Hanson MassachusettsATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Hanson, Massachusetts.
1. Burrage Pond Wildlife Management Area
NATURAL WILDLIFE HAVEN
Burrage Pond Wildlife Management Area offers visitors a chance to explore diverse ecosystems and observe local wildlife in their natural habitat. The area features extensive wetlands, walking trails, and opportunities for bird watching throughout the seasons. Visitors can enjoy activities such as hiking, photography, and seasonal hunting in accordance with local regulations.
2. Wampatuck Pond
SCENIC TOWN CENTERPIECE
Wampatuck Pond is a picturesque 64-acre manmade pond located in the civic heart of Hanson with the Town Hall situated on its northern shore. Named for Wompatuck, the sachem of the Mattakeesett band of Massachusett Indians, this body of water serves as a true emblem for the town. Visitors can launch boats from the small waterfront parkland by the Town Hall's parking lot or from the west shore by the Fern Hill Cemetery.
3. Bay Circuit Trail
EXPANSIVE HIKING NETWORK
The Bay Circuit Trail passes through Hanson as part of its impressive 230-mile course that arcs through Boston's outlying suburbs from Plum Island to Duxbury. In Hanson, the trail traverses the Smith-Nawazelski Conservation Area and crosses the Burrage Pond Wildlife Management Area via the Indian Crossway. Hikers can enjoy the lovely north shore of Wampatuck Pond via Liberty Street before the trail continues toward Pembroke past retired cranberry ponds.
4. Cranberry Cove
LOCAL CRANBERRY HERITAGE
Cranberry Cove showcases Hanson's rich history in cranberry cultivation, which has been an important part of the local economy and culture. Visitors can learn about traditional and modern cranberry farming techniques while enjoying the scenic beauty of the bogs. During harvest season, the area transforms into a vibrant red landscape that attracts photographers and nature enthusiasts alike.
5. Hanson Historical Society
LOCAL HISTORY PRESERVED
The Hanson Historical Society is dedicated to preserving and sharing the rich history of Hanson, Massachusetts through exhibits, artifacts, and educational programs. The society maintains historical records and photographs that document the town's development from its early settlement days to the present. Visitors can explore changing exhibits that highlight various aspects of Hanson's cultural and industrial heritage.
6. Maquan Pond
RECREATIONAL WATER ACTIVITIES
Maquan Pond offers visitors a variety of outdoor recreational activities including fishing, boating, and picnicking in a serene natural setting. The pond is stocked with fish and provides excellent opportunities for anglers of all skill levels to catch various freshwater species. During warmer months, the pond becomes a popular destination for swimming and non-motorized water sports.
7. The Olde Hitching Post Restaurant
CLASSIC NEW ENGLAND DINING
The Olde Hitching Post Restaurant serves a delightful mix of traditional American and New England cuisine in a charming, historic setting. The restaurant prides itself on using fresh, locally-sourced ingredients to create memorable dining experiences for locals and visitors alike. Guests can enjoy classic seafood dishes, steaks, and seasonal specialties while soaking in the warm, welcoming atmosphere.
8. Hanson Civil War Memorial
HISTORIC TRIBUTE MONUMENT
The Hanson Civil War Memorial at Hanson Town Hall pays tribute to local residents who served during the American Civil War. The memorial features detailed inscriptions and commemorative elements that honor the sacrifices made by Hanson's citizens during this pivotal period in American history. Visitors can reflect on the historical significance of the monument while enjoying the scenic grounds of the Town Hall complex.
9. Smith-Nawazelski Conservation Area
PEACEFUL NATURE PRESERVE
The Smith-Nawazelski Conservation Area offers visitors miles of tranquil hiking trails through diverse woodland ecosystems and wetlands. This preserved natural space provides habitat for numerous plant and animal species, making it an excellent location for wildlife observation and nature photography. The conservation area connects to the Bay Circuit Trail system, allowing for extended hiking opportunities throughout the region.
10. Alton J. Smith Reserve
FORMER CRANBERRY BOG HAVEN
The Alton J. Smith Reserve features retired cranberry bogs that have been transformed into a unique conservation area with distinctive ecological features. Visitors can explore well-maintained trails that wind through varied habitats showcasing the natural restoration process of former agricultural lands. The reserve's location along the Bay Circuit Trail makes it accessible for both casual nature walks and longer hiking excursions.
11. Indian Head River
HISTORIC WATERWAY ROUTE
The Indian Head River flows through Hanson, offering scenic kayaking and canoeing opportunities along a waterway rich in both natural beauty and historical significance. The river played an important role in the area's early industrial development, powering mills and contributing to local economies. Today, paddlers can enjoy peaceful journeys through wooded corridors while observing diverse wildlife along the shorelines.
12. Fern Hill Cemetery
HISTORIC RESTING PLACE
Fern Hill Cemetery is a historic burial ground situated alongside the picturesque shores of Wampatuck Pond. The cemetery contains graves dating back to Hanson's earliest days, offering a glimpse into the community's past through inscriptions and monuments. Visitors interested in genealogy and local history can explore the peaceful grounds while appreciating the beautiful waterfront setting.
13. Duxbury Beach Park
COASTAL RECREATION DESTINATION
Duxbury Beach Park, located a short drive from Hanson, offers miles of pristine sandy shoreline along the Atlantic Ocean. Visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, fishing, and wildlife observation in this well-maintained coastal environment. The beach is also known for its important role as a nesting habitat for endangered shorebirds, adding an educational dimension to the recreational experience.
14. Mayflower Brewing Company
CRAFT BEER EXPERIENCE
Mayflower Brewing Company in nearby Plymouth produces craft beers inspired by the region's rich history and New England brewing traditions. Visitors can tour the brewing facilities to learn about the beer-making process from grain to glass while sampling a variety of distinctive ales and lagers. The taproom offers a relaxed atmosphere where guests can enjoy fresh brews along with occasional food trucks and live entertainment.
15. Plimoth Patuxet Museums
LIVING HISTORY EXPERIENCE
Plimoth Patuxet Museums, formerly Plimoth Plantation, offers an immersive living history experience just a short drive from Hanson. Visitors can interact with historical interpreters portraying both 17th-century English colonists and Native Wampanoag people in meticulously recreated settings. The museum complex includes the Historic Patuxet Homesite, 17th-Century English Village, Mayflower II ship replica, and the Plimoth Grist Mill, providing multiple perspectives on this pivotal period in American history.