Bedford is a densely packed suburban town located in Middlesex County, Massachusetts, and is home to just under 15,000 people. It has consistently ranked one of the best places to live in the Bay State. The community is just 25 miles from Boston. Its high-ranking schools and inviting downtown have helped it to become a thriving suburb. Nearby attractions include the Boston Museum of Fine Art, Faneuil Hall, and Fenway Park. Other must-see town magnets include Chip-In Farm, the Job Lane House, and the Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge.
The city of Bedford sits on unceded Algonquian Indian land. The town's proximity to Boston and the Concord River helped to transform it into a bustling trading post during the early 1700s, and the community was first incorporated in 1729. The town's name was derived from the English county of Bedfordshire. Bedford was the first to fly a battle flag during the American Revolution, although it was considered neutral grounds during much of the revolutionary war.
Like many Boston suburbs, Bedford has become a hotbed of suburban activity. Visitors can drop by Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge to get a glimpse of what Bedford was like before the arrival of European settlers. The Jane Lobe House is a local landmark that offers visitors a glimpse into what life might have looked like for affluent Bedford families during the early 1800s. The historic Fitch Tavern, the John Wilson Mill, and the Elijah Stearns Mansion are cornerstones of the town's historic district.
Along with its many historic sites, you'll find a variety of locally owned shops and eateries to explore during your visit. Outdoor enthusiasts may enjoy taking a hike down the nearby Narrow Gauge Rail Trail or the Great Meadow Wildlife Refuge's Reformatory Branch Trail.
Campgrounds Near Bedford, Massachusetts
Spacious Skyies Minuteman Campground is an RV-friendly camping spot that's situated within a pine forest in nearby Littleton, Massachusetts. The campgrounds offer a variety of full and partial hookup campsites. All campers get access to Wi-Fi and cable. Onsite amenities include a heated swimming pool, a children's playground, and two dog runs. The campground is located just a few miles from Route 495 and many Boston area attractions.
Normandy Farms Campground is a family-friendly camping destination in Foxborough, Massachusetts. The luxurious facility boasts a disc golf course, a fitness center, a dog park, and more. The resort abuts the 1,027-acre Foxboro State Forest. Over 23 miles of well-manicured trails connect the campground to this nearby preserve. Camping rates range between $83 and $146 per night. The campground offers basic, full hookup, and premium camping packages.
Adventure Bound Camping Resort is an expansive camping facility situated in the town of Truro, Massachusetts. This family-friendly camping facility offers a wide range of RV-friendly campsites. Guests get easy access to the Cape Cod National Seashore. The facility boasts nearly 300 campsites. The large, level spots are accompanied by a dump station, a laundry facility, and strategically placed public restrooms.
State Parks Near Bedford, Massachusetts
Harold Parker State Park is a stunning outdoor space in Andover, Massachusetts. The park is just an hour from Boston and only 30 minutes from Bedford. It's home to over 35 miles of trails, 11 ponds, and 91 campsites. The park boasts a pavilion, several picnic areas, a playground, and a dump station. Most of the park is made up of central hardwood, hemlock, and white pine forest. Popular park activities include hiking, biking, and picnicking. Daily parking fees are charged between May and October. However, visitors are welcome to enjoy the space all year long.
Kingston State Park is a 44-acre park located in Southeastern New Hampshire. The park's freshwater pond is a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and boating. The park operates a seasonal store. Boat rentals are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Other park amenities include a playground, a softball field, and horseshoe pits. The park also boasts multiple picnic areas, bathhouses, and public restrooms. Arrive early if you're visiting during peak summer hours, because the park reserves the right to limit guest access and the beach area typically fills up on weekends and holidays during warmer weather.
Wompatuck State Park is a 3,526-acre park situated in Hingham, Massachusetts. The park boasts 250 campsites, 12 miles of non-motorized roads, and 40 miles of forest trails. There is a visitor center, multiple parking lots, and multiple entrance points. Popular park activities include biking, camping, cross-country skiing, and boating. Health Heart Loop, Ride the Whitney Spur, and Single-Track Exploration are just a few of the signature hikes hosted by park rangers. The space is a little slice of paradise that's not far from downtown Boston's most popular destinations.
National Sites Near Bedford, Massachusetts
Minute Man National Historical Park helps curious visitors dig into the history of the American Revolution. This large outdoor park encompasses parts of Lexington, Concord, and Lincoln, Massachusetts. The park's main entrance is just a short drive from Boston and many of the Bay State's most popular attractions. The park hosts a variety of events, including mock battles, ranger-led educational programs, and guided walking tours. Visitors can hike Battle Road Trail, take a tour of the Hartwell Tavern, or watch a short multimedia presentation. The park is a particular hit on Patriot's Day. On this holiday, visitors are invited to join local historians and park rangers as they commemorate the first battle of the American Revolution.
Lowell National Historical Park is a 137-acre space that's dedicated to the nation's earliest textile mills. Visitors are invited to learn about the once-ground-breaking technology that helped launch New England into the throws of the Industrial Revolution. Guests can join rangers for a canal or trolley tour of downtown Lowell. There are plenty of nearby shops, galleries, and museums to keep curious parkgoers entertained. Lowell also happens to be a hotbed for outdoor festivals. The downtown area's River Walk offers guests splendid views of the Merrimack River. Must-see park attractions include the Boott Cotton Mills Museum and the Mill Girls & Immigrants Exhibit.
Longfellow House - Washington's Headquarters National Historic Site is a historic landmark situated in Cambridge, Massachusetts. This incredible history gallery is situated in the childhood home of Henry W. Longfellow. Guests can explore the home and possessions that once belonged to the famed 19th-century poet. Since this residence was also the site of one of Washington's Revolutionary War headquarters, Longfellow's story is just one of many that curious visitors can unearth. A variety of guided tours, events, and programs are available throughout the year. Visitors can check out the National Park Service's prerecorded ranger-led tours to learn more about the building's interior.
National Forests Near Bedford, Massachusetts
The Green Mountain National Forest is a 400,000-acre swath of land that stretches across parts of southwestern and central Vermont. This public space is popular all year long. However, fall and spring are the area's peak tourism seasons. The forest's colorful autumn foliage serves as a scenic backdrop for hikes and picnics. Those same color-changing trees give way to rich maple syrup harvests between February and March. The park's most popular attractions include Smugglers Notch, Middlebury Gap, Buels Gorge, and Route 100. The park presents visitors with numerous opportunities for hiking, camping, and nature exploration.
White Mountain National Forest is a stunning outdoor space situated between western Maine and northeastern New Hampshire. The 800,000-acre park sees millions of visitors each year. Popular park attractions include the Kancamagus Highway, Santa's Village, Flume Gorge, and Diana's Baths. The forest is home to hundreds of miles of scenic trails, dozens of unique waterways, and multiple campgrounds. The park's tallest peak is Mount Washington. There are 361 named mountains and many more unnamed peaks within the forest.
Finger Lakes National Forest is yet another stunning outdoor space that's situated between Seneca and Cayuga Lakes in New York's Finger Lakes Region. Popular park attractions include Watkins Glen State Park, Robert H. Treman State Park, and the Strong National Museum of Play. The park boasts several forest-lined roads and is home to a five-acre blueberry farm and several other fruit plantings. Both hunting and fishing are permitted within the forest.