Things To Do in Saugus, MA

Iron Works House (Broadhearth)

Tour a 17th-century timber-frame house beside the Iron Works that reveals original joinery and period finishes. It’s a rare look at early colonial domestic life amid an industrial village.

Phone: (781) 233-0050

Boardman House (1692)

Historic New England preserves this classic saltbox with exceptional 17th-century fabric. Guided visits reveal original beams, clapboards, and rare interior details.

Phone: (617) 994-6660

Breakheart Reservation

Hike rolling forested hills, loop serene lakes, and climb to overlooks with Boston-area views. This 652-acre DCR park offers year-round trails, picnicking, and winter snowshoeing.

Phone: (781) 233-0834

Camp Nihan Environmental Education Center

Discover wildlife, boardwalks, and environmental programs at this DCR education site within Breakheart’s woodlands. It’s a favorite for family nature walks and school groups.

Phone: (781) 233-0834

Kasabuski Memorial Ice Rink

Skate public sessions or catch a local hockey game at this classic state arena near Breakheart. It’s a cool weather staple for families and figure skaters alike.

Phone: (781) 231-4183

Prankers Pond

Stroll a peaceful shoreline where 19th-century mills once turned. Today the pond welcomes birding, photography, and quiet fishing in the heart of town.

Riverside Cemetery

Walk historic lanes lined with veteran memorials and intricate stonework. The 19th-century cemetery offers tranquil paths and insight into local history.

Phone: (781) 231-4170

Official page

Saugus Town Hall

This 1875 Gothic Revival landmark anchors Monument Square and hosts community events. Admire the brickwork, slate, and classic clock tower outside.

Phone: (781) 231-4111

First Congregational Church (UCC)

Facing Town Hall, this steepled church completes the classic New England town-center view. Peek at stained glass and the historic grounds between services.

Phone: (781) 233-3028

Saugus Public Library

Stop in for local history resources, exhibits, and a sunny reading room. The library’s central location makes it an easy break during a Saugus Center walk.

Phone: (781) 231-4168

Veterans Park

See refurbished memorials and granite markers honoring local service members. Benches and paths provide a respectful pause near the town’s busiest crossroads.

Park update

Civil War Soldiers’ & Sailors’ Monument

At Monument Square, Melzar Hunt Mosman’s bronze figures commemorate Saugus residents who served. It’s a thoughtful stop on a walk through the civic district.

Smithsonian record

Round Hill

Climb a small historic drumlin that once served as an early vantage over the village. Short paths and a quiet green make it a simple scenic detour.

Appleton’s Pulpit

Visit the marked rock ledge where tradition says Major Samuel Appleton spoke against Governor Andros in 1687. It’s a quick historic stop near the Iron Works.

Monument Square (Saugus Center)

Explore the walkable civic heart where Main, Central, and Hamilton meet. Monuments, Town Hall, and nearby churches create a photogenic historic ensemble.

Cliftondale Square

Browse local shops and cafes in a historic commercial district poised for revitalization. Brick storefronts and classic signage give this neighborhood charm.

Planning & Development

Lynn Fells Parkway Terminus

Drive or bike a historic parkway that links reservations and neighborhoods before ending at Route 1 in Saugus. Stone walls and tree canopies frame a classic parkway look.

Rumney Marsh Reservation (Saugus side)

Glide past salt marsh vistas at the edge of Saugus and Revere. Bring binoculars for herons, egrets, and seasonal migratory birds.

Phone: (781) 485-2803

Northern Strand Community Trail (Saugus)

Bike or stroll a paved greenway through Saugus on the “Bike to the Sea” route. Expect murals, pocket parks, and easy connections to nearby towns.

Trail info

Hilltop Steak House Cactus (Route 1 Icon)

Snap a photo with the towering neon cactus that defined Route 1’s retro roadside vibe. It’s a nostalgic nod to mid-century Americana.

Route 1 Mini Golf “Orange Dinosaur”

Play a classic mini-golf round beneath the gigantic orange dinosaur that watches over Route 1. Evening lights and kid-friendly holes make it a summer favorite.

Phone: (781) 233-1387

Square One Mall

Shop big national brands and grab a bite along Saugus’s busiest stretch of Route 1. It’s a convenient stop on a rainy-day itinerary.

Phone: (781) 233-8787

Kowloon Restaurant

Experience a legendary multi-room Polynesian-Chinese restaurant that’s entertained generations—tiki drinks, neon, and big-night-out vibes included. A Route 1 icon for photos and feasts.

Phone: (781) 233-0077

Prince Pizzeria & Giggles Comedy Club

Pair a thin-crust pie with stand-up at the on-site comedy club. The glowing leaning tower sign is a Route 1 selfie magnet.

Phone: (781) 233-9950

Kane’s Donuts (Route 1)

Treat yourself to small-batch doughnuts—from honey-dip classics to seasonal specials—at a North Shore favorite. Great for early-morning fuel before a hike.

Phone: (339) 600-4618

Blessed Sacrament Church

Step into a welcoming parish near Saugus Center and admire stained glass and masonry details. The grounds are a calm stop between downtown sights.

Phone: (781) 233-2497

St. Margaret of Antioch Church

Visit a neighborhood church along Lincoln Avenue with an active community calendar. The simple, mid-century exterior houses a bright sanctuary.

