Andover Travel Guide

Trek Zone

Town

Facts and practical information

Andover, located in the picturesque region of Massachusetts, is a charming town that seamlessly blends history, natural beauty, and a vibrant community. With its rich colonial heritage and stunning landscapes, it offers a delightful experience for visitors of all kinds.

Nestled along the banks of the Merrimack River, Andover boasts a captivating New England charm. Its historic downtown area is replete with beautifully preserved colonial buildings, quaint boutiques, and charming cafes. Take a leisurely stroll down the streets and immerse yourself in the town's captivating atmosphere, where the past and present seamlessly coexist.

History enthusiasts will find much to explore in Andover. The town is home to the esteemed Phillips Academy, one of the oldest and most prestigious boarding schools in the United States. Founded in 1778, the academy's campus is a sight to behold, with its stunning architecture and well-manicured grounds. The Addison Gallery of American Art, located on the campus, houses an impressive collection of American art spanning from the 18th century to the present day.

Nature lovers will be enchanted by Andover's abundance of natural beauty. The Harold Parker State Forest offers miles of scenic hiking trails, serene lakes for fishing and boating, and peaceful picnic spots. Enjoy a leisurely afternoon surrounded by the vibrant colors of the changing seasons or embark on an adventurous hike through the forest's diverse terrain.

For those seeking a taste of the town's vibrant community spirit, Andover offers a variety of events and festivals throughout the year. From the Andover Farmers' Market, where you can savor fresh local produce, to the Andover Crafts in the Park festival, showcasing the talents of local artisans, there is always something happening in this lively town.

Alternative names: Settled: 1634Population: 8.8 thous.Area: 32.1 mi²Elevation: 161 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 42°39'23"N, 71°8'23"W

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MassachusettsUnited States

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Andover Top Attractions

Andover Attractions - What to See and Explore

Andover offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Addison Gallery of American Art, J. Everett Collins Center for the Performing Arts, Robert S. Peabody Museum of Archaeology, Andover Town Hall. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Museum • Art museum
Addison Gallery of American Art
The Addison Gallery of American Art is an academic museum dedicated to collecting American art, organized as a department of Phillips Academy in Andover, Massachusetts.
Theater
J. Everett Collins Center for the Performing Arts
The J. Everett Collins Center for the Performing Arts is a 1,203 seat, publicly owned theatre in Andover, Massachusetts which functions as both a venue for municipal functions and a facility for private rentals.
Museum • Archaeological museum
Robert S. Peabody Museum of Archaeology
The Robert S. Peabody Institute of Archaeology, formerly known as the Robert S. Peabody Museum of Archaeology, is a learning center and archaeological collection in Andover, Massachusetts.

