#Best Things to Do on a Road Trip from Burlington, MA to Franklin, MA
Burlington and Franklin, two Massachusetts towns located approximately 75 miles apart, offer an abundance of attractions to explore on a road trip. The journey, which takes roughly 1 hour and 20 minutes via I-90W, offers a mix of outdoor, historical, and cultural landmarks. Halfway through the trip, Framingham is the epicenter of the journey where visitors can take a break and regroup before embarking on the second half of the trip.
##1. Visit the Wachusett Mountain Located 20 miles west of downtown Worcester, Wachusett Mountain is a popular destination for winter sports enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy snowboarding and skiing on the 25 trails, take a scenic ride on the chairlift, and snowshoeing. The mountain, part of the Wachusett Mountain State Reservation, also provides hiking trails with beautiful views of the surrounding landscapes.
Interesting fact: The resort on Wachusett Mountain was founded in 1960 and is still run by the same family.
##2. Worcester Art Museum For art lovers, Worcester Art Museum offers a rich collection of art pieces including contemporary and ancient exhibits, interactive installations, and special events. Visitors can take guided tours, attend lectures, and explore the museum's gift shop. The museum, with its diverse collection spanning over centuries of history, is a cultural center of the area and a must-visit destination.
Interesting fact: The Worcester Art Museum is home to one of the most significant collections of medieval art in the United States, including the Benedictional of Saint Æthelwold.
##3. Old Sturbridge Village Travel back in time at Old Sturbridge Village, an 1830s New England living museum. The village, which recreates the life and times of the pre-industrial period, displays more than 40 original buildings and offers re-enactments of period events. Visitors can experience crafts and trades of the era, take part in candle-making or printing presses, and watch skilled craftsmen at work.
Interesting fact: The Old Sturbridge Village is home to a fully functioning, water-powered sawmill.
##4. Gillette Castle State Park Located on a 184-acre estate, Gillette Castle State Park offers picturesque views of the Connecticut River. Built-in 1919, the castle features a unique exterior design decorated in medieval style. Inside, visitors can explore the castle's secret passages, living quarters, and vast collection of unique artifacts.
Interesting fact: The castle's creator, William Gillette, was an American stage actor, famous for playing Sherlock Holmes.
##5. The Franklin Historical Museum The Franklin Historical Museum offers a window into the town's past. Visitors can explore a vast collection of photographs, artifacts, and documents that offer a glimpse into Franklin's history and the surrounding region. The museum is a tribute to the town's heritage and an excellent destination for history enthusiasts.
Interesting fact: The museum has a unique collection of antique hats owned by prominent historic figures from the region.
Conclusion
The trip from Burlington, MA, to Franklin, MA, offers a fascinating mix of outdoor, cultural, and historical attractions. With a distance of 75 miles, the route can be covered in roughly one hour and twenty minutes via I-90W. In the midway point, Framingham, visitors can break up their journey and take a rest before continuing their exploration. From the Wachusett Mountain to the Franklin Historical Museum, this road trip offers an array of exciting activities for visitors of all ages to enjoy.