Southbridge Travel Guide

Trek Zone

Town

Facts and practical information

Southbridge, located in the heart of Massachusetts, is a charming city that offers a perfect blend of history, natural beauty, and small-town charm. With its rich heritage and vibrant atmosphere, Southbridge is a must-visit destination for travelers seeking an authentic New England experience.

One of the highlights of Southbridge is its historic downtown area, which is lined with beautifully preserved buildings from the 18th and 19th centuries. Take a leisurely stroll along Main Street and immerse yourself in the quaint charm of the city. Explore the local boutiques, antique shops, and art galleries that showcase the talents of local artisans.

For history enthusiasts, a visit to the Southbridge History Center is a must. Housed in a historic mill building, this museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the city's past. Discover the stories of the early settlers, the industrial revolution, and the impact of the textile industry on the region. The museum also hosts regular exhibits and events that delve deeper into Southbridge's heritage.

Nature lovers will be delighted by the picturesque landscapes that surround Southbridge. The nearby Wells State Park is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering hiking trails, picnic areas, and a beautiful lake for boating and fishing. Enjoy a peaceful day surrounded by nature, or venture out on the trails for a scenic hike through the lush forests.

Foodies will find plenty to satisfy their taste buds in Southbridge. The city boasts a diverse culinary scene, with a range of restaurants offering everything from classic New England seafood to international cuisine. Indulge in fresh lobster rolls, clam chowder, or savor the flavors of Italy, Mexico, or Asia at one of the many local eateries.

Southbridge's convenient location also makes it a great base for exploring the wider Massachusetts region. Head to nearby Sturbridge and visit Old Sturbridge Village, a living history museum that recreates life in the 19th century. Alternatively, take a short drive to Worcester, the second-largest city in New England, and discover its vibrant arts scene, world-class museums, and lively entertainment venues.

Alternative names: Settled: 1730Population: 19 thous.Area: 20.9 mi²Elevation: 515 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 42°4'38"N, 72°2'7"W

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MassachusettsUnited States

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Southbridge Top Attractions

Southbridge Attractions - What to See and Explore

Southbridge offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Notre Dame Parish, Holy Trinity Church, Congregational Church, St. George's Greek Orthodox Church. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Church
Notre Dame Parish
Notre Dame Catholic Church is a historic church in Southbridge, Massachusetts. It belongs to the St. John Paul II Parish, which also uses the St. Mary Church. It was built from 1912 to 1916 and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1989.
Church • Gothic Revival architecture
Holy Trinity Church
The Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, formerly the Evangelical Free Church, is a historic church building at 446 Hamilton Street in Southbridge, Massachusetts.
Church • Gothic Revival architecture
Congregational Church
The Elm Street Congregational Church is a historic church in Southbridge, Massachusetts. Built in 1885, it is a high quality local example of high Victorian Gothic Revival architecture executed in brick. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1989.

