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Haverhill is a city of about 67,000 people on the Merrimack River in northeastern Massachusetts, near the New Hampshire border. Founded by English settlers in 1640, it became one of the leading shoe manufacturing centers in the world in the 1800s, earning the nickname "Queen Slipper City," and many of its big brick factories still line the river.
The downtown along Washington Street and the riverfront has restored shoe factories turned into lofts, restaurants and shops, and a boardwalk follows the Merrimack. The John Greenleaf Whittier Birthplace, the 1688 farmhouse where the famous poet grew up, is preserved as a museum, and the Buttonwoods Museum covers local history.
Winnekenni Park has a castle, walking trails and Kenoza Lake, and the Merrimack River offers views and paddling. Rowland Hussey Macy opened one of his first stores here before founding Macy's in New York, and the commuter rail connects it directly to Boston.
The center of Haverhill along Washington and Merrimack Streets, with large brick shoe factory buildings converted into apartments, restaurants, bars and shops. The city was once a major shoe-making center. A riverside boardwalk follows the Merrimack River, and street and garage parking are easy to find.
The 1688 farmhouse where poet John Greenleaf Whittier was born in 1807, preserved as a museum with original furnishings and the setting described in his poem Snow-Bound. The surrounding farmland adds to the feel of rural New England. It opens on limited days, so check the schedule before visiting.
The home of the Haverhill Historical Society, set on the Merrimack River, with historic houses on its grounds and exhibits on local history, shoe making and Native American artifacts. It opens on limited days; contact the society ahead to confirm hours and tours.
A large wooded park around Kenoza Lake, home to Winnekenni Castle, a stone mansion built in the 1870s that now hosts events and occasional public tours. Trails lead through forests and along the water. It is a favorite for hiking, picnicking and photos of the castle, especially in fall foliage season.
A scenic lake in Haverhill that serves as a public water supply, so swimming and boating are not allowed, but the paths around it are popular for walking and enjoying the views. The adjacent Winnekenni Park offers trails and the castle. It is especially pretty in autumn and early in the morning.
A small pond next to Winnekenni Park with a city-run swimming beach, lifeguards in summer, picnic areas and a sandy shore. It is a popular summer spot for local families. Residents and visitors pay different entry fees in season, so bring cash or check the city website before going.
A small lake close to downtown Haverhill with a public beach, a swimming area with lifeguards in summer and shoreline paths for walking. It is a convenient place to cool off in hot weather. Check the city recreation website for seasonal hours and fees, as beaches open only in the summer months.
A 150-acre farm property in Haverhill donated to the city and kept as open space, with meadows, woods, walking trails, gardens and a historic farmhouse. Volunteers run seasonal events and nature programs. It is free to visit and good for a quiet walk; dogs must be kept on a leash.
A paved rail trail in the Bradford area of Haverhill, on the south side of the Merrimack River, following an old railroad line with river views. It is short and flat, making it easy for walking, running and biking. It connects with the riverside paths near downtown; benches and parking lots are along the way.
A small family ski area in Haverhill with several trails, lifts, a terrain park and night skiing, overlooking the Merrimack River valley. It is good for beginners and children learning to ski or snowboard. It opens in winter when snow allows; check conditions online and rent equipment at the base lodge.
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Log in to add photosPhoto: Quintin Soloviev, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0
Photo: Fletcher, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0
Photo: John Phelan, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: M2545, Wikimedia Commons, CC0
Photo: John Phelan, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Beckwith-Zink (Diane) from Haverhill, MA, USA, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0
Photo: Quintin Soloviev, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0
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Photo: M2545, Wikimedia Commons, CC0
Photo: M2545, Wikimedia Commons, CC0
Photo: John Phelan, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Lexcie, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Published by Schlafman Borothers, Haverhill, Mass. Tichnor Bros. Inc., Boston, M, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
Photo: John Phelan, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
