Location: Saugus
Top Things to do in Saugus
The 10 Best Things to Do in Saugus, United States
Saugus in United States, from Nouth America region, is best know for Historic Sites. Discover best things to do in Saugus with beautiful photos and great reviews from traveller around the world here!
Restaurants in Saugus
1. Saugus Iron Works
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 117 reviews
In the 1600's, on the banks of the Saugus River, something extraordinary happened. Explore the place where European iron makers brought their special skills to a young Massachusetts colony. This nine-acre National Park includes working waterwheels, hot forges, mills, an historic 17th century home and a lush river basin.
Reviewed By SUSAN M - Hollywood, Florida
Saugus Iron Works is a National Historic Park. This one apparently is not very popular; tours are offered only once a day and the park opens May 1st for only six months of the year. Both my husband (not a history buff) and I found it fascinating. Perfect sunny weather didn't hurt. By the time we arrived at 1:30, the day's visitor count was only 26.
This site was the first successful plant for the production of cast and wrought iron in the Americas. Production began in 1646 using technology equal to that used in Europe at the time. Iron products were needed for farm tools, barrel straps, wagon wheels, blacksmiths, building materials, etc. The men working there were indentured servants, not Puritans – arrested English artisans as well as Scottish soldiers deported after capture.
The work was demanding and dangerous. Moisture was the worst. A tiny drop of water falling on molten metal could blow up the entire furnace. Due to financial issues and embezzlement, the mill closed in less than ten years. The workers, however, stayed in New England starting other ironworks that formed the foundation of the future US iron and steel industries.
Our guide demonstrated the actual workings. Water from the adjacent Saugus River drove water wheels that provided needed power. In one building (all are reconstructions) the iron was smelted in a blast furnace and cast into pig iron (workers thought the sand molds for casting resembled a sow with piglets – thus the name). In the next it was forged into varying qualities: pounding with massive 500 pound hammers changed the molecular structure forming 'wrought' iron. Different quality iron was needed for varying products. A third building contained rolling and slitting machinery that could change the iron’s shape, producing flat and/or small items. The park museum contained a number of excavated artifacts and small working models as well as film.
The Ironworks House is the only structure at the park that survives from the 1600s. After more than a century of owner modifications, it was restored in the early 1900’s to its original condition. We were the only two on a tour through the House. The park ranger explained how original wood beams were recognized and dated, and pointed out two different saw cuts in the wood. Every screw, hook, wood shingle and nail was handmade. He really made it interesting.
Before the early 20th century excavations there was no above ground sign of any part of the Ironworks or House other than a slag heap at the edge of the river. A road actually ran across the property. So the creation and restoration of this Historic Site is quite amazing. We stayed more than three hours
2. Lynn Woods
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 63 reviews
Reviewed By ADoucy1211 - Boston, Massachusetts
We take our dog here every weekend- it's a hidden gem! I never realized how much land is at Lynn Woods but there are multiple trails for both walkers, hikers, bikers- even for campers I've heard.
We go to the baseball field parking lot- as opposed to pennybrook which is also a nice parking area. We do the 5 mile loop to the left up toward Stone Tower and hug the trails left and all the way around until you loop back to parking lot. Beautiful trails, monuments, brooks, and views.
Highly recommend. Gets quite busy during weekends in the afternoon, especially during nice weather- the summer. Favorite time to go is early morning in the Fall or Winter where it's quiet and beautiful
3. Night Shift Brewing
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 123 reviews
Reviewed By Dublin3 - Dublin3
Great micro-brewery with some really tasty beers. They have rotating small batch brews, and their regular beers. Lots of seats, inside & out, and there is usually a food truck parked outside for eats. It's a great spot for a beer on the way home, or some evening with friends.
4. Revere Beach
Overall Ratings
4 based on 296 reviews
Reviewed By michelskt - Cambridge, Massachusetts
About what you can expect from a city beach- a bit crowded and dirty. However, access to amenities nearby including public transport, restrooms, food & drink are handy. No shade at the beach- wanted to note that!
