Revolutionary Journeys: Exploring North Central Massachusetts

Here’s a suggested itinerary to help inspire and get you started. These suggestions are not all-inclusive – explore other sections of our website for more ideas to build out your perfect revolutionary experience.

• Start at Old Groton Meeting House (Groton) Visit this historic meeting house where patriots gathered during the Revolutionary era. Learn about Grotons role in supporting the war effort. Time:1 hour Tip: Take a short walk through the picturesque town center afterward.
• Nashua River Rail Trail (Groton to Ayer) Walk or bike a short section of this trail that follows historic routes used during the Revolutionary period. Time: 1 hour
  Tip: Stop by Groton’s boutique shops for coffee or snacks.
• Visit Fort Devens Museum (Devens) Explore exhibits on Massachusetts military history, including the Revolutionary War and the evolution of the U.S. Army. Time: 1 hour
• Lunch at Bull Run Restaurant (Shirley) This 18th-century tavern was once a stagecoach stop and retains its colonial charm. Tip: Try the Yankee pot roast or clam chowder.
• Visit the Johnny Appleseed Visitor Center (Lancaster/Leominster) While not Revolutionary-focused, this center honors the regions colonial agricultural history and John Chapman (Johnny Appleseed), a native of the area.
• Visit Fitchburg Historical Society in downtown Fitchburg to learn about Fitchburg role during the Revolutionary War, including the early industrial roots that shaped the region.
• Mount Wachusett Hike or Drive Head to Mount Wachusett for a short hike or scenic drive to the summit. The mountain was a lookout point during the Revolutionary era. Time: 1.5 hours
• Finish at Gardner Museum (Gardner) Learn about the local area’s colonial and industrial history and its contributions to New England’s Revolutionary efforts. Time: 1 hour 
• Dinner in Westminster (The 1761 Old Mill) Dine in this atmospheric colonial mill building while enjoying the scenic pond views.

Additional Suggestions to extend to 36 or 48 hours:

• Visit the Nathan Appleton House & Covered Bridge (Pepperell) Stop by the site of a historic home tied to Revolutionary War events. The town of Pepperell itself was involved in colonial resistance efforts. Time: 30 minutes
• Hike the Freedom Trail at Fruitlands Museum (Harvard) Walk the historic grounds of this museum, where Transcendentalist, Native American, and colonial artifacts are displayed. The location offers stunning views of the countryside. Time: 2 hours
• Enjoy a meal at Moon Hill Brewing and Gardner Ale House (Gardner) Try the local flavor at this local favorite.
• Check-in at The Colonial Hotel (Gardner) or Groton Inn (Groton) End the day at this colonial-style hotels with cozy accommodations.
• Explore Fitchburg Historical Society (Fitchburg) Learn about the Revolutionary-era connections and early development of Fitchburg. Time: 1.5 hours
• See Rollstone Boulder (Fitchburg) Visit this historic glacial relic, a symbol of the city history and resilience.
• Dine at Forge & Vine (Groton) Enjoy a modern, farm-to-table dining experience with locally sourced ingredients.
• Walk Along the Freedom Trail at Groton Hills Reflect on the Revolutionary spirit with a scenic walk-through Groton Hills, which offers sweeping views of the countryside. Time: 2 hours