10 Incredible Hidden Gems In Massachusetts You’ll Want To Discover This Year

Are you looking for some cool sights to visit in the new year? Think you’ve seen all that Massachusetts has to offer? Not yet! There is always something more to discover. OIYS has put together a list of Massachusetts hidden gems, secret spots, and lesser-known attractions that you may not have heard of. If you want to see some interesting, off-the-beaten-path attractions, be sure to put these 10 spots on your 2024 travel list!

Motif #1, Bradley Wharf, Rockport, MA 01966, USA

photoholic1/flickr

One of the most hidden beautiful places in Massachusetts can be found in the quaint town of Rockport. In fact, this spot is so pretty that it is said to be the most painted building in the entire country. Motif #1 may be a small replica fishing shack, but it has become an iconic American image. The town of Rockport even hosts a special “Motif #1 Day” in honor of the weathered red building. Motif #1 can be found at Bradley Harbor in Rockport.

Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory, 281 Greenfield Rd, South Deerfield, MA 01373, USA

Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory/Facebook

If you are looking for cool places to visit in Massachusetts, you need to put Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory on your list. My family discovered this hidden gem years ago, while on a road trip to the Berkshires, and it remains one of our favorite state attractions! Imagine walking among gorgeous pollinator plants while hundreds of colorful butterflies fly around you. One even landed on my head! The conservatory also includes interesting insect exhibits, a pollinator garden, and a fun little gift shop. Please visit the Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory website for details on visiting.

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Bancroft Tower, Worcester, MA 01609, USA

Troy B. Thompson/flickr

Did you know there is a tower hidden inside the city of Worcester? Bancroft Tower is a gorgeous 56-foot stone structure that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This architectural marvel was built by hand over 120 years ago and is located in Worcester’s Salisbury Park. More information about this hidden gem can be found on the City Of Worcester Salisbury Park website.

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Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, Bedford St, Concord, MA 01742, USA

Bill Ilott/flickr

Those who enjoy literature or history (or both), will want to see Author’s Ridge in Concord. On this site, you can visit the gravesites of notable authors Henry David Thoreau, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Nathaniel Hawthorne, and Louisa May Alcott. The ridge can be found at Concord’s Sleepy Hollow Cemetery which dates back to 1855. More information can be found on the Town of Concord’s Sleepy Hollow Cemetery website.

Mytoi Japanese Garden, 41 Dike Rd, Edgartown, MA 02539, USA

David Berkowitz/flickr

One of the best-kept secrets in Massachusetts is hidden on Martha’s Vineyard’s Chappaquiddick Island. Here you can find the breathtaking Mytoi Japanese Gardens. Tranquility awaits you as you meander through paths among native and exotic plants. This is a lovely spot to walk, meditate, or take some beautiful photographs. Find out more at Mytoi’s website.

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Berkshire East Mountain Resort, 66 Thunder Mountain Rd, Charlemont, MA 01339, USA

Katie Hallett/Google Reviews

Be sure to add a visit to the Thunderbolt Mountain Coaster to your list of non-touristy things to do in Massachusetts! Believe me, you are in for quite a ride. This unique alpine slide in the middle of the forest contains over 3,800 feet of track, including lots of fun twists and spirals. The slide is located at the Berkshire East Mountain Resort in Charlemont.

World's End, Hingham, MA 02043, USA

Bill Ilott/flickr

A beautiful off-the-beaten-path spot in Massachusetts is World’s End in Hingham. This gorgeous recreation area located on a peninsula will provide you with solitude, stunning scenery, and views of the Boston skyline. It is a wonderful place to get away from it all. Find out more at the World’s End website.

Chester Railway Station & Museum, 10 Prospect St, Chester, MA 01011, USA

Chester Railway Station & Museum

One of the most interesting secret getaways in Massachusetts involves an overnight stay in a train car. That’s right, you can actually spend the night in a century-old caboose. The train car which is housed at the Chester Railway Station & Museum may not be the most luxurious place that you have stayed (there is no plumbing within the caboose), but it will probably be one of the most memorable. Find out more on the Chester Railway Station & Museum website.

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The Mary Baker Eddy Library, 210 Massachusetts Ave, Boston, MA 02115, USA

Qin Zhang/Google Reviews

You may be surprised to find out that there is a gigantic map made of colorful glass within the city of Boston. The Mapparium is a stunning, colorful structure that was built in 1935. You can actually walk right inside the map and view the details up close. The Mapparium is located at the Mary Baker Eddy Library.

Thom Reed - UFO Monument Park, Covered Bridge Ln, Sheffield, MA 01257, USA

Kimberly Falchek/OnlyInYourState

One of the most unique places to visit in Massachusetts is the Thom Reed UFO Monument Park in the little town of Sheffield. I recently stopped here for the first time and became fascinated by the story of Thom Reed and his family who underwent an abduction in 1969. On the property, there is a plaque commemorating the event. The Upper Sheffield Covered Bridge is also here and is a beautiful sight to see.

What other Massachusetts hidden gems have you visited? Tell us about them and we just might add them to a future list. For more fun travels, be sure to read Take This Hidden Gems Road Trip When You Want To See Some Little-Known Places In Massachusetts. And check out our ultimate road trip packing list.

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