Haverhill sits on the Merrimack River, north of Boston and right on the New Hampshire border. The city was once called the Queen Slipper City because of its shoe factories. Those brick buildings now hold restaurants, bars, and shops, and the river runs just behind them.
If you are looking for things to do in Haverhill, MA, the plan depends on the season. Some museums keep seasonal hours, and the farmers market runs for part of the year. Trails and the riverfront are best in daylight, while the downtown dining rooms stay lively in any weather. This guide covers what is open year-round, what is seasonal, and how to plan a visit whatever the forecast says. Dress for the weather, check hours before you go, and you will find plenty to do.
It comes from downtown Haverhill, where The Tap Brewing Company has run as a Haverhill brewery and restaurant on Washington Street since 2003. Most visitors want to know three things: where to eat, what is worth seeing, and what to do after dinner. The answers start with outdoor walks and museums, then cover local events, food, and drinks. You will also find a simple one-day plan near the end.
Parks, Trails, and the Riverfront
Trails and the riverfront are best in daylight. Plan outdoor stops earlier in the day, then head indoors for dinner.
Winnekenni Park is Haverhill’s largest park, with 700 acres and about 9.4 miles of trails. Chemist Dr. James Nichols built Winnekenni Castle there between 1873 and 1875, and the city bought it in 1895 to create its first public park. The castle opens for events rather than regular visits, but the grounds are open for walking, with views over Kenoza Lake.
Tattersall Farm, at 542 North Broadway, is a 150-acre farm that the Tattersall family gave to the city. It has open fields and about 2 miles of trails. The Whittier Birthplace grounds at 305 Whittier Road are also open year-round for self-guided walks across 68 acres.
Back downtown, one easy riverfront route runs about 1.5 miles. It starts at Washington Square, follows the downtown boardwalk, crosses the Basiliere Bridge, and returns along the Bradford Rail Trail. Dress for the weather, since the route is open and exposed by the water.
When there is snow, Ski Bradford at 60 South Cross Road runs a winter ski season. It has 15 lighted trails for night skiing, and it makes snow on all of them. Opening dates depend on the weather, so check the ski area’s site before you go.
Haverhill Museums: What Is Open and When
Haverhill’s museums are small and mostly volunteer-run. Many keep seasonal hours, so call or check online before you go.
- Buttonwoods Museum, 240 Water Street. Run by the Haverhill Historical Society, it covers Native American history, colonial life, and the shoe industry across three historic buildings: the Duncan House, the John Ward House, and the Daniel Hunkins Shoe Shop. Regular hours are seasonal, and outside that season it opens by appointment and for events. Admission is free, and donations are encouraged.
- Whittier Birthplace, 305 Whittier Road. This c. 1688 farmhouse is where poet John Greenleaf Whittier was born in 1807, and it is the setting for his poem “Snow-Bound.” Guided tours run seasonally by reservation. The grounds stay open for walks all year.
- Museum of Printing, 15 Thornton Avenue. The collection includes hundreds of antique printing, typesetting, and bindery machines, along with a library and rotating exhibits. It keeps limited hours, usually on Saturdays, so confirm before you go.
- Haverhill Firefighting Museum, 75 Kenoza Avenue. Antique fire trucks and firefighting equipment fill the 1906 armory building. It keeps limited seasonal hours, so confirm access before visiting.
Local Events
Haverhill holds several annual events through the year. Dates change, so confirm them before you plan around one.
- Haverhill Christmas Stroll. The Greater Haverhill Chamber of Commerce typically holds this free holiday event. It includes a tree lighting and a visit from Santa.
- Festival of Trees. The Haverhill Historical Society typically runs this annual holiday event at Buttonwoods Museum, 240 Water Street. Past years have included a raffle and Santa visits, with paid admission.
- Whittier Birthplace programs. Past years have included a snowshoe poetry hike and a weekend built around “Snow-Bound.”
- River Ruckus. Team Haverhill hosts this free festival at Riverfront Park and along Washington Street. It has included live music, a classic car show, food vendors, and fireworks over the river.
- Haverhill Farmers Market. It runs on Saturdays during the growing season at Bradford Common, 10 Church Street.
Where to Eat in Haverhill: Start on Washington Street
Downtown Haverhill’s main restaurant stretch runs along Washington Street and the streets around it. Most places sit in old brick buildings within walking distance of each other. That makes it easy to park once and explore on foot, whatever the weather.
The Tap Brewing Company at 100 Washington Street is open for lunch and dinner. Kitchen hours vary by day, so check the current hours before you visit. The menu includes hand-crafted burgers, smoked wings, and other pub food from a lunch and dinner menu with gluten-free options. Chef Chris Kole won Best Chef at the 2026 Tasty Awards, and The Tap also won Best Beer Selection and Most Creative Menu.
The indoor dining room is the main seating area. If you want a table on a busy weekend, reserve an indoor table by phone at 978-374-1117.
Haverhill has plenty of other places to eat. The Greater Haverhill Chamber of Commerce runs Haverhill Restaurant Week each year. It is the easiest time to try several local kitchens in one trip. If you are comparing restaurants in Haverhill MA, check each place’s current hours first, since hours can change by season.
Bars and Breweries in Haverhill, MA
Bars in Haverhill MA cluster downtown, and several are within a few doors of each other on Washington Street. For craft beer, The Tap brews every batch on site in a 10-barrel brewhouse and typically pours 11 to 12 beers at a time. The list rotates, so what’s on tap changes from week to week. A seat at the bar is an easy way to end a walk by the river.
Downstairs, The Playpen is a second bar with pool tables and a jukebox. It is usually open on weekend nights, which makes it a good weekend plan. Beer to-go is also available in cans and growlers if you want to take a few home.
If you are searching for a brewpub with outdoor seating, The Deck overlooks the Merrimack River and opens seasonally. Deck seating is first come, first served, and the weather decides when it is in use. Call ahead for current availability. If you reserve an indoor table by phone, you can ask for a spot on the Deck when you arrive, and the team will seat you there if space is open.
Getting to Haverhill and Planning One Day
Haverhill station is in downtown Haverhill and is the northern end of the MBTA Haverhill Line from Boston’s North Station. Amtrak’s Downeaster also serves the station. If you drive, The Tap has on-site parking, and street parking is available nearby.
Here is a simple one-day plan for things to do in Haverhill that works in most weather:
- Late morning: Walk the trails at Winnekenni Park or the Whittier Birthplace grounds while it is light.
- Lunch: Head to The Tap for lunch.
- Afternoon: Take a short riverfront walk from Washington Square, or visit a museum that is open.
- Evening: Have dinner downtown. On a weekend night, play a game in The Playpen.
When the museums are in their regular season, add Buttonwoods Museum or a Whittier Birthplace tour.
Plan Your Visit
Haverhill packs history, parks, and a real restaurant scene into a compact downtown. Start with a trail, finish with dinner, and end with a pint. The Tap Brewing Company is at 100 Washington Street in downtown Haverhill on the Merrimack River. Stop in for lunch, dinner, or a pint, and ask the team what is pouring today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Haverhill, MA worth visiting?
Yes, especially as a day trip. Downtown Haverhill has a walkable restaurant district and a Merrimack River waterfront. Winnekenni Park and the Whittier Birthplace grounds stay open for walks all year, and Ski Bradford runs in winter. Several museums keep seasonal hours, so check before you go.
What is Haverhill, MA known for?
Haverhill is known as the Queen Slipper City because of its shoe industry. It is also the birthplace of poet John Greenleaf Whittier and home to Winnekenni Castle, built in the 1870s. Today it is also known for its downtown restaurants and Haverhill Restaurant Week.
How do I get to Haverhill from Boston without a car?
Take the MBTA Haverhill Line from North Station to Haverhill station in downtown Haverhill. Amtrak’s Downeaster also serves the station. From there, the downtown restaurants and the riverfront are a short distance away.
Does The Tap take reservations, and is there outdoor seating?
The Tap accepts reservations by phone for indoor seating. The Deck, the outdoor seating area overlooking the Merrimack River, opens seasonally and is first come, first served. If you have an indoor reservation, you can ask to sit on the Deck when you arrive, depending on availability.