Performing arts • Entertainment • City hall
Andover Town Hall
Andover Town Hall is the historic town hall of Andover, Massachusetts. It is located at 20 Main Street, between Park and Barnard Streets. The 2+1⁄2 story Romanesque Revival red brick building was constructed in 1858, not long after the separation of North Andover.
Neighbourhood
Central Street District
The Central Street District is a historic district encompassing the traditional heart of Andover, Massachusetts prior to the development in the later 19th century of the current town center.
Natural attraction • Body of water • Park
Haggetts Pond
Haggetts Pond is the reservoir for the town of Andover, Massachusetts, United States. It is located in the western part of the town and also lends its name to a road. The Merrimack River is connected to the pond to add volume to the reservoir. It is bordered by Route 133 on the south.
Library
Memorial Hall Library
Memorial Hall Library is the public library of Andover, Massachusetts. The building was built with Italianate styling in 1873 to a design by J. F. Eaton.
42°39'25"N • 71°8'27"W
Musgrove Block
The Musgrove Block is a historic commercial building at 2 Main Street in the center of Andover, Massachusetts. The three story brick building was built in 1895 on the site of a former town green, and forms part of Andover's central Elm Square intersection.
Georgian architecture
Holt Farm
Holt Farm is a historic farm built in 1714 by Nicholas Holt's grandson Timothy Holt and located at 89 Prospect Road in Andover, Massachusetts. The house was built on the highest point in Essex County on land granted in Nicholas Holt.
42°39'20"N • 71°8'26"W
Andover National Bank
The Andover National Bank building is a historic bank building at 23 Main Street in Andover, Massachusetts. The brick Romanesque Revival building occupies a prominent place in Andover center, opposite the town hall.
Greek Revival architecture
Jehiel Cochran House
The Jehiel Cochran House is a historic house at 65 Burnham Road in Andover, Massachusetts. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and Massachusetts cultural inventory records at 63 Burnham Road, but by the Andover Historical Society at 65 Burnham Road.
Saltbox architecture
Benjamin Abbot House
The Benjamin Abbot House or Abbot Homestead is a historic house at 9 Andover Street in Andover, Massachusetts, USA. The house was built in 1711, and is one of the oldest in Andover. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1975.
42°39'22"N • 71°8'26"W
Barnard Block
The Barnard Block is a historic commercial block at 10-16 Main Street in the center of Andover, Massachusetts. The two story brick and stone building was built in 1910 for Henry Barnard, son and business partner of Jacob W.
Gothic Revival architecture
J. T. Abbot House
The J. T. Abbot House is a historic house at 34 Essex Street in Andover, Massachusetts. The Gothic Revival house was built in the late 1840s for Joseph Thompson Abbot by Jacob Chickering, a leading local real estate developer and builder of the mid 19th century.
42°39'36"N • 71°8'29"W
Abiel Pearson House
The Abiel Pearson House is a historic house in Andover, Massachusetts. This Federal style two story house was built c. 1807 for Doctor Abiel Pearson, originally from Byfield, Massachusetts, at the start of High Street near the town center.
42°39'22"N • 71°8'34"W
Chickering House
The Chickering House is a historic house at 28 Essex Street in Andover, Massachusetts. It was built by local builder Jacob Chickering as his personal residence sometime in the early 1830s.
42°39'26"N • 71°8'29"W
Benjamin Punchard House
The Benjamin Punchard House is a historic house in Andover, Massachusetts. Located in the center of Andover, it now houses a bank. The house was built in 1846 by Benjamin Punchard, a successful merchant and shopkeeper.
42°39'42"N • 71°8'42"W
Nathan Frye House
The Nathan Frye House is a historic house in Andover, Massachusetts. The large mansion was built in 1851-52 for Nathan Frye, who had recently become president of the Marland Mill Company, one of Andover's major textile firms.
Neighbourhood
Andover Public Schools
The Andover Public Schools district is the public school district for the town of Andover, Massachusetts.

Day trips

Andover – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Andover, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Peabody Essex Museum (Salem), Minute Man Monument (Concord), Nashoba Valley Ski Area (Westford).

16 milesSE
Modern venue for American/Asian artwork
Peabody Essex Museum, Salem
Nestled in the historic city of Salem, Massachusetts, the Peabody Essex Museum (PEM) stands as a beacon of art and culture. Renowned for its rich and diverse collections, this museum is one of the oldest continuously operating museums in the United States, having been...
17 milesSW
Historical place, Park, Battlefield
Minute Man Monument, Concord
The Minute Man Monument stands as a timeless emblem of American history in the town of Concord, Massachusetts. This bronze statue, crafted by renowned sculptor Daniel Chester French, commemorates the valiant efforts of the American colonial militia during the opening...
18 milesSW
Winter sport, Park, Ski area
Nashoba Valley Ski Area, Westford
Nestled in the picturesque town of Westford, Massachusetts, the Nashoba Valley Ski Area offers a delightful retreat for winter sports enthusiasts. Established as a local hub for skiing, this charming ski area provides a variety of slopes catering to different skill...
9.1 miW
Sport venue, Sport, Arenas and stadiums
Edward A. LeLacheur Park, Lowell
Nestled along the banks of the Merrimack River, Edward A. LeLacheur Park is a beloved stadium located in Lowell, Massachusetts. This modern ballpark, which opened its doors in 1998, has become an integral part of the city's cultural and sports landscape, offering...
15 milesSE
Historical place, Museum, History museum
Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site, Saugus
Nestled in the heart of Saugus, Massachusetts, the Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site offers a unique glimpse into the early industrial roots of America. This historical place stands as a testament to the ingenuity and determination of 17th-century ironworkers...