Things To Do in Wakefield, MA

Lake Quannapowitt Loop & Lower Common Bandstand

Walk, run, or bike the 3.3-mile loop around Lake Quannapowitt and pause at the Victorian bandstand for photos and lakeside breezes. Sunsets here are gorgeous, with sailboats and runners giving the lake a lively, community vibe.

Lower Common Bandstand on Lake Quannapowitt

Phone: (781) 246-6375 (Wakefield Recreation)

Town Recreation info

   

Lucius Beebe Memorial Library

Dive into local history exhibits, author talks, and a handsome Classical Revival interior that’s perfect for a quiet afternoon. The reading rooms and rotating programs make this a surprisingly fun cultural stop right in the center.

Lucius Beebe Memorial Library exterior

Phone: (781) 246-6334

Official site

   

Hartshorne House (c. 1681)

Tour the town’s oldest public building and learn how early settlers built and lived along the lakeshore. Special open days, talks, and community events keep this hidden gem lively and educational.

Hartshorne House on Church Street

Phone: (781) 245-3935

Official site

   

Beebe Homestead Overlook

Snap photos of this elegant Federal-era landmark facing the lake and imagine Wakefield’s 19th-century shoreline estates. The façade and grounds offer a quick, picturesque stop right off Main Street.

Beebe Homestead near Lake Quannapowitt

Background

   

Wakefield Farmers Market (Seasonal)

On summer Saturdays, browse fresh produce, baked treats, and live music by the lake. It’s a cheerful community hangout where you can picnic with a view and support local makers.

Outdoor farmers market (representative scene)

Official site

   

Veterans Memorial Common

Stroll a classic New England green ringed by churches, monuments, and civic buildings. In warm months you’ll find small events, ceremonies, and plenty of shaded benches for relaxing between shops and cafés.

Green and lakeside view near the Common

Town of Wakefield

   

Lakeside Cemetery & Beacon Street Tomb

Wander peaceful paths with lake views and striking 19th-century stonework, including the Doric-front receiving tomb. History and quiet scenery make this a contemplative stop after a lap around the lake.

Granite Beacon Street Tomb at Lakeside Cemetery

Historic entry

   

First Parish Congregational Church (on the Common)

Admire steeple views and classic New England meetinghouse architecture at the edge of the green. The church frontage makes a lovely photo backdrop during foliage season and winter light displays.

Historic image of First Parish Congregational Church area

Official site

   

Unitarian Universalist Church of Wakefield

Peek inside for stained glass and enjoy the handsome clapboard exterior on a quiet stretch of Main Street. It’s an easy add-on while exploring the Common and nearby shops.

UU Church on Main Street, Wakefield

Phone: (781) 245-4632

Official site

   

Emmanuel Episcopal Church

Enjoy a quiet architectural stop with Gothic-inspired details, stone accents, and a cozy churchyard. Concerts and community events pop up here throughout the year.

Emmanuel Episcopal Church façade

Phone: (781) 245-1374

Official site

   

Greenwood Union Church (Restoration Road Church)

Check out a colorful Queen Anne church with shingled patterns and a welcoming corner lot in Greenwood. It’s a fun architectural detour on your way to cafés and neighborhood spots.

Greenwood Union Church shingle-style exterior

Phone: (781) 589-7018

Official site

   

Parker Middle School Track & Fields (Community Use)

Get your steps in on a public track often open after school hours and on weekends. It’s a handy fitness stop a short hop from downtown and the lake loop.

Running track icon (public domain)

Facility info (Recreation)

   

Wakefield Main Post Office (1936 Mural & Architecture)

Architecture fans will enjoy the New Deal-era brickwork, limestone trim, and period lobby art. It’s a quick, historic pit stop right on Main Street.

Wakefield Main Post Office exterior

Historic entry

   

West Ward School Museum (1847)

Step into a preserved two-room schoolhouse and picture life in the 19th century. Occasional open houses and historical programs make this a family-friendly stop.

West Ward School historic exterior

Historic entry

   

Wakefield Bowladrome

Retro vibes, glow bowling, and leagues make this a go-to rainy-day activity. Bring a group and keep the competition friendly over a couple of classic lanes.

Bowling lanes (public domain image)

Phone: (781) 245-9878

Official site

   

Quannapowitt Yacht Club (Sailing)

One of the oldest inland yacht clubs in the country offers sailing views and seasonal activity on the lake. Check the calendar for regattas and beginner-friendly days.

Sailboats on a lake (public domain image)

Official site

   

Wakefield Upper Depot (25 Tuttle Street)

Rail buffs can admire a preserved Boston & Maine depot with classic platforms and period details. It’s a photogenic stop just a few minutes from downtown.

Historic Wakefield Depot at Tuttle Street

Historic images

   

Wakefield MBTA Station (225 North Ave.)

Catch the Haverhill Line and watch trains roll through a classic North Shore commute hub. The platforms offer nice rail photography angles at golden hour.

MBTA train at Wakefield Station platform

Phone (MBTA): (617) 222-3200

Station info

   

Greenwood MBTA Station

A small, neighborhood commuter stop that’s perfect for a quick train-spotting break and photos down the line. Grab a coffee nearby and enjoy the quiet village feel.