Church
St. George's Greek Orthodox Church
St. George's Greek Orthodox Church is a historic Greek Orthodox Church building at 55 North Street in Southbridge, Massachusetts. Built in 1932, it is the oldest Orthodox church in the city, and is a locally rare example of Byzantine and Greek architecture. The church was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1989.
Park
Clarke–Glover Farmhouse
The Clarke–Glover Farmhouse is a historic house at 201 South Street in Southbridge, Massachusetts. Built about 1830, it is a good local example of Greek Revival architecture. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1989.
City hall
Southbridge Town Hall
Southbridge Town Hall is an historic town hall at 41 Elm Street in Southbridge, Massachusetts. The imposing Romanesque Revival building was built in 1888 to serve as both the town hall and the public high school.
Church
Sacred Heart Church Historic District
The Sacred Heart Church Historic District encompasses the complex of buildings associated with the Sacred Heart Church on Charlton Street in Southbridge, Massachusetts.
42°3'54"N • 72°0'35"W
Ashland Mill Tenement
The Ashland Mill Tenement is a historic tenement at 141-145 Ashland Avenue in Southbridge, Massachusetts. Built about 1835, this unassuming rowhouse is one of the oldest documented factory-related buildings in the city.
42°4'38"N • 72°2'18"W
Beechwood
Beechwood is a historic house at 495 Main Street in Southbridge, Massachusetts. Built in 1868, it is prominent locally as a fine early example of Stick style architecture, and as one of the first houses to be built that became one of the city's upper-class neighborhoods.
42°4'55"N • 72°2'28"W
William E. Alden House
The William E. Alden House is a historic house at 428 Hamilton Street in Southbridge, Massachusetts. Built in 1882 for a prominent local businessman, it is a fine example of a modest home with Queen Anne and Stick style decoration.
Church
St. Peter's Roman Catholic Church-St. Mary's School
St. Peter's Roman Catholic Church—St. Mary's School was a historic church and school building at Hamilton and Pine Streets in Southbridge, Massachusetts.
42°4'29"N • 72°1'57"W
Jacob Edwards Library
Library
42°4'46"N • 72°2'17"W
Academie Brochu
The Academie Brochu is a historic school at 29 Pine Street in Southbridge, Massachusetts. Built in 1899, it is one of the city's most imposing Colonial Revival buildings, and a significant element of the development of its Franco-American community.
Shingle style architecture
Chapin Block
The Chapin Block is a historic commercial building at 208-222 Hamilton Street in Southbridge, Massachusetts. Built in 1888, it is the only Shingle style commercial building in Southbridge. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1989.
Gothic Revival architecture
Alden-Delehanty Block
The Alden-Delehanty Block is a historic commercial block at 858 Main Street in Southbridge, Massachusetts. Completed in 1888, it is the largest commercial building built in the town's Globe Village area, and is one of its most imposing Victorian edifices.
42°4'38"N • 72°2'3"W
Dunbar-Vinton House
The Dunbar-Vinton House is a historic house at Hook and Hamilton Streets in Southbridge, Massachusetts, USA. Probably built in the early 19th century, it is locally unusual for its brick construction at that time, and may have been built as a district schoolhouse.
42°4'39"N • 72°2'20"W
J.J. Oakes House
The J. J. Oakes House is a historic house at 14 South Street in Southbridge, Massachusetts. It is one of a few surviving Second Empire houses in Southbridge.
Gothic Revival architecture • Greek Revival architecture
Cliff Cottage
The Cliff Cottage is a historic cottage at 187 Mill Street in Southbridge, Massachusetts. Built before 1855, it is a distinctive combination of Greek Revival and Gothic features executed in stone.
42°4'16"N • 72°1'39"W
Alpha M. Cheney House
The Alpha M. Cheney House is a historic house at 61 Chestnut Street in Southbridge, Massachusetts. It was built in 1881 for Alpha M. Cheney, then one of the largest shareholders in American Optical Company, one of Southbridge's largest employers.

Day trips

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

In the vicinity of Southbridge, it's worth seeing attractions such as: MassMutual Center (Springfield), Worcester Art Museum (Worcester), Higgins Armory Museum (Worcester).

28 milesW
Arenas and stadiums, Hockey, Sport
MassMutual Center, Springfield
The MassMutual Center is a vibrant hub of entertainment and sports located in the heart of Springfield, Massachusetts. This expansive arena and convention center complex plays host to a diverse array of events, from high-energy hockey games to captivating concerts...
18 milesNE
Encyclopedic collection of art treasures
Worcester Art Museum, Worcester
Nestled in the heart of Worcester, Massachusetts, the Worcester Art Museum stands as a beacon of culture and history. Established in 1898, this prestigious institution boasts a diverse collection of over 38,000 works of art, spanning 5,000 years of human creativity.
19 milesNE
Museum, Gothic Revival architecture, Specialty museum
Higgins Armory Museum, Worcester
The Higgins Armory Museum was an esteemed institution located in the city of Worcester, Massachusetts, celebrated for its remarkable collection of arms and armor. As a testament to the innovative spirit of its founder, John Woodman Higgins, the museum was housed in a...
28 milesW
Hoops history in the sport's birthplace
Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, Springfield
The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame is an American history museum and hall of fame, located at 1000 Hall of Fame Avenue in Springfield, Massachusetts.
3.8 miNW
Museum
Old Sturbridge Village, Sturbridge
Old Sturbridge Village is a living museum located in Sturbridge, Massachusetts which recreates life in rural New England during the 1790s through 1830s. It is the largest living museum in New England, covering more than 200 acres. The Village includes 59 antique buildings, three water-powered mills, and a working farm.

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Best Time To Visit Southbridge

Learn when is the best time to travel to Southbridge weather-wise and what to expect in each season.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the top attractions to visit in Southbridge?

The top attractions to visit in Southbridge are: