Mattapoisett is a quaint town situated in Massachusetts. Found in Plymouth County, this town is renowned for its stunning views, one-of-a-kind landmarks, eateries, and retail establishments.
There are many things to do in Mattapoisett, most of which are perfect for visitors with kids. If you are creating your travel plans, consider including the Mattapoisett Library, Mattapoisett Harbor, and Ned’s Point Lighthouse. The town is also home to Salty the Seahorse, a giant sculpture well worth seeing.
Apart from its many great places, Mattapoisett also boasts a rich history, reflected in many of the buildings in the town. One such building is the Mattapoisett Historical Society Museum & Carriage House, which features preserved artifacts demonstrating the life and culture of the New England town.
If you’re looking for great places to visit during your stay in the city, here is our list of the best and most fun things to do in Mattapoisett, Massachusetts.
The 8 Most Popular Things To Do In Mattapoisett, Ma
8. Mattapoisett Library
4.7 ★★★★★ (21 reviews)
Credit: Schlitzer90 | Wikimedia Commons
Location: 7 Barstow St, Mattapoisett, MA 02739
Web Address: https://www.mattapoisettlibrary.org/
The Mattapoisett Free Public Library is a beloved site among locals and tourists alike. The library gives visitors the opportunity to learn about the history of the town. It also hosts a number of volunteering activities and indoor events, including arts & crafts for children, spring storytime, and knitting classes.
7. Town Wharf General Store
4.6 ★★★★★ (60 reviews)
Credit: Town Wharf General Store – Facebook Page
Location: 10 Water St, Mattapoisett, MA 02739
Website: https://townwharfgeneralstore.com/
The Town Wharf General Store in Mattapoisett is one of the best places to visit for your shopping needs. The store offers a mix of specialty groceries, housewares, kids’ candy, local clothing, kitchen wares, dairy products, cold drinks, locally-made goodies, organic coffee and tea, and beer and wine.
In addition to the items mentioned above, the general store also sells delicious chocolates and caramels as well as freshly cooked donuts on the weekends and on special days.
6. Mattapoisett Land Trust
4.6 ★★★★★ (5 reviews)
Location: Mattapoisett, MA 02739
Web Address: https://mattlandtrust.org/
Founded in 1974, the Mattapoisett Land Trust was built to help protect the land of native citizens and preserve the town’s legacy. The town stretches over 900 acres and includes six parks, 19 preserves, and a farm.
There are plenty of activities to enjoy at Mattapoisett Land Trust, including birdwatching, learning more about the local fauna, and walking along trails. However, the most popular activity (especially for children) is the story walk.
Mattapoisett Land Trust’s educational story walk takes tourists around the property where several storybooks can be found, including:
- “Carl and the Meaning of Life” by Deborah Freedman, located at the corner of Route 6 and North Street in the Dunseith Gardens
- “Over in the Meadow” by Ezra Jack Keats, located on Route 6 near Mendell Road in Dexter Tub Mill Park
- “The Bee Tree” by Patricia Polacco, located at the end of Bowman Road in Grace Meadow
Additionally, the Mattapoisett Land Trust also organizes family scavenger hunts. This activity sees families exploring the park in search of unique things about the sites as well as hidden tiny fairy houses.
5. Mattapoisett Museum
4.6 ★★★★★ (19 reviews)
Credit: Daderot, License, Wikimedia Commons
Location: 5 Church St, Mattapoisett, MA 02739
Tel: 508 758 2844
Web Address: http://mattapoisettmuseum.org/
Founded in 1959, the Mattapoisett Museum is dedicated to exploring and promoting the heritage and culture of the locals. The museum features an inviting and vibrant place where people of all ages can enjoy exhibits that covers the town’s maritime history and salt-making traditions.
Other exhibits also feature unusual items found in the town and photographs taken to display the diversity of locals living in Mattapoisett.
The Mattapoisett Museum regularly changes its exhibitions. Exhibits from the past included whaling, ice-cutting, weaving, and the town’s beloved 1821 fire engine.
4. The Bogs
4.8 ★★★★★ (28 reviews)
Credit: Alicia Porter, License, Flickr
Location: 138 Acushnet Rd, Mattapoisett, MA 02739
Tel: 508 999 6363
Located in the heart of Mattapoisett River Reserve is a beloved place called The Bog. This natural oasis features four miles of trails that take visitors through woodlands, freshwater wetlands, and old cranberry bogs.
There is plenty of wildlife to see at The Bogs, including a diverse array of birds, deer, and coyotes. In the summer, the area serves as the home to frogs, turtles, dragonflies, ospreys, and red-tail hawks.
If you’re planning on visiting The Bogs, make sure to wear blaze orange, most especially during the hunting season.
3. Shaw Farm Trail – Buzzards Bay Coalition
4.8 ★★★★★ (30 reviews)
Location: MATT-173/011.0-0000-0100.0, Mattapoisett, MA 02739
Tel: 508 999 6363
The Shaw Farm Trail in Mattapoisett is home to some of the most beautiful coastal farmlands and forests in the state. This popular path cuts through Fairhaven and Mattapoisett and leads local hikes, runners, birders and families to Nasketucket Bay.
Much of the trail’s coastal farmlands and forests serve as homes for a wide range of animals, including hawks, ospreys, and salamanders. In particular, the trail is home to eastern box turtles, which are incredibly vulnerable to human development.
As with The Bogs, visitors are strongly encouraged to wear blaze orange during hunting season.
2. Nasketucket Bay State Reservation
4.5 ★★★★★ (93 reviews)
Location: Branch, Beach Rd, Mattapoisett, MA 02739
Tel: 508 992 4524
Spanning nearly 400 acres of coastal forests is the beautiful Nasketucket Bay State Reservation. This state park is considered a treasure for outdoor enthusiasts, regardless of age.
There are five miles of trails to explore at Nasketucket Bay State Reservation, each of which winds through woods, meadows, and salt marshes. Most of the paths also end at the rocky shores of Nasketucket Bay.
Many wildlife creatures live in Nasketucket Bay, including whelk, oysters, and clams. There are also vernal pools in the woods that serve as the critical habitat for breeding frogs and salamanders.
1. Ned’s Point Lighthouse
4.7 ★★★★★ (413 reviews)
Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Location: 50 Ned’s Point Rd, Mattapoisett, MA 02739
Tel: 508 758 4100
Located in the “Veterans of Mattapoisett Memorial Park,” the Ned’s Point Lighthouse is the most recognizable feature of the coastal park. Built in 1838, this 39-foot stone lighthouse is a favorite subject among photographers and artists, especially those looking to capture sweeping views of the Mattapoisett Harbor and Buzzards Bay.
Surrounding Ned’s Point Lighthouse is a large grassy lawn and rocky shoreline where visitors can have picnics and lounge under the summer sun.
Final Words:
Thank you for reading our list of the best things to do in Mattapoisett, Massachusetts! We hope it helped you plan the perfect itinerary for your next trip to this fantastic destination. Happy travels!
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