Phone: (781) 233-1040

Parish site

Saugus Community United Methodist Church

Catch a community event or summer fair at this friendly church near Cliftondale. Its spire and red-brick entry are classic small-town New England.

Listing

Phone: (781) 233-0586

Saugus Center Historic Walk

Create your own loop around Town Hall, the library, churches, and Monument Square. Plaques, monuments, and period architecture line the route.

Historical Commission

Stackpole Field

Catch youth sports or stretch your legs on open town fields near the river. Evening games and sunsets make it a low-key local hangout.

Anna Parker Playground

Let kids burn energy at slides and swings while you relax on shaded benches. It’s a short hop from Cliftondale’s cafes and pizza spots.

Hammersmith Village (Iron Works Landscape)

Wander the riverside landscape once known as Hammersmith, where mills and workers’ homes clustered around the iron industry. Quiet paths reveal historic water channels and mill sites.

NPS site

Saugus River Overlooks

Find quiet pull-offs and bridges for views of the meandering Saugus River. Dawn and dusk bring reflections and waterfowl activity.

Saugus River Watershed

Fox Hill Bridge Vista

Pause at a small crossing with marsh and river views just north of downtown. It’s a simple photo stop on a sunny afternoon stroll.

Shute Library Annex (Nearby Line)

On the Saugus line, check small community library spaces and local exhibits. It’s a quick cultural add-on to an errands loop.

Library network

Oaklandvale Green

Detour to this neighborhood green for a quiet breather on the north side of town. Great for a picnic before hitting Breakheart’s trails.

Hurd Avenue River Access

Drop in for a casual riverside amble and wildlife watching along Hurd Ave. You’ll spot reeds, marsh grasses, and the slow-moving Saugus River.

Watershed info

Belmonte Fields & Path

Loop a short neighborhood path and open fields near the middle school area. It’s a casual leg-stretch between errands along Central Street.

School district

Waybright School Playground

Families can enjoy an updated playground and small greenspace on School Street. It’s a convenient stop after lunch in Saugus Center.

School district

Evans Playground

Slides, swings, and open lawn make this a simple neighborhood stop. Bring a coffee and relax while kids play.

World Series Park

Catch a baseball tournament or evening game under the lights at this well-kept complex. Concessions and bleachers make it a relaxed local outing.

Phone: (781) 233-4555

Golden Hills Trails (North Saugus)

Ramble short woodland paths that feel far from Route 1’s bustle. Expect birdsong, seasonal wildflowers, and shaded trails.

Trail listings

Stocker Playground

Another neighborhood favorite with play structures and room to run. It’s a quick stop after errands on Lincoln Avenue.

Saugus Rod & Gun Club (Members/Events)

Check the calendar for public events, fishing derbies, or community days. The property backs onto marsh and woodland for an outdoorsy feel.

Phone: (781) 233-0336

Square One Cinema (Seasonal/Pop-ups)

Watch for special screenings and seasonal events tied to the mall. It’s an easy family option after shopping and dinner.

Mall site

Wreaths Across America – Riverside

Each December, volunteers place wreaths at veterans’ graves at Riverside Cemetery. Visitors are welcome to observe or participate in this moving tribute.

Event page

Saugus Iron Works River Walk

Follow short boardwalks and footpaths tracing old millraces and wetlands. Interpretive signs explain how waterpower drove colonial industry.

Plan your visit

Lincoln Avenue Eats Walk

Sample pizza, subs, and sweets across a compact stretch of Lincoln Ave. It’s an easy, walkable taste of local favorites.

Map directory

Community Fishing Spots (Saugus River)

Try simple shore casting at accessible pull-offs along the river. Check tides and bring a small tackle kit for schoolie stripers or perch.

MA Fisheries

Route 1 Mini-Golf Arcade

After your putt-putt round, pop into the arcade for classic games. Kids love the prizes and flashing retro cabinets.

Phone: (781) 233-1387

Historic Route 1 Sign Spotting

Keep an eye out for vintage-style signs and quirky mascots along the highway. It’s a rolling scavenger hunt for roadside Americana fans.

Community Boating Lookouts (Saugus River)

Watch small craft and paddlers move along the tidal river on calm days. The changing tide reveals sandbars and marsh channels.

Recreation info

Central Street Coffee & Treats

Do a casual café hop near the library and Town Hall, sampling pastries and seasonal drinks. Perfect between sightseeing stops.

Map directory

Howard Street Stroll

Walk past historic homes on your way to the Boardman House. Porch details and old stone walls give this lane a timeless feel.

Boardman House

Veterans Memorial Elementary Grounds

Outside school hours, enjoy new playgrounds and walking loops at this modern campus. It’s a tidy spot for families to unwind.

School district

Town Hall Concerts & Events

Look for seasonal concerts, ceremonies, and community meetings inside the 19th-century hall. It’s the centerpiece for many town traditions.

Concert in a civic hall (representative)

Town calendar

Hammersmith Cemetery (Historic Plots)

Find early graves tied to the Iron Works era among quiet lanes and trees. The small site offers a contemplative pause near the river.

Cemetery Dept.

Historic Bridges of Saugus

Bridge-spot along Central and Main Streets to see spans over the river and wetlands. Each crossing gives a different angle on Saugus’s waterways.

Map overview

Oaklandvale Conservation Corner

Break for birdsong at a small greenspace tucked into the Oaklandvale area. Expect shade and a few informal footpaths.