Reading Travel Guide

Trek Zone

Town

Facts and practical information

Nestled in the heart of Middlesex County, Massachusetts, the town of Reading offers a charming blend of small-town charm and vibrant city life. With its rich history, picturesque landscapes, and numerous attractions, Reading is the perfect destination for travelers seeking a diverse and unforgettable experience.

History buffs will be delighted by the town's rich historical heritage. One of the most iconic landmarks is the Parker Tavern, a colonial-era inn that dates back to the 17th century. Visitors can explore its well-preserved rooms and learn about the tavern's role during the American Revolution. The nearby Joshua Eaton Elementary School, built in 1847, is another historical gem that showcases the town's architectural heritage.

Nature enthusiasts will find solace in the town's numerous outdoor spaces. The serene Lake Quannapowitt is a popular spot for fishing, boating, and picnicking, offering a tranquil respite from the bustling city life. The Reading Town Forest provides ample opportunities for hiking and exploring the town's lush landscapes, while the Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary offers a chance to observe a variety of bird species in their natural habitat.

For those seeking a taste of city life, Reading is conveniently located near several bustling cities. Just a short drive away is the vibrant city of Boston, where visitors can immerse themselves in the rich cultural scene, explore renowned museums like the Museum of Fine Arts, and indulge in delectable seafood at iconic eateries. The historic city of Salem, known for its witch trials, is also within reach, offering a unique blend of history, maritime charm, and enchanting attractions.

Food enthusiasts will be delighted by the diverse culinary scene in Reading. From quaint cafes and cozy diners to upscale restaurants serving international cuisines, there is something to satisfy every palate. Local favorites include Italian delicacies at Rocco's Restaurant & Bar, mouthwatering seafood at the Lobster Claw Seafoods, and traditional American fare at the popular Bunratty Tavern.

Alternative names: Settled: 1644Population: 24.7 thous.Area: 9.9 mi²Elevation: 105 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 42°31'21"N, 71°6'11"W

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MassachusettsUnited States

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Reading Top Attractions

Reading Attractions - What to See and Explore

Reading offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: House at 16 Mineral Street, Parker Tavern, Reading Police Department, Reading Public Library. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Bridge
House at 16 Mineral Street
16 Mineral Street in Reading, Massachusetts is a well-preserved Second Empire cottage. It was built c. 1874 and probably moved to its present location not long afterward, during a building boom in that part of the town.
History museum • Museum • Saltbox architecture
Parker Tavern
The Parker Tavern is a historic house museum in Reading, Massachusetts, United States. Built in 1694, it is the oldest extant structure in Reading.
42°31'32"N • 71°6'13"W
Reading Police Department
City hall • Police • Safety

