Norwell MA is a wonderful place to live and call home. It is a picturesque rural town about 20 miles south of Boston near the coastline with access to the Atlantic oceanfrom the North River. There are a multitude of things to do in Norwell MA and something for everyone.
If you enjoy easy walking, consider taking a strollin theNorris Reservation,offering 2 miles of trails throughout129 acres of forest that overlooks the beautiful North River.Bring lunch and have a picnic on the deck of theboathouse overlooking the North River or at Gordon’s Pond.The Norris Reservation is also a favorite for dog walkers and friends.
The Jacobs Pond Conservation area is a beautiful jewel in Norwell MA featuring 189 acres of woodland with a network of nature trails ideal for hiking and walking
Jacobs Pond was created in 1730 when the Third Herring Brook was dammed up at the South end of the Pond, which is now Route 123, where the Third Herring Brook runs under the road. The Town of Norwell MA recently updated the floating docks, which also includes a handicap accessibledock for those wishing to kayak or canoe. There is a new floating boardwalkthat connects the mainland to “Boy Scout Island”, which is available for people to camp overnight, though you must register with the town first. Jacobs Pond is a great place to fish, kayak, canoe, row or sail. There is a small parking lot on Jacobs Lane and handicapped visitors may drive directly down to the dock. There is also some benches and a picnic area. The Norwell Recreation Department sponsors an annual fishing derby in May held at Jacobs Pond, which is always well attended.
Wampatuck State Park is a great local asset located in the Northeast section of Norwell MA
You can access the park at the end of Mount Blue Street in Norwell MA. There is limited on street parking at this entrance. The park is named after an Indian Chief, local colonists knew as Josiah Wompatuck. In 1665, Chief Wompatuck deeded the park consisting of 3,500 acres to the English settlers, which now is part of Hingham, Norwell and Cohasset. During World War II, the park was used as an ammunition depot by the United States. You can still see signs and buildings used during WWII. Wampatuck State Park is a great place to walk, hike and bike with 12 miles of paved bicycle trails, and many miles of wooded paths and hiking trails.You can also camp in the park either with a trailer or tent. The park offers 262 wooded campsites, 140 of which offer electricity. The park alsofeatures the Mt. Blue Spring, which is a source of fresh drinking water.
The town of Norwell MAhasspent millions of dollars and many years developing a system of pathways for walking, joggingand biking
Thisoversized pathwayconstructed ofasphalt andwooden boardwalk structures that weaves through beautiful forest and wetland crossings currently connectsthe Norwell High School on South Street andthe Norwell Middle Schoolon Main Street via Cushing Street.Parking at the rear of the Norwell middle school is ideal so you can choose which direction you want to head in. HeadingWest will take you to the High school.Going east will take you behind Donovan Farm and down Forest Street to River Street at Garfield Park. The Norwell town common and center of town is just a short distance from there, but there’s no sidewalk yet.These new pathways have been a welcomed addition to the townspeople as evidenced by the large amount of people and families walking, jogging, and biking through the town.
Norwell’s true jewel, the North River,of which its history is so connected to
Norwell Faces & Places-Tour of the North River from Norwell Spotlight TV on Vimeo.
The North River, which leads to the Atlantic Ocean was the beginning of Norwell’s prominent shipbuilding era. Now the North River is a recreational paradise for kayakers, and all boaters. It is also a fishing paradise and for kids that like to jump off the Bridge Street bridge to cool off during summer months.In July, the North and South Rivers Watershed Association holds its annual Great River Race, a fun non-motorized boat race. You can visit the NSRW website for more information and events like learning to kayak, clamming, fly-fishing for Bass and river tours.
More Festivities and Annual Events in Norwell MA
The Norwell Historical Society holds its annual Strawberry Festival each June at the historic Jacobs farmhouse, which offers tours of the historic Jacobs homestead and barn. The festival is a great family outing where you can enjoy fresh strawberry shortcake and the kids can play old time games and plant seeds in the farm.
New to Norwell festivitiesplanned for every other summer is Norwell Summer Fest to be held in Norwell Center.The Norwell Town Common and Norwell Centerhosts live music, beer gardens, food concessions, artisans, face painters, touch a truck, dunk tank, rock wall, arcade truck, balloonists, and others.This will hopefully be a long running tradition for future years to come. For more information, to volunteer or become asponsor of the event, please visit the Norwell Summer Fest website.
If you’re a runner, Norwell hassome great annual 5K and 10K road races for you and the kids. Evan’s Run is held in May and offers a kids race as well ask a walking and running 5K and 10K race through scenic Norwell. Evan’s Run is in memory of Norwell’s Evan Henry who passed away. Donations raised for thenon-profit Evan Henry foundation supports autism awareness.Calle’sMiracle Run, isin memory ofNorwell’s Caroline “Calle” Cronk who passed away from DIPG.Thisroad racetakes place in April. The event offers a kids race as well as a 5K and 10K road racethat starts and ends at the Norwell High School.Money raised from the race and donations to the non-profit Hope for Caroline, Inc.foundationhelp to support other families battling DIPG and to support research for a cure.
The James Library and Center for the Arts is a charming Victorian building located in Norwell centeroffering an array of arts open and free to the public. There is always somethinghappening at the “James” fromart shows, musical concerts and special events. You canalsoread yourold classics or current best seller.
Other things to do in Norwell, visit:
South Shore Natural Science Centerfor nature walks,petting animals, camps and more.
Norwell Public Libraryto get discounted passes to zoos, museums, national parks, the aquarium and more.
Norwell Recreationoffers a vast amount of programs every season of the year for all ages. Check it out.
Norwell Historical Societyfor special events.
Norwell AthleticsTake the kids on down to a high school athletics game.
If you’re thinking about moving to Norwell and would like to see all the available homes for sale, please click here. Local and Trusted Realtor George Jamieson of Coldwell Banker Realty, the Sponsor of this page, would love to help you find your new home in Norwell.