11 “Hidden Gems” in Massachusetts We’ve Always Known About but Can’t Stop Visiting

While I love a good tourist attraction, my favorite places to visit are the small, lesser-known local destinations. From the big cities to the small towns, our beloved Bay State is filled with wonderous, off-the-beaten-path attractions hidden in plain sight. You just need to know where to look for them. Lucky for you, Only In Your State has shared our secrets and compiled this handy list to point you to 11 incredible hidden gems in Massachusetts worthy of a trip (as well as a repeat visit).

1. Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory, South Deerfield

Let's start with one of my favorites. My family and I came across Magic Wings on a trip to the Berkshires years ago and this accidental discovery turned out to be one of our top hidden finds of all time. This privately run butterfly conservatory is a gorgeous oasis filled with magnificent butterflies and tropical plants. The butterflies will not only fly around you, but they may land on your hands and head. The museum also has a cool (and kind of creepy) insect display and a seasonal outdoor garden.    

2. Thom Reed UFO Monument Park, Sheffield

One visit to this picturesque park in Sheffield will have you bringing friends and family back to experience this supernatural gem for themselves. It was at this spot in 1969 that Thom Reed claimed he was abducted by aliens. His account was so believable the Great Barrington Historical Society and the Massachusetts government confirmed it. The Thom Reed UFO Monument Park also has a beautiful covered bridge, a gorgeous spot for taking photos.

3. Ponyhenge, Lincoln

If you have ever wondered where rocking horses are laid to rest, visit the town of Lincoln, home of Ponyhenge, a mysterious display of old hobby horses set in the middle of a field. The herd of horses is always being added to, so a trip to Ponyhenge is never the same twice. 

4. Harvard Museum of Natural History, Cambridge

Tucked on the sprawling Harvard University campus is a fantastic museum that is the epitome of a hidden gem. The Harvard Museum of Natural History is filled with exhibits on great mammals, arthropods, birds, and minerals. However, my favorite part is its amazing display of exquisite handcrafted glass flowers. This incredible museum has so much to see that a return trip (or two) is definitely in order if you want to experience it all.

5. Boston Fire Museum, Boston

Did you know there is a fire museum right in the heart of Boston? Located just down the street from the Boston Children’s Museum is one of the city’s best hidden spots, the Boston Fire Museum. Learn all about the history of Boston firefighting through historical artifacts and equipment. The free museum also has a children’s area. The exhibits frequently change, so repeat visits are encouraged. Please note: The museum is only open to the public on Saturday afternoons.  

6. Halibut Point State Park, Rockport

The coastal town of Rockport has so much to offer, but visitors may not be aware there is an incredible state park located within the town’s borders. Halibut Point State Park offers the easy 1.6-mile Halibut Point Loop Trail which winds through an old quarry with points along the beach. Stop at the tidepools to check for various sea life and bring a pair of binoculars for coastal birdwatching. Because of its popularity, the rocky but scenic trail can get busy.

7. Mytoi Japanese Garden, Edgartown

The sheer beauty and serenity of the Mytoi Japenese Garden make it a destination to visit again and again. This stunning 14-acre Japanese-inspired garden has beautiful trees, colorful flowers, and a gorgeous pond and footbridge. The garden is a one-of-a-kind spot that should not be overlooked when visiting the Vineyard.

8. Whydah Pirate Museum, Yarmouth

If you are interested in maritime history, shipwrecks, and piracy, the Whydah Pirate Museum in Yarmouth is right up your alley. The museum centers around the Whydah Gally, a ship that sunk off the coast of Cape Cod in 1717 and was later discovered in 1984. The interactive museum contains authentic artifacts and treasures from the ancient ship. Ongoing recovery missions are still taking place and the museum’s artifact collection continues to expand with each discovery.

9. Hammond Castle, Gloucester

Visit the North Shore city of Gloucester and you will find an unusual building overlooking the Atlantic. The Hammond Castle may not date back to medieval times, but it is fascinating to visit. Once home to inventor John Hays Hammond Jr., the intricate building is now an eclectic museum filled with artifacts from Hammond's personal collection and exhibits detailing his inventions. The grounds surrounding the castle are also magnificent.  

10. The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, Amherst

Imagine my delight when I discovered there is a fabulous museum, dedicated to one of my favorite children’s book authors, right here in Massachusetts. If you can name all of the Very Hungry Caterpillar's favorite foods, a fun-filled day at the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art in Amherst is for you. New exhibits, workshops, and events are always in the works at this family-friendly venue.

11. The Original Dunkin' Donuts, Quincy

We round out our list of favorite hidden gems with a classic many locals visit daily. The Dunkin' on the Southern Artery in Quincy is not only known for its must-have coffee but also for its place in history. Erected in 1950, the building was the very first Dunks ever built. While it may look quite different than it did many decades ago, the coffee shop contains historic plaques and pictures that mark its important place in Massachusetts history.

Now that we've told you about our favorite hidden gems, we would love to hear about your must-visit off-the-beaten-path attractions. What unusual local spots do you recommend visiting? Nominate them. Keep track of all these unique travel experiences by chronicling your local journeys in this beautiful Massachusetts travel journal.