From Art to Adventure: Worcester’s Top Spots You Need to Visit Now
Worcester, Massachusetts, might not be the first name that comes to mind when you think about historic cities… but maybe it should be.
Right in the middle of the state, Worcester blends old industrial roots with a fresh streak of creativity that’s tough to miss.
Art, science, sports, hiking trails – it’s all packed tighter than you would expect.
You could start your day wandering through a museum, grab street food for lunch, hit a nature trail by midafternoon, and still have time for a live show once the sun goes down.
If you are looking for things to do in Worcester, Massachusetts, you have come to the right place.
Palladium
The Palladium in Worcester, Massachusetts, is one of the best concert venues.
It hosts many live rock and metal bands and is an excellent place to see a show.
In recent years, the Palladium has hosted a wide range of notable music acts, including B.B. King, The Three Stooges, and A Day To Remember.
While the Palladium does not offer free parking, the venue is only a short walk away from Union Station and most of the WRTA bus lines.
For a nominal fee, a ride to and from the Palladium in Worcester, MA, is not a problem.
The Palladium is a performing arts center with two main show venues.
One is the Upstairs Palladium, which is a smaller, more intimate stage.
However, the best part about the Palladium is that it is open to the public and has no age restriction.
It is an ideal venue for those who appreciate music, whether that be rock or pop.
If you’re looking for a fun night out with friends or a special date, you may want to check out the Palladium in Worcester, MA.
The Palladium offers an assortment of shows and concerts, and an interactive seating chart to help you find the perfect vantage point for your viewing pleasure.
New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill
If you plan to visit Worcester, you may want to check out the New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill.
This garden is located on a 171-acre property in Boylston, Massachusetts.
It features 18 outdoor gardens and 18 indoor gardens.
The nonprofit Worcester County Horticultural Society manages the garden.
A group of 24 men formed the organization in 1842.
They needed a building for exhibitions.
When they outgrew their Front Street location, they moved to a new home on Elm Street.
As the annual exhibition grew in size, they rented a larger space.
Several years later, the group purchased the Tower Hill Farm in Boylston.
The Worcester County Horticultural Society became the third-largest Horticultural Society in the country.
Eventually, it acquired 171 acres of land and is now a year-round botanical garden.
Elm Park
Elm Park is a 58-acre park in Worcester, Massachusetts.
It is considered one of the first parks in the United States.
The park features historic structures, ponds, and hiking and biking trails.
The City of Worcester purchased the park in 1854. In its early years, it was known as the New Common.
Several historic structures can be found in Elm Park, including a stone gate and a wrought iron bridge.
One of the best things to do in Worcester is to stroll the park’s meandering paths.
You will find several picnic areas and a basketball court.
A playground is also available for children.
The park is home to the Myra Hiatt Kraft Memorial Footbridge, which traverses the pond between the South and Elm meadows.
The bridge was renovated in 2015 after a $100,000 donation by New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft.
EcoTarium
The EcoTarium in Worcester is excellent for kids and adults to learn about nature.
The facility offers various activities, including live animal habitats, a train ride, nature trails, and workshops.
They also offer galactic adventures in their museum planetarium domes.
The EcoTarium has redefined what it means to be a science museum, incorporating interactive displays, a plethora of traveling exhibits, and a redesigned building to make learning fun and accessible.
Not to mention that it provides science education to thousands of schoolchildren yearly.
Various educational programs are available, including daily Science Discovery classes, workshops, corporate retreats, and field trips.
You can also take advantage of the scenic train rides that meander around the 45+ acre campus.
Worcester Art Museum
The Worcester Art Museum is a world-renowned museum with more than 35,000 works of art.
This historic institution houses European, American, and contemporary artworks.
Its collection spans more than fifty centuries.
Located just off Main Street, the Worcester Art Museum is a great place to visit when you’re in town.
You’ll find paintings, sculptures, and prints from around the world.
Plus, you can take on a variety of special exhibitions.
Visitors can also check out the cafe and gift shop.
These amenities make it a great place to relax after a day of visiting the art gallery.
Another museum to visit while in Worcester is the American Antiquarian Society.
The museum features a research library and a history museum.
There’s also an extensive collection of printed materials and original manuscripts.