Library
Reading Public Library
The Reading Public Library is located in Reading, Massachusetts. Previously known as the Highland School, the two-story brick-and-concrete Renaissance Revival building was designed by architect Horace G. Wadlin and built in 1896–97.
42°31'25"N • 71°6'33"W
Joseph Temple House
The Joseph Temple House is a historic house in Reading, Massachusetts. The Second Empire wood-frame house was built in 1872 by Joseph Temple, owner of locally prominent necktie manufacturer.
42°31'42"N • 71°6'11"W
Alden Batchelder House
The Alden Batchelder House is a historic house in Reading, Massachusetts. Built in the early 1850s, it is an excellent example of an early Italianate design. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1984.
42°31'31"N • 71°6'3"W
House at 44 Temple Street
The House at 44 Temple Street in Reading, Massachusetts is an excellent local example of the Bungalow style of architecture. Built c. 1910, it has a low hip roof with exceptionally wide eaves supported by exposed rafters.
42°31'30"N • 71°6'44"W
Jacob Manning House
The Jacob Manning House is a historic house in Reading, Massachusetts. Built in 1877 for garden nursery owner Jacob Manning, this 2 ¹⁄₂-story wood-frame house is an excellent local example of Stick style architecture.
42°31'41"N • 71°6'32"W
Joseph Bancroft House
The Joseph Bancroft House is a historic house in Reading, Massachusetts. Built in the early 1830s, it is a prominent local example of Federal period architecture.
42°31'24"N • 71°6'31"W
Carter Mansion
The Carter Mansion is a historic house located in Reading, Massachusetts.
42°31'20"N • 71°6'16"W
Capt. Nathaniel Parker Red House
The Capt. Nathaniel Parker Red House is a historic house at 77–83 Ash Street in Reading, Massachusetts. It is a 2 ¹⁄₂-story vernacular Georgian house, five bays wide, with entrances on its north and south facades.
42°31'35"N • 71°6'2"W
House at 42 Salem Street
The House at 42 Salem Street in Reading, Massachusetts is a transitional Greek Revival-Italianate house. Built sometime before 1854, its gable end faces the street, with the door on the left bay of three, a typical Greek Revival side hall layout.
42°31'5"N • 71°6'25"W
House at 26 Center Avenue
26 Center Avenue in Reading, Massachusetts is an architecturally eclectic cottage, with a mix of Greek Revival, Gothic Revival, and Italianate features.
42°31'24"N • 71°6'3"W
Luther Elliott House
The Luther Elliott House is a historic house in Reading, Massachusetts. The modestly sized 1.5-story wood-frame house was built in 1850, by Luther Elliott, a local cabinetmaker who developed an innovative method of sawing wood veneers.
Gothic Revival architecture
House at 322 Haven Street
322 Haven Street in Reading, Massachusetts is well preserved cottage with Gothic and Italianate features. Built sometime before 1889, its use of even modest Gothic features is unusual in Reading, where the Gothic Revival was not particularly popular.
42°31'36"N • 71°5'59"W
Harnden–Browne House
The Harnden–Browne House is a historic house at 60-62 Salem Street in Reading, Massachusetts, exemplifying the adaptation of older buildings to new architectural styles. The 2+1⁄2-story wood-frame house was built in 1831 by Sylvester Harnden, likely in a Georgian-Federal vernacular style.
42°31'27"N • 71°6'42"W
House at 129 High Street
129 High Street in Reading, Massachusetts is a well-preserved, modestly scaled Queen Anne Victorian house. Built sometime in the 1890s, it typifies local Victorian architecture of the period, in a neighborhood that was once built out with many similar homes.
Greek Revival architecture
House at 79–81 Salem Street
The House at 79–81 Salem Street, also known as the Samuel Allen House, in Reading, Massachusetts was a modest Greek Revival two-family cottage. The wood-frame house was built sometime between 1830 and 1854 was a typical vernacular Greek Revival house, with a five-bay facade and a paired central entrance.
42°31'18"N • 71°5'41"W
House at 11 Beach Street
11 Beach Street in Reading, Massachusetts is a modest Queen Anne cottage, built c. 1875-1889 based on a published design. Its first documented owner was Emily Ruggles, a prominent local businesswoman and real estate developer.

Day trips

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

In the vicinity of Reading, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Museum of Fine Arts (Boston), Quincy Market (Boston), Faneuil Hall (Boston).

13 milesS
Impressionist art and Egyptian treasures
Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
The Museum of Fine Arts (MFA) in Boston stands as a beacon of culture and history in the United States. Established in 1870, this grand institution is one of the most comprehensive art museums in the country, boasting a collection that encompasses nearly 500,000 works...
11 milesS
Shopping, Market, Flea market
Quincy Market, Boston
Quincy Market is a historic marketplace in the heart of Boston, Massachusetts, that has become a beloved landmark and a bustling hub for locals and tourists alike. Located in the city's downtown area, Quincy Market consists of a main building, Faneuil Hall, flanked by...
11 milesS
Historic indoor-outdoor shopping center
Faneuil Hall, Boston
Faneuil Hall, located in the heart of Boston, United States, stands not only as a bustling shopping center but also as a site steeped in history. Known as "The Cradle of Liberty," it was built in 1742 and has been an integral part of Boston's social and political life...
12 milesS
Original colonial seat and state capitol
Old State House, Boston
The Old State House stands as a testament to the rich history of Boston, United States. This Georgian-style building, constructed in 1713, is one of the oldest public buildings in the country and has played a crucial role in the American Revolution.
11 milesS
Interactive exhibits and an IMAX theater
Museum of Science, Boston
Nestled in the heart of Boston, the Museum of Science stands as a beacon of exploration and education, capturing the imagination of visitors with its interactive exhibits and cutting-edge presentations. This esteemed institution is dedicated to making science...