Top 13 Things To Do In Bridgewater, Massachusetts

1. Walk the meandering alleys of War Memorial Park

War Memorial Park is a beautifully manicured public park in West Bridgewater. The park is nestled between Arch and River Street and is one of the most iconic historical sites in West Bridgewater, dating back to the 1930s. Known as the first industrial park in the region, it is today a lovely relaxation oasis. Today, the park is sprinkled with walking trails, benches, and overlooks the Town River. It’s a great place to go for a picnic with the kids, walk the dog, or watch the small cascading waterfall while listening to birds singing.

War Memorial Park

Address: River St, West Bridgewater, MA 02379

2. Take the family out for burgers at 99 Restaurants

Bridgewater has several great restaurants and pubs, but 99 Restaurants stands out as a kid-friendly spot that serves delicious classic American fare. They’re famed for their tasty burgers, the signature Boneless Buffalo Wings, and the frosted mugs of beer, but their mission goes beyond great food. The restaurant was founded by Charlie Doe, who had a dream of creating a place where people felt like home, where the prices were reasonable, and which serves something for everyone. His vision still lives today at 99 Restaurants. Make sure you check out their cocktails and desserts menu, too. They also serve gluten-free and kid-friendly dishes, seafood, steak, ribs, and fresh salads.

99 Restaurants

Address: 233 Broad St, Bridgewater, MA 02324

Website: 99 Restaurants

Opening hours: Mon - Wed: 11am - 10:30pm; Thu: 11am - 11pm; Fri - Sat: 11am - 11:30pm; Sun: 11am - 10pm

3. Appreciate the artworks at Owling Dog Art Gallery LLC

Exploring an art gallery is always more than just staring at paintings on a wall, and Owling Dog Art Gallery LLC is proof of that. Their fine art prints and unique creations tell the stories of local artists, and all products are made in the United States. If you decide to buy a print as a souvenir or a gift for a friend, you’ll also receive a Certificate of Authenticity signed by the artist who created it. Each artist featured here has their individual style, from Catherine Savage’s impressionist and surreal photography to Colin Savage’s urban, architectural, and black-and-white photography.

Owling Dog Art Gallery LLC

Address: 11 Central Square, Bridgewater, MA 02324

Website: Owling Dog Art Gallery LLC

Opening hours: Wed - Sat: 4:30pm - 6pm (closed from Sun - Tue)

4. Attend an event at Bridgewater Citizen's Club

With a central location, right in the heart of downtown Bridgewater and within walking distance from the university and many local businesses, the Bridgewater Citizens Club is a bar and event venue in one. They host different kinds of events, including charity events, and rent the space for anniversaries, baby showers, and even weddings. The place features a fully equipped kitchen and a full bar.

Bridgewater Citizen's Club

Address: 60 Hale St, Bridgewater, MA 02324

Website: Bridgewater Citizen’s Club

Opening hours: 12pm - 12am (daily)

5. Spend an afternoon at Sachem Rock Farm

Sachem Rock Farm is a historic farm in East Bridgewater. Besides being a historical landmark, it is also a place where people come for fun or to attend different events. You can bring the whole family, and spend an afternoon walking the surrounding trails, learning about the region’s history, or enjoying a picnic and some games outdoors. Everyone will have a blast at this venue!

Sachem Rock Farm

Address: 355 Plymouth St, East Bridgewater, MA 02333

6. Savor a cold pint at Black Hat Brew Works

When it comes to food and drinks, Black Hat Brew Works is a must-try while in Bridgewater. The small craft brewery established on Black Hat Friday 2015 has a very simple philosophy - create the highest-quality beer, using as many local ingredients as possible. Today, their beer list is quite extensive, including pale ales, IPAs, stouts, and many more. Some of the varieties you should definitely try, include the Bridgewater Blonde, an easy-drinking blonde ale available year-round, the Belgian Tripel, which is a tribute to some of the world’s oldest breweries, as well as the summery Witbier, brewed with orange, coriander, and chamomile flowers, and perfect for a hot sunny day.

Black Hat Brew Works

Address: 25 Scotland Blvd #1, Bridgewater, MA 02324

Website: Black Hat Brew Works

Opening hours: Wed - Thu: 4pm - 8:30pm; Fri: 4pm - 9pm; Sat: 12pm - 7pm; Sun: 12pm - 5pm (closed on Mon & Tue)

7. Start the morning on the golf course at Olde Scotland Links

If you’re looking to start your morning in the outdoors, burning some calories, Olde Scotland Links can be an excellent choice. Founded in 1997, Olde Scotland Links is an 18-hole public golf course designed for both strategy and fun. The golf course is certified by the National Audubon Society and features a clubhouse, a pro shop, and a bar and grill.

