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Methuen is a city of about 53,000 people in the Merrimack Valley of northeastern Massachusetts, bordering Lawrence and the New Hampshire line about 30 miles north of Boston. It grew as a mill town along the Spicket River, and in the late 1800s and early 1900s it was shaped by wealthy residents who left it an unusual collection of stone buildings, estates and gardens.
The most famous of them was Edward F. Searles, who brought the Great Organ from the Boston Music Hall to Methuen and built the Methuen Memorial Music Hall to house it. Searles also built his Pine Lodge estate and many of the walls, towers and buildings still seen around the center. Hat manufacturer Charles H. Tenney built the Greycourt estate, now a state park with ruins and trails, and the Nevins family gave the town its stone library.
Today Methuen is a mostly residential city with shopping at The Loop, walks on the Methuen Rail Trail and the Spicket River Greenway, and summer swimming at Forest Lake. Lawrence's mill heritage park and the beaches of the North Shore are short drives away.
A concert hall built by Edward F. Searles in 1909 to house the Great Organ, first installed in the Boston Music Hall in 1863. The huge instrument, with its carved case, fills one end of the hall. Go to a Wednesday evening summer recital to hear it; tickets are inexpensive.
Methuen's public library, a handsome stone building from the 1880s given in memory of David Nevins, with a grand reading room, fireplace and portraits. It is still the city's main library and welcomes visitors. Step inside to see the historic rooms, then walk to nearby Gaunt Square.
A state park on the hilltop site of Greycourt, the stone mansion of hat maker Charles H. Tenney, later destroyed by fire. Walk past the ruins, old stone walls and gatehouse remains on short wooded trails with glimpses over the city. The park is free and quiet; wear sturdy shoes.
The former Pine Lodge estate of Edward F. Searles, an English-style manor with stone walls, towers and landscaped grounds near the Spicket River. It later served as a religious school and is now an events venue, so access is limited. View the walls and gates from the surrounding streets.
A paved trail of about 2.5 miles on a former rail line through Methuen, crossing the Spicket River on old bridges and linking neighborhoods, parks and the city center. It is flat and good for walking, running and biking. Look for the little free libraries and public art along the way.
A walking path along the Spicket River that links small parks near Methuen's center, with views of falls and old mill sites where the town's industry began. It is a short, easy walk suited to all ages. Combine it with the Rail Trail and a look at the stone buildings around Gaunt Square.
A small lake in the north part of Methuen with a city-run swimming beach, lifeguards in summer and a lawn for picnics. It is popular with local families on hot days. Beach access is usually by resident or day pass, so check the city's rules and hours before you go.
The historic heart of Methuen, a small square surrounded by brick and stone buildings, monuments and the old mill district near the Spicket River falls. Many of the walls and towers nearby were built by Searles. It makes a good starting point for a walk to the Music Hall and library.
An open-air shopping center off Pleasant Street with chain stores, restaurants and a large movie theater, built on the site of a former mall. It is the city's main spot for shopping and a meal. Parking is free and plentiful, and it is close to the I-93 and I-495 interchange.
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Log in to add photosPhoto: John Phelan, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: EraserGirl, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
Photo: John Phelan, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: John Phelan, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: John Phelan, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: John Phelan, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
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Photo: MKH1020, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: EraserGirl, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
Photo: EraserGirl, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
Photo: John Phelan, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: John Phelan, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: EraserGirl, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
Photo: EraserGirl, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0
Photo: EraserGirl, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0
Photo: EraserGirl, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0
Photo: EraserGirl, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0
Photo: EraserGirl, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0
Photo: EraserGirl, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
Photo: EraserGirl, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
Photo: John Phelan, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: John Phelan, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