Greenwood MBTA Station platform view

Phone (MBTA): (617) 222-3200

Station info

   

Common District Stroll

Explore a compact downtown filled with period storefronts, cafés, and civic buildings around the green. It’s ideal for a slow wander, window-shopping, and coffee breaks between photo stops.

Aerial of Wakefield’s downtown and lakefront

District reference

   

House at 2 Nichols Street (Shingle Style View)

Architecture lovers can admire shingle textures, fieldstone foundations, and stained glass on this distinctive corner home. It’s an easy add-on while looping the neighborhood from the lake.

Historic house context near Nichols Street, Wakefield

Historic entry

   

Wakefield Rattan Company Site (134 Water St.)

Stand where a global rattan giant once operated and picture the mill era along the water. Historic images make it a fascinating quick stop for industry buffs.

Historic Wakefield Rattan Company catalog plate

Background

   

Temple Israel Cemetery

Pay respects at a serene, historic Jewish cemetery with simple stones and shade trees. It’s a quiet, reflective pause close to the downtown loop.

Star of David cemetery symbol (public domain)

Phone: (617) 566-3960 (Temple Israel Cemetery Association)

Cemetery info

   

Jubilee Park Playground

Let the kids run off energy at a neighborhood green with play structures and open space. It’s a friendly, low-key stop between meals and lake time.

Playground icon (public domain graphic)

Parks & Recreation

   

Church–Lafayette Streets Historic Walk

Wander through 19th-century porches, bay windows, and tree-lined sidewalks just off the Common. It’s a quick, charming detour for architecture and streetscape photos.

Historic residential streetscape near the Common

District reference

   

Lake Quannapowitt North Shore (Picnic & Kite Spot)

Bring a blanket to the wide lawns on the north shore for breezy picnics and kite flying. Plenty of space, easy parking, and big-sky lake views.

Panoramic view of Lake Quannapowitt

Public-domain/CC images

   

Emerson–Franklin Poole House (Exterior View)

Check out a refined Federal-era home known for Rufus Porter–style murals inside (viewable on special tours). The exterior and grounds are worth a quick historical glance.

Emerson–Franklin Poole House façade

Historic entry

   

Wakefield Town Hall & Veterans’ Memorials

Walk the civic campus, read plaques, and enjoy seasonal flag displays near the heart of town business. It’s a nice add-on while you explore downtown blocks.

Town hall icon (public domain graphic)

Town of Wakefield

   

Greenwood Village Stroll

Head south to Greenwood for coffee, small shops, and a quieter neighborhood feel. It’s perfect for a lazy morning browse and a short train hop if you’re car-free.

Coffee cup icon (public domain)

Neighborhood info

   

Lakeside Kayak & Paddle Launch (Bring Your Own)

On calm days, locals carry in kayaks or paddleboards to enjoy smooth laps near shore. Early mornings are best for glassy reflections and bird sightings.

Kayak icon (public domain)

Lake use guidelines

   

Downtown Mural & Window-Shopping Walk

Hunt for small murals, vintage signs, and seasonal window displays along Main Street. Pair it with a dessert or coffee crawl for an easy hour of fun.

Street art icon (public domain)

Discover Wakefield

   

Breakheart Reservation (Wakefield Entrance)

Enjoy forest trails, scenic ponds, and rocky overlooks in this 600-acre state park that extends into Saugus. The Wakefield entrance gives quick access to walking, jogging, and birdwatching without leaving town.

Breakheart Reservation woods and pond

Phone: (781) 233-0834

Official site

   

Crystal Lake Park

This small lakeside park features shaded benches, birdlife, and reflections of surrounding homes and trees. It’s perfect for quiet picnics or sketching on sunny days.

Lake icon (public domain)

Town Recreation

   

Veterans Memorial Skating Rink

Lace up and hit the ice at this year-round rink with open skate sessions and youth hockey. It’s family-friendly fun for both locals and visitors.

Ice skate icon (public domain)

Phone: (781) 246-3888

Official site

   

Wakefield Lynnfield Rail Trail (Under Development)

Take a preview walk along sections of this planned multi-use trail that will connect Wakefield to Lynnfield. It’s great for seeing ongoing civic development and how former rail lines are being repurposed.

Bike path icon (public domain)

Project info

   

Lake Quannapowitt Boathouse Area

Watch rowers glide across the water or rent small boats on select weekends. The boathouse lawns are a relaxing place to picnic with uninterrupted water views.

Rowboat icon (public domain)

Town Recreation

   

Greenwood Playground & Ballfield

Families love this local park for its playground, basketball court, and baseball diamond. It’s lively on weekends and a great community hub for outdoor fun.

Baseball field icon (public domain)

Facility info

   

Dolbeare Elementary School Playground (Public Access After Hours)

Enjoy a modern playground with climbing structures, swings, and wide open fields. It’s open to the public outside school hours and great for young kids to burn off energy.

Playground slide icon (public domain)

Phone: (781) 246-6480

School district site

   

Walton Field & Track

This large athletic complex hosts soccer, track meets, and community fitness events. Locals come for morning jogs and evening games under the lights.

Soccer ball icon (public domain)

Town recreation

   

Wakefield Event Plaza & Winter Tree Lighting

Visit in December to see the lakefront transformed with thousands of lights, hot cocoa stands, and live music. The annual tree lighting is one of Wakefield’s most cheerful holiday traditions.

Christmas tree icon (public domain)

Event details

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