An Afternoon in Fitchburg

The previous Backyard Road Trips’ article, From Framingham to Fitchburg was a success, so it was time that I headed back to the wilds of north-central Massachusetts to explore what else Fitchburg has to offer. Fitchburg is a post-industrial town that is ripe for exploration. It has tangible pieces of the past such as former factories and a downtown with wide streets.

Coggshall Park

Coggshall Park is an absolute must-visit in Fitchburg. At over 250 acres, this wooded park is a perfect place for many recreational activities. There are walking trails, including one around Mirror Lake. The Stone House in the park is available for functions. There is also a stone gazebo at the lake’s edge next to an amphitheater. This would be a perfect backdrop for a wedding. Also in the park is a disc golf course and a playground. Near the main parking lot, there is a boulder-strewn piece of land which is a preview for what is to come.

Fitchburg’s past can be seen distinctly in the factories that exist in various conditions: still in use, decaying, and renovated. In a working-class area of town is the Steam Line Trail. Steam was pushed into a pipe that traveled a far distance, supplying power for the factories that it crossed. Literally, this pipe connected factory to factory providing steam. 

The parking lot on Westminster Street provides spaces for roughly ten cars. It is not obvious where to go after you’ve parked. Head toward the metal bridge. This is where the signage of the trail begins. Cross the bridge and explore what the park has to offer. Climb uphill and eventually reach a dam and waterfall. The initial crossing is close to a working factory building. This trail is a cool piece of Fitchburg’s industrial heritage. 

Flat Rock Sanctuary

Tucked in the northern section of Fitchburg that seems a world away from the downtown is Flat Rock Sanctuary. This property is under the ownership of the Mass Audubon Society. It is a prime spot for bird watching, and during my visit, it was popping with daffodils. We hiked uphill for a while but eventually turned around since we had more to see during our Fitchburg visit. 

On the way back toward town, my wife spotted a town pound. Town pounds were used to house runaway cattle or other animals which farmers would have to pay a fee to take back. Some towns such as Fitchburg still have theirs or have recreated one. During our younger days, my wife would travel far and wide finding town pounds.

Rollstone Boulder

This ten-foot boulder is located in the middle of an intersection in downtown Fitchburg at Main and Rollstone Drive. Much of Fitchburg’s surrounding hills are littered with rocks and boulders. This large specimen comes from atop Rollstone Hill. Rocks were quarried from this hill. The gigantic boulder was a popular spot to hike to for visitors. To save the boulder, it had to be blown up. Eventually, the reassembled boulder was placed in this intersection. Visiting Rollstone Hill today, there is not much to see easily. It is surrounded by a residential neighborhood, and it did not seem there were any legal entrances into the woodland.

Arthur J DiTommaso Memorial Bridge

Crossing the Nashua River from one neighborhood in downtown Fitchburg to another, the 5th Street Bridge is a popular crossing point. Named officially for Arthur DiTommaso who was a police officer in town, the cable-stay bridge is impressive. It resembles a mini Zakim Bridge which takes travelers on Route 93 from Boston to Charlestown on Route 93. 

Fitchburg Art Museum

Our last stop was the Fitchburg Art Museum. The museum is an inviting collection of permanent pieces and rotating exhibits. One of the first pieces was a series of selfies that museum patrons took of themselves wearing a mask, with three adjectives underneath the photo. The galleries include a photography exhibit of big pictures and a very striking collection of photos depicting the horrors of racial injustice. The name of this exhibit is Family Portraits by Steve Locke. At the museum, there is also an impressive collection of American art and Egyptian art. 

Visiting Fitchburg for the second time in a few months, these new places are definitely worth exploring for a fun afternoon.