Wakefield Travel Guide

Trek Zone

Town

Facts and practical information

Nestled in the heart of Massachusetts, the charming town of Wakefield offers a serene escape from the bustling city life. With its picturesque landscapes, rich history, and vibrant community, Wakefield is a hidden gem waiting to be explored.

One of the highlights of Wakefield is its beautiful Lake Quannapowitt. Stretching over 200 acres, this tranquil lake provides the perfect setting for a leisurely stroll or a relaxing picnic. Take in the breathtaking views of the water as you unwind and soak up the peaceful atmosphere.

For history enthusiasts, Wakefield is home to several fascinating landmarks. The Richardson House, a historic Victorian mansion, offers a glimpse into the town's past with its preserved interiors and period furnishings. Step back in time as you explore this architectural gem and learn about the prominent figures who once resided here.

Another must-visit attraction is the Wakefield Common, a charming park located in the town center. Adorned with beautiful flowers and towering trees, the Common is a favorite spot for locals and visitors alike. Take a leisurely stroll along the pathways, enjoy a picnic on the grass, or simply relax on one of the benches and watch the world go by.

For those seeking outdoor adventure, Breakheart Reservation is just a short drive away. This sprawling nature reserve offers miles of hiking trails, picturesque vistas, and tranquil lakes. Whether you're an avid hiker or simply enjoy being surrounded by nature, Breakheart Reservation is a true haven for outdoor enthusiasts.

After a day of exploration, satisfy your appetite at one of Wakefield's delightful eateries. From cozy cafes serving up freshly brewed coffee to upscale restaurants offering a diverse range of cuisines, Wakefield caters to every palate. Indulge in local delicacies and savor the flavors of the region, making your culinary journey an unforgettable one.

Alternative names: Settled: 1638Population: 24.9 thous.Area: 7.9 mi²Elevation: 92 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 42°30'12"N, 71°4'12"W

Location

MassachusettsUnited States

Contact

Website

Social media

Add

Wakefield Top Attractions

Wakefield Attractions - What to See and Explore

Wakefield offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Lake Quannapowitt, Lakeside Cemetery Chapel, Greenwood Union Church, Church–Lafayette Streets Historic District. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Nature • Natural attraction • Lake
Lake Quannapowitt
Lake Quannapowitt a lake in Wakefield, Massachusetts named for Quonopohit, the Naumkeag Native American who signed a deed to the town that would become Wakefield in 1686.
Cemetery • West Side
Lakeside Cemetery Chapel
The Lakeside Cemetery Chapel is a historic chapel in Lakeside Cemetery, on North Avenue in Wakefield, Massachusetts. The stone chapel, built 1913, is one of a few Neo-Gothic buildings in the town.
Church • Greenwood
Greenwood Union Church
Greenwood Union Church is a historic church at 4 Oak Street in Wakefield, Massachusetts. The church was built in 1884 and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1989.

Neighbourhood • Downtown Wakefield
Church–Lafayette Streets Historic District
The Church–Lafayette Streets Historic District encompasses a well-preserved collection of late 18th- and early 19th-century houses in Wakefield, Massachusetts. It includes properties on Church Street between Common Street and North Avenue, and on Lafayette Street between Common and Church Streets.
Church • Downtown Wakefield
Meeting House of the Second Parish in Woburn
The United Church of Christ, Congregational is a historic Congregational church in Burlington, Massachusetts. Built in 1732, it is one of the oldest religious structures in Massachusetts, and one of a small number of pre-19th century church buildings.
Cemetery • West Side
Temple Israel Cemetery
Temple Israel Cemetery is a historic Jewish cemetery on North Avenue in Wakefield, Massachusetts. The cemetery was established by the Temple Israel congregation of Boston in 1859.
42°30'37"N • 71°4'14"W
House at 15 Lawrence Street
The House at 15 Lawrence Street in Wakefield, Massachusetts is a well-preserved Queen Anne house with a locally rare surviving carriage house. It was built in the early 1870s, and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1989.
42°30'41"N • 71°4'1"W
House at 193 Vernon Street
The House at 193 Vernon Street in Wakefield, Massachusetts is a late Federal-style house, built. c. 1840. The 2 ¹⁄₂-story wood-frame house is a rare local example of a three-wide four-deep construction.
42°30'42"N • 71°4'17"W
House at 9 White Avenue
The House at 9 White Avenue in Wakefield, Massachusetts is a well-preserved transitional Queen Anne/Colonial Revival house. Built about 1903, it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1989.
42°30'30"N • 71°4'14"W
House at 7 Salem Street
The House at 7 Salem Street in Wakefield, Massachusetts is a transitional Greek Revival/Italianate style house built c. 1855–57.
Cemetery • West Side
Beacon Street Tomb
The Beacon Street Tomb is a historic receiving tomb in the Lakeside Cemetery of Wakefield, Massachusetts. Built about 1858, it is one of the finest examples of Greek Revival architecture. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1989.
Greek Revival architecture • West Side
House at 509 North Avenue
The House at 509 North Avenue in Wakefield, Massachusetts is a small Greek Revival cottage. The single story wood-frame house was built c. 1848 and moved to its present location c. 1869.
Georgian architecture • Lakeside
Dr. Thomas Simpson House
The Dr. Thomas Simpson House is a historic house at 114 Main Street in Wakefield, Massachusetts. It is a 2 ¹⁄₂-story timber-frame house, in a local variant of Georgian style that is three bays wide and four deep, with a side gable roof.
42°30'18"N • 71°4'19"W
United States Post Office–Wakefield Main
The United States Post Office–Wakefield Main is a historic post office building at 321 Main Street in Wakefield, Massachusetts. Built in 1936 as part of a Depression-era works project, it is a Classical Revival structure that harmonizes with its neighbors.
42°30'20"N • 71°4'48"W
Deacon Thomas Kendall House
The Deacon Thomas Kendall House is a historic house at One Prospect Street in Wakefield, Massachusetts. This timber frame, 2 ¹⁄₂-story five-bay house has Federal styling, but its massive central chimney indicates that parts of the house likely predate the Federal period, and in a style that predates 1750.
42°30'17"N • 71°4'18"W
Lucius Beebe Memorial Library
Library • Downtown Wakefield
Greek Revival architecture • Downtown Wakefield
House at 40 Crescent Street
40 Crescent Street is a historic house in Wakefield, Massachusetts, and is significant as a particularly fine example of a Greek Revival style house.
42°30'16"N • 71°4'19"W
Flanley's Block
Flanley's Block is a historic commercial building at 349–353 Main Street in Wakefield, Massachusetts, US. Built about 1895, it is a well-preserved local example of late 19th-century Italianate commercial architecture.
42°30'12"N • 71°4'29"W
House at 21 Chestnut Street
The House at 21 Chestnut Street is one of the best preserved Italianate houses in Wakefield, Massachusetts. It was built c. 1855 to a design by local architect John Stevens, and was home for many years to local historian Ruth Woodbury.

Day trips

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

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

11 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...
9.9 miS
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...
9.9 miS
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...
10 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.
9.4 miS
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...