Olde Scotland Links

Address: 695 Pine St #2117, Bridgewater, MA 02324

Website: Olde Scotland Links

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 6:30am - 7:30pm; Sat - Sun: 6am - 7:30pm

Price: Starting at 23 USD

8. Go on a shopping frenzy at Campus Plaza

No vacation would be complete without some shopping, right? Go on a shopping frenzy at Campus Plaza, Bridgewater’s shopping mall located on Broad Street, within walking distance from downtown Bridgewater and Bridgewater State University. Here you’ll find not only a variety of stores but also a pharmacy and lots of casual dining options.

Campus Plaza

Address: 179 Broad St, Bridgewater, MA 02324

Website: Campus Plaza

Opening hours: 9am - 9pm (daily)

9. Wander around the pristine lands of Wildlands Trust - Great River Preserve

The Wildlands Trust - Great River Preserve spreads over 125 acres (50 hectares) of pristine lands, boasting a variety of habitats, a mile of untouched river frontage, and some of the most scenic mix of open fields, woodlands, and vernal pools. It is a spectacular place to explore, home to several rare animal species and diverse flora.

Wildlands Trust - Great River Preserve

Address: 1025 Auburn St, Bridgewater, MA 02324

Website: Wildlands Trust - Great River Preserve

10. Walk the winding trails at Bridgewater State Forest

Another scenic spot that’s a great place for outdoor enthusiasts in West Bridgewater is Bridgewater State Forest. The forest boasts a large lake and dam, several walking and hiking trails that have degraded over time and have occasional puddles but are still interesting to explore. The best times to explore the forest’s trails are winter and summer if you want to avoid the muddy puddles and make the most of your experience here. Some prefer to come here alone, for a solo hike, while others prefer to bring their furry friends for some quality time together; either way, spending a few hours in Bridgewater State Forest is always a good idea.

Bridgewater State Forest

Address: 599 Spring St, West Bridgewater

11. Explore Stiles & Hart Conservation Area

Stiles & Hart Conservation Area is a conservation area in Bridgewater, nestled between Town River on one side and Broad Street on the other. The nature preserve is home to a plethora of trails, ponds, and lush greenery galore. It is one of Bridgewater’s many outdoor oases waiting for explorers to discover them. It is a great place for a day in the heart of nature. Stiles & Hart Conservation Area can be explored on land or by water; either way, the scenic landscapes will fascinate even the pickiest eye.

Stiles & Hart Conservation Area

Address: 1 Broad St, Bridgewater, MA 02324

12. Stroll along the banks of Town River at Stanley Iron Works Park

The historical site of Stanley Iron Works Park spreads along the banks of the Town River. The park got its name from the Bridgewater Iron Manufacturing Company, one of the largest ironworks in the United States that used to sit on these lands around the mid-19th century. Today, the park boasts trails, forested areas, rivers, and small waterfalls that turn the river into a natural spectacle. It’s a great place to visit in the warm summer months, as there are lots of tall trees to make shade and help you cool off. Stanley Iron Works Park is ideal for a family day outdoors, but can easily be the go-to place for solo travelers or couples looking to spend a romantic afternoon in the heart of nature.

Stanley Iron Works Park

Address: 93 High St, Bridgewater, MA 02324

Opening hours: 7am - 8pm (daily)

13. Take your furry friend on a walk along the trails at Carver's Pond

Many think of Carver’s Pond as one of Bridgewater’s hidden gem. Located off Summer Street and originally a cotton gin company, Carver’s Pond is today a place for relaxation. People come here for the many water sports opportunities, including fishing, swimming, and canoeing, to walk the waterfront alleys, or to spend some quality time with their four-legged buddies. On cold winter months, the pond turns into an ice skating rink so there’s something fun to try no matter the season.

Carver's Pond

Address: Summer St, Bridgewater, MA 02324

Bridgewater, MA - a underrated place of pristine lands, vast forests, lush greenery, and much more

While Bridgewater is not a very big city, it makes up for its size in hidden gems and a variety of attractions. It’s an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise, with lots of pristine forested lands, winding trails, scenic open fields, and a variety of habitats. It’s also home to great restaurants, a brewery, golf courses, and historical landmarks. Bridgewater is an excellent vacation destination, whether you’re traveling solo, with your better half, or with the entire family. Check out our recommendations of the best things to do in Bridgewater, MA, so you can make the most of your vacation.