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Fitchburg is a city of about 41,000 people in north-central Massachusetts, in Worcester County about 50 miles northwest of Boston. Built along the Nashua River in a hilly valley, it forms twin cities with neighboring Leominster and was incorporated as a town in 1764.
In the 1800s the river and railroad turned Fitchburg into a busy industrial city making paper, machinery, saws, textiles and yarn, and immigrants from Ireland, Finland, French Canada and Italy settled here. Grand brick mills, churches and civic buildings from that era still line the downtown streets, and Fitchburg State University, founded in 1894, adds a college town feel.
Visitors come for the Fitchburg Art Museum, the huge Rollstone Boulder on the Upper Common and the classic Moran Square Diner. Coggshall Park offers woods and a pond on the edge of the city, and the Twin Cities Rail Trail links Fitchburg with Leominster. Wachusett Mountain and the Nashoba Valley orchards are a short drive away.
A museum founded in 1925 by artist Eleanor Norcross, with collections of American and European art, photography, prints, Asian and African art and ancient Egyptian objects, plus changing exhibitions. It is larger than many expect. Allow two hours, and check hours, as it is closed some weekdays.
A huge granite glacial boulder that once sat on top of Rollstone Hill and was broken apart, moved and reassembled on the Upper Common in 1930 to save it from quarrying. Today it is a quirky city landmark. It takes only a few minutes to see, so combine it with a downtown walk.
A historic sports field in a natural bowl near downtown, laid out in the early 1900s with landscape design by the Olmsted Brothers firm and listed on the National Register. It still hosts high school football and other events. Catch a game in autumn to see it in use, or view it from the edges.
A public university founded in 1894 as a teacher-training school, with a hillside campus of historic and modern buildings. It hosts theater productions, concerts, talks and games open to the public. Check the events calendar, and park in designated visitor areas on campus.
A large wooded city park on the edge of Fitchburg with Mirror Lake, walking trails, a historic stone house, picnic areas and gardens. It is a favorite for quiet walks and autumn color. Paths can be hilly and rocky in places, so wear good shoes, and come on a weekday for solitude.
A vintage diner car built by the Worcester Lunch Car Company, serving breakfast and lunch classics in a small space with counter stools and booths. It is a local favorite and a piece of New England diner history. Come early on weekends, as it fills quickly, and check its limited hours.
A large indoor arena run by Fitchburg State University, used for college and high school hockey, public skating, concerts and community events. Check the calendar for public skate sessions and games. It is on the John Fitch Highway with ample parking, and skate rentals are usually available.
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