus it becomes a hotspot for skiing and snowshoeing in winter.
Furthermore, Newburyport is around two miles from Plum Island, which has a beautiful beach ideal for relaxation, fishing, and boating. The island hosts the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge, an incredible spot for birdwatching as it is located on the Atlantic Flyway. This refuge is also a great place for fishing and kayaking.
Agawam
Agawam sits pretty on the Connecticut River, New England’s longest river, providing endless water recreation and scenery. Visitors to this town will be delighted by the Robinson State Park, which is located along the Westfield River, a tributary of the Connecticut River. Covering more than a thousand acres, this park features an abundance of wildlife, some of which includes fisher cat and beaver, and it serves as a stopover for migrating birds. Over 20 miles of trails are available for hiking, biking, and cross-country skiing, plus the river is ideal for fishing and canoeing. Those who love golfing are invited to the Crestview Country Club to golf with charming views of the Pioneer Valley.
In the meantime, Agawam is famous for hosting Six Flags New England, one of the country’s top attractions. This attraction alone is worth the visit to Agawam as it is the region’s largest amusement park, with multiple rides and attractions, including Superman: The Ride, considered one of the best coasters in the world that reaches speeds of up to 77 miles per hour and features a 221-foot drop into a tunnel.
Amesbury
Amesbury lies in the Northeastern corner of Massachusetts along the Merrimack River, with a mix of history, culture, and natural beauty. This town is famous for hosting Lowell’s Boat Shop, the oldest continuously operating boat shop in America, established in 1793. Located right on the banks of the river, this shop is considered the birthplace of the fishing dory, and today, it is a working boat shop and living museum, where visitors can learn about boat building and the area’s maritime history. Still on the Merrimack River, Alliance Park is a cool spot to relax with views of the flowing water. Near this park is the town’s public boat ramp, for those who want to go boating and fishing, plus there’s a marina next to the boat ramp providing seasonal dockage.
Away from the river, Amesbury hosts the Cider Hill Farm, a gorgeous 145-acre farm featuring a wide variety of fruits such as apples, strawberries, and pumpkins, all of which are available for picking. Additionally, the farm offers flowers, other fresh produce, live music, and amazing apple donuts. Elsewhere, Lake Gardner invites travelers to relax on its beach, or swim, kayak, and fish in the water.
Ipswich
Ipswich is one of Massachusetts’ most exciting towns worth visiting year-round. A true coastal and river town, this town is located on the Atlantic Ocean and cut through by multiple rivers, especially the Ipswich River. Visitors to this town will enjoy kayaking on the Ipswich River, which can be accessed from Ipswich River Watershed Association Riverbend headquarters or Peatfield Landing River Dock. Notably, Riverbend headquarters has trails winding along the river and through gardens and forest areas where birds and mammals like deer and fox can be seen. As a town on the coast, Ipswich hosts Crane Beach, one of the coolest places in the region to relax, swim, and watch birds. This beach also offers access to over five miles of trails winding through the area’s maritime forests and dunes. Notably, Crane Beach is within the Crane Estate, including the spectacular Castle Hill Mansion built in 1928.
The Sandy Point State Reservation is in town for more recreation, with a beautiful beach ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and hiking. Several farms, such as Marini Farm and Appleton Farms, are also in town to delight visitors with gorgeous scenery and exciting farm activities. The Appleton Farm is one of the oldest working farms in America, dating to 1638. The farm features four miles of hiking trails winding through pastures and lush trees, and a farmstore with lots of local produce including eggs and cheese.
Montague
Montague is a beautiful town on the Connecticut River covering a 31-square-mile area and hosting five villages, some of which include Turners Falls, Montague Center, and Lake Pleasant. Turners Falls is the largest of these villages, comprising over half of the town’s population, and located right on the river. Travelers to this village will be met with impressive views of the Connecticut River from the Turners Falls-Gill Bridge. Within the town, the Great Falls Discovery Center is a great place to learn about the natural, cultural, and industrial history of the Connecticut River Watershed. The center is near the river and is a great place to picnic, plus it contains life-sized dioramas of the watershed’s animals and habitats, and hosts cultural events year-round. Moreover, Turners Falls is home to the Canalside Rail Trail, a 3.7-mile trail that follows a former rail bed to the town of Deerfield. The trail is an amazing place to bike, hike, and picnic, with views of the Connecticut River and the city of Deerfield.
Elsewhere in town, book lovers will find the Montague Bookmill, one of the most charming bookstores in America, located in an 1842 gristmill, on the shores of the Sawmill River. Interestingly, the bookstore’s motto reads “books you don’t need in a place you can’t find.” True to this, thousands of books can be found in this charming bookstore, covering everything from zoology to astrology. Plus, the river forms a waterfall beside the building, making it an even more appealing place to read. The Lady Killigrew Cafe is even in this bookstore, providing some of the best food and beverages in town.
Tyngsborough
Tyngsborough is a lovely town on the border with New Hampshire, cut through by the Merrimack River. Once known for ferries that frequently traversed the river, the town is now a recreation hub, with several attractions starting from the Riverfront Park. This park is the perfect place to walk a dog or just unwind by the river, with views of green fields and lush trees. Next, Parlee Farms is in town to keep everyone busy from mid-June to late October with fruit picking activities, and opportunities to shop for fresh produce, and eat apple cider donuts, among other seasonal treats. Those who love sports have the Max’s Country Golf Course to enjoy, as it features an 18-hole mini golf course, baseball & softball battling cages, bumper boats, and a 50-tee station driving range.
For lovers of waterfront dining, Tyngsborough is home to the Shoreline Beach Club, which offers exceptional food and impressive views of Long Pond. Additionally, Sherburne Nature Center is a cool spot in town to hike through wooded areas and see birds. The Butterfly Place is less than three miles away in Westford and is an amazing spot to see hundreds of freely flying butterflies and gorgeous flowers.
Chelmsford
Chelmsford is one of Massachusetts’s larger towns, bordered by the Merrimack River and the Concord River, two of the state’s most prominent rivers. In addition to its waterfront allure, the town is full of attractions to delight travelers, including the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail. This trail takes hikers and bikers on a picturesque 16-mile journey through woods, wetlands, and open fields, traversing several towns, including Westford and Concord. At the town’s Lime Kiln Quarry Reservation, more hiking awaits through open meadows and wooded areas, with sights of quarries and rock formations. Furthermore, Chelmsford is home to Russell Mill Pond & Town Forest, an amazing place to bike and hike through wooded areas with views of the Russell Mill Pond, which is also ideal for fishing. For some watersports, the Heart Pond in town is a great place to enjoy boating, swimming, and more fishing.
In the meantime, golf lovers can enjoy the scenic nine-hole Chelmsford Country Club, while the nearby Great Brook Farm State Park has 20 miles of trails, Native American sites, and a working dairy farm to further delight everyone.
River towns are amazing destinations that offer something other destinations don’t. With their locations along flowing water bodies, everything feels alive at all times, and just watching the waters flow can be a great way to unwind and stay entertained. There are many destinations in Massachusetts where you can enjoy this experience, but the towns mentioned above are at the top of the list. Visit these river towns in Massachusetts today, and enjoy true relaxation in the arms of nature. While visiting, a few safety precautions to remember include wearing safety vests when on the water and checking the weather and tides to stay ahead of flooding and other dangers.
