Central Massachusetts

The Central Massachusetts Region is at the heart of the state from the New Hampshire border to Connecticut. Here are city scenes, village greens, rolling hills, mountains, peaceful meadows, and cultural attractions. Skiing, biking,hiking trails for the adventuresome. Worcester, the second largest city, is home to Holy Cross College and Clark University, the alma mater of Robert H. Goddard, the father of US rocketry. Things to See and Do Attractions Mechanics Hall in Worcester; Accoustically-outstanding culture center built in 1857, the setting for such 19th century orators as Mark Twain, Charles Dickens, and Henry David Thoreau. Old Sturbridge Village in Sturbridge is a living, functional recreated 1830s New England community. Period attired personnel demonstrate daily life, work, and celebrations. Covered Bridges Hardwick Covered Bridge, Rt 32 in Hardwick. Picturesque covered bridge over the Ware River. Locations Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor in Whitinsville; Industrial Revolution Heritage Trail preserves the rich industrial heritage of some 20 communities along the river valley. Canal boat rides, biking and hiking trails. Museums Fruitlands Museum in Harvard (not the university) along the Johnny Appleseed Trail--birthplace of folk hero Lohn Chapman. Four distinct museums that preserve the historic site of a utopian community founded by the father of author Louisa May Alcott. Fruitland Farmhouse, Shaker Museum, Indian Museum, and Picture Gallery. Higgins Armory Museum in Worcester displaying the largest collection of Medieval and Renaissance armor in the Western Hemisphere presented in a Gothic castle setting. Worcester Art Museum in Worcester, the third largest art museum in New England, showcases fifty centuries of art from Europe, the Far East, and America. Parks & Trails Purgatory Chasm State Park in Sutton. Seventy-foot gorge with caves and hidden chambers. Science & Nature Related EcoTarium in Worcester; Environmental and wild life center. Southwick's Zoo in Mendon has the largest collection of wild animals in New England. Playgrounds and petting zoo.

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