#Roadtrip from Cambridge to Hopkinton: Museums, Parks, and Landmarks
Are you planning a road trip from Cambridge to Hopkinton, looking for some must-visit places along the way? Hop in your car and get ready to explore the sights and sounds of Massachusetts!
Did you know that Hopkinton is famous for its Boston Marathon starting line? The 26.2-mile race begins in Hopkinton, and takes runners through eight Massachusetts towns, including Framingham.
If you're halfway through your trip and looking to stretch your legs, Framingham has many outdoor spaces to explore. The Cochituate State Park is a perfect spot to stop by.
The journey from Cambridge to Hopkinton is about 30 miles, approximately an hour by car depending on traffic. And there's no shortage of interesting places to visit along the way!
- Harvard Museum of Natural History - Cambridge, MA With a collection of over 12,000 specimens, Harvard Museum of Natural History is a must-visit for those interested in history and science. Its exhibits include prehistoric fossils, gemstones, and glass flowers. Don't forget to check out the extraordinary exhibit "The Great Mammal Hall."
Recommendation: Take a walk around Harvard Square and grab a bite to eat.
- deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum - Lincoln, MA Nature meets art at this breathtaking 30-acre park and museum. deCordova features 60 contemporary sculptures placed thoughtfully around meadows and forest. Visitors can explore the indoor galleries to see paintings, sculptures, and other mixed media creations.
Recommendation: The museum has an on-site café serving soups, salads, and sandwiches.
- Minute Man National Historical Park - Concord, MA This park celebrates the famous battle that marked the beginning of the Revolutionary War. Take a walk around the park and stop by the North Bridge, which was previously the center of a battle between colonial soldiers and British troops. The scenery of the park is beautiful and enjoyable, and it’s perfect for history enthusiasts.
Recommendation: Take a trip through all the historic sites in Concord; there are many of them!
- Southwick's Zoo - Mendon, MA Are you an animal lover? Southwick's Zoo is the perfect place for you! Nestled in the heart of Blackstone River Valley, Southwick's is home to about 850 animals from 135 different species—some of them you might not even know existed. There are lots of activities suitable for all ages such as several animal encounters, wild rides, and shows.
Recommendation: For adventure enthusiasts, there is a Skyfari ride that offers an aerial view of the zoo and you can even enjoy some of the park's beautiful landscape, such as the butterfly garden, walking trails, and animal playgrounds.
- Hopkinton State Park - Hopkinton, MA The final stop of your road trip is the Hopkinton State Park. Covering 1,500 acres, the Park has a lot of expansive open fields, scenic picnic areas with tables, charcoal grills, and restrooms. There's also plenty of room for biking, hiking, and even fishing.
Recommendation: Make some stops on the way and hike the earlier segment of the Boston marathon course that passes through Ashland, Framingham, and Natick.
In conclusion, plan your road trip well and make the most of your journey from Cambridge to Hopkinton. The trip takes about an hour, but it will be worthwhile. You will visit museums, parks, and landmarks, getting to know the beautiful sights and sounds of Massachusetts. Don't forget the remarkable facts, great picnic sites, and the other fun activities each of these sites has to offer—it's worth it!