5. Market Street Lynnfield
Overall Ratings
4 based on 99 reviews
MarketStreet Lynnfield is the North Shore's largest open air shopping village, located directly off of I-95/128 at Exit 43. The center offers a vibrant mix of over 70 national brand and local boutiques, more than 10 exceptional restaurants, Whole Foods Market, and Kings Bowl America. Spend you day enjoying MarketStreet Lynnfield's green spaces, community events, performances and gatherings. Our event calendar is filled with fun family events and even a seasonal outdoor ice skating rink!
Reviewed By Armachians - Armagh, United Kingdom
This area is nicely landscaped and very well kept but has only average store offerings. Would be difficullt to spend more than an hour or two if not dining.
6. Boda Borg Boston
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 73 reviews
Are you ready to break out of prison, be on a TV game show, explore a haunted house or run an obstacle course? Boda Borg Boston has seventeen Quests to challenge your team. You'll climb, crawl, explore and fail -- a lot -- as you work together to conquer our challenging Quests.
Reviewed By Trapezegirl - Connecticut
We went to Rockport MA for a long weekend. Took a drive to Malden (about 50 minutes) to go here. Heard good things. IMPORTANT - Make a reservation ahead of time!! When we made our reservation it was $20 for 2 hours or $30 for as long as you would like. What a deal. Where can you go this cheap???? The unlimited hour time slots were all booked, so we did the 2 hours. How we wish we had more time....... Had the time of our life. Me and my 2 sisters. You need AT LEAST 3 people. Cant say much more that that, otherwise I would have to give away secrets to the quests. Just if you are in the area you need to go
7. Breakheart Reservation
Overall Ratings
5 based on 32 reviews
Reviewed By TP1234 - Boston, MA
The Breakheart Reservation is located between Saugus, Wakefield, and Lynnfield. There are two entrances - near Wakefield High School and near the Target store in Saugus. The visitor's information center (with restroom facility) is located at the Saugus entrance. There are parking lots at both entrances.
There are multiple hiking options at Breakheart including paved roads between the two entrances. I was told that the outer loop is about 3 miles long but it felt a bit shorter than that. There are many smaller trails (such as the Silver Lake trail) which I have not yet tried. If you do plan to try them I would recommend go there in a small group instead of going along. The park map is available online.
There is a small beach near one of the lakes with picnic tables, life guard stands and portable restrooms. It can be very popular during a nice weekend or holiday especially on the Fourth of July.
I have been to the Breakheart many times and still love it. It is a great place to hike, exercise or just relax - for all ages.
8. Lynn Memorial Auditorium
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 75 reviews
Reviewed By Jacquie W - Hamilton, Massachusetts
This small auditorium has been pulling in big name entertainment the past few years. Prices are good and there is indeed plenty of free parking a short distance away. BUT...if you're used to attending shows in a professionally run venue, you might be disappointed here. People come in late and stand in the aisles while searching for their seats, blocking your view the whole time. And the view from the back of the room can be pretty terrible, with people moving up and down the aisles during the show. Plus, serving alcoholic beverages throughout is just asking for some rowdiness. This place is just too "laid back" for my liking.
9. Freedom Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 14 reviews
The red line on the sidewalk leads you on this 2.5-mile, self-guided tour of American Revolution sites. It starts at the Boston Common, America's oldest public park, and ends at the famed Bunker Hill Monument.
Reviewed By davidedwardscafc - Rochester, United Kingdom
There are guides that will take you on the Freedom Trail from the Tourist Office in Boston Common. For a worthwhile tour avail yourself of the knowledge of the local tour guide. The experience will be so much more worthwhile. Fascinating explanations behind the actions of the patriots
10. Phillips House
Overall Ratings
5 based on 108 reviews
Phillips House is the only home on historic Chestnut Street open to the public, and it provides a glimpse into the private world of the Phillips family during the early decades of the twentieth century. The kitchen, pantry, and a domestic staff bedroom, present a rarely seen picture of how the great houses functioned as new technologies were being introduced.
Reviewed By 105joel - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Our guide, Joan, was extremely passionate about the House and the families that lived there. We had a tour of two....just my bride and I. It was great...we asked many questions and Joan was so willing to respond....great artifacts....provides outstanding insights as to how the affluent lived in those days...if you like history and nistalgia....you should enjoy this site.
