Methuen Travel Guide

Trek Zone

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Facts and practical information

Located in the picturesque region of Massachusetts, Methuen is a hidden gem that offers a unique blend of history, natural beauty, and vibrant culture. With its charming small-town atmosphere and close proximity to major cities like Boston and Salem, Methuen is the perfect destination for a memorable vacation.

History enthusiasts will be delighted by the rich heritage Methuen has to offer. The city is home to several historic sites, including the Searles Tenney Nevins Historic District, which showcases stunning Victorian architecture and serves as a window into the city's past. Explore the elegant Searles Castle, a magnificent medieval-style structure that transports visitors to a bygone era. For a deeper dive into history, visit the Methuen Memorial Music Hall, a National Historic Landmark that hosts concerts and events in a beautifully preserved 19th-century setting.

Nature lovers will find Methuen equally enchanting. The city boasts a variety of parks and outdoor spaces, providing ample opportunities for recreation and relaxation. Take a leisurely stroll through Forest Lake State Park, where you can enjoy picturesque views of the lake and immerse yourself in the tranquility of nature. For a more adventurous experience, hike the trails of the Harold Parker State Forest, a sprawling forested area that offers camping, fishing, and boating activities.

Methuen's vibrant culture is evident in its lively arts scene and diverse culinary offerings. Immerse yourself in the local arts community by visiting the Methuen Memorial Music Hall for a concert, or catch a show at the Methuen Memorial Music Hall or the Methuen Memorial Music Hall. Afterward, indulge in a culinary adventure at one of the city's many restaurants, ranging from cozy cafes to upscale dining establishments. Sample delicious New England seafood or savor international cuisine prepared by talented local chefs.

Alternative names: Settled: 1642Population: 47.3 thous.Area: 22.99 mi²Elevation: 72 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 42°43'42"N, 71°11'4"W

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MassachusettsUnited States

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Methuen Top Attractions

Methuen Attractions - What to See and Explore

Methuen offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Methuen Memorial Music Hall, Lawrence Street Cemetery, Greycourt State Park, First Baptist Church. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Music and shows • Theater • Concerts and shows
Methuen Memorial Music Hall
Methuen Memorial Music Hall, initially named Searles Organ Hall, was built by Edward Francis Searles to house "The Great Organ", a very large pipe organ that had been built for the Boston Music Hall.
Cemetery • Downtown Methuen
Lawrence Street Cemetery
The Lawrence Street Cemetery, or more commonly known as "the Village Burying Ground", is a historic cemetery on Lawrence Street in Methuen, Massachusetts.
Park • Downtown Methuen
Greycourt State Park
Greycourt State Park is a public recreation area covering 24 acres atop the partially restored ruins of the Charles H. Tenney estate in Methuen, Massachusetts.

Church • Downtown Methuen
First Baptist Church
First Baptist Church is an historic Baptist church building at 30 Park Street in Methuen, Massachusetts. Built in 1869 for a congregation established in 1815, it is one of the town's finest examples of Carpenter Gothic architecture.
Church • Gothic Revival architecture
First Church Congregational
First Church Congregational is a historic church at Pleasant and Stevens Streets in Methuen, Massachusetts. The stone Gothic Revival structure was built in 1855 for Methuen's first congregation, established in 1729.
Library • Downtown Methuen
Nevins Memorial Library
The Nevins Memorial Library at 305 Broadway in Methuen, Massachusetts was built in 1883 to honor David Nevins, Sr. as a memorial gift from his wife Eliza Nevins, his elder son David Nevins, Jr. and his younger son Henry Coffin Nevins.
Forts and castles • Downtown Methuen
Tenney Castle Gatehouse
The Tenney Castle Gatehouse is a historic gatehouse at 37 Pleasant Street in Methuen, Massachusetts, United States. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places on January 20, 1984.
Cemetery • Downtown Methuen
Walnut Grove Cemetery
Walnut Grove Cemetery is a historic cemetery at Grove and Railroads Streets in Methuen, Massachusetts. The still active cemetery sits on 14 acres and is privately funded with a Board of Directors.
Bridge • The West End
Double-arch Sandstone Bridge
The Double-arch Sandstone Bridge or more commonly known as the Sands Bridge, is a historic dry stone arch bridge over the Spicket River on Hampshire Road in Methuen, Massachusetts. Built without mortar between the stones, parts of it date back to 1735. It was used to handle traffic between Methuen and Salem, New Hampshire.
Cemetery • The East End
Daddy Frye's Hill Cemetery
Daddy Frye's Hill Cemetery is a historic cemetery at East and Arlington Streets in Methuen, Massachusetts. Established in 1728, it is the city's oldest cemetery, and the only major surviving element of its original town center.
42°43'39"N • 71°10'60"W
George A. Waldo House
The George A. Waldo House is a historic house in Methuen, Massachusetts. Built in 1825 and altered somewhat around 1900 by local philanthropist Edward Searles, it is one of Methuen's finest examples of Federal period architecture.
42°43'16"N • 71°10'58"W
Henry C. Nevins Home for Aged and Incurables
Henry C. Nevins Home for Aged and Incurables was built in 1906 in Methuen, Massachusetts. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1984. It and the Nevins Memorial Library, located at 305 Broadway were built by for Henry C. Nevins and his family as a memorial to his father, David C. Nevins, Sr.
42°43'44"N • 71°11'22"W
House at 306 Broadway
The House at 306 Broadway in Methuen, Massachusetts is a well-preserved example of a modest Greek Revival house built c. 1830. It is of a type that was somewhat common in Methuen from the 1830s to the 1850s.
42°43'34"N • 71°11'9"W
House at 10 Park Street
10 Park Street is a historic house located in Methuen, Massachusetts. The house was added to the National Register of Historic Places on January 20, 1984.
42°43'44"N • 71°11'18"W
G.B. Emmons House
The G.B. Emmons House is a historic house at 283 Broadway in Methuen, Massachusetts. The two story Queen Anne house was built c. 1890 for G.B. Emmons, president of the Emmons Loom Harness Company located in neighboring Lawrence.
42°43'35"N • 71°11'6"W
House at 9 Park Street
House at 9 Park Street is a historic house in Methuen, Massachusetts. According to the assessor's records the house at 9 Park Street was built in 1876 at a value of $950.
Neo-renaissance architecture • Downtown Methuen
Johnson House
The Johnson House is a historic house in Methuen, Massachusetts. It is a 2 ¹⁄₂-story wood-frame house, five bays wide, with a hip roof and end chimneys.
42°43'32"N • 71°11'34"W
House at 50 Pelham Street
The house at 50 Pelham Street in Methuen, Massachusetts is a well-preserved Italianate house and barn. Built sometime in the 1870s, the 2+1⁄2-story wood-frame house features typical Italianate decorations, including extended bracketed eaves, doubled brackets in the gable eaves, and a round-arch window in the gable end.
42°43'38"N • 71°11'5"W
Henry Preston House
The Henry Preston House is a historic house in Methuen, Massachusetts. Built around 1840, the house was originally built as a one-story house belonging to Henry Preston who had a wheelwright shop next door.

Day trips

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

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

21 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...
20 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...
19 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...
8.5 miSW
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...
20 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...