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Day Trips from Waltham

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Day Trips from Waltham: Historic Sites & Museums

Explore the best historic sites, museums, and landmarks within driving distance of Waltham, MA. Battlefields, heritage towns, and world-class museums that bring history to life. Real drive times, ratings, and visitor info included.

12 historic sites near Waltham

Oakham Historical Museum Inc., Oakham, MA 01068

Oakham Historical Museum Inc.

Oakham, MA 01068

Just 1 hr 15 min from Waltham, rated 5.0 stars, rich in history and well worth exploring.

1 hr 15 min5.0 (1)History$10 - $25

Best time to visit: Year-round. Indoor museums and historic sites are great rainy-day options.

Historic MIT Radiation Laboratory Plaque, Cambridge, MA 02139

Historic MIT Radiation Laboratory Plaque

Cambridge, MA 02139

Just 24 min from Waltham, rated 4.9 stars, a popular destination with plenty to see and do.

24 min4.9 (38)Attraction$10 - $40

Best time to visit: Spring and fall offer mild weather and smaller crowds at most attractions.

American Heritage Museum, Hudson, MA 01749

American Heritage Museum

Hudson, MA 01749

Just 30 min from Waltham, rated 4.9 stars by 1,547 visitors, rich in history and well worth exploring.

30 min4.9 (1,547)History$10 - $25

Best time to visit: Year-round. Indoor museums and historic sites are great rainy-day options.

Eustis Estate Museum and Study Center, Historic New England, Milton, MA 02186

Eustis Estate Museum and Study Center, Historic New England

Milton, MA 02186

Just 28 min from Waltham, rated 4.8 stars by 277 visitors, rich in history and well worth exploring.

28 min4.8 (277)HistoryAdventure$10 - $25

Best time to visit: Year-round. Indoor museums and historic sites are great rainy-day options.

Springfield Armory National Historic Site, Springfield, MA 01105

Springfield Armory National Historic Site

Springfield, MA 01105

Just 1 hr 25 min from Waltham, rated 4.8 stars by 1,041 visitors, rich in history and well worth exploring.

1 hr 25 min4.8 (1,041)HistoryAdventure$10 - $25

Best time to visit: Year-round. Indoor museums and historic sites are great rainy-day options.

Titus Mansion Ruins, Tyringham, MA 01264

Titus Mansion Ruins

Tyringham, MA 01264

Just 2 hrs 3 min from Waltham, rated 4.8 stars, a popular destination with plenty to see and do.

2 hrs 3 min4.8 (38)Attraction$10 - $40

Best time to visit: Spring and fall offer mild weather and smaller crowds at most attractions.

Bennington Battlefield State Historic Site, Hoosick Falls, NY 12090

Bennington Battlefield State Historic Site

Hoosick Falls, NY 12090

Just 2 hrs 57 min from Waltham, rated 4.7 stars, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.

2 hrs 57 min4.7 (95)NatureAdventureFree - $20

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.

Nathan Hale Homestead Museum, Coventry, CT 06238

Nathan Hale Homestead Museum

Coventry, CT 06238

Just 1 hr 29 min from Waltham, rated 4.7 stars by 304 visitors, rich in history and well worth exploring.

1 hr 29 min4.7 (304)HistoryAdventure$10 - $25

Best time to visit: Year-round. Indoor museums and historic sites are great rainy-day options.

Pelham Historical Society Museum, 376 Amherst Rd, Pelham

Pelham Historical Society Museum

376 Amherst Rd, Pelham

Just 1 hr 29 min from Waltham, rated 4.7 stars, rich in history and well worth exploring.

1 hr 29 min4.7 (23)HistoryAdventure$10 - $25

Best time to visit: Year-round. Indoor museums and historic sites are great rainy-day options.

Boston National Historical Park - Charlestown Navy Yard, Charlestown Navy Yard, Boston

Boston National Historical Park - Charlestown Navy Yard

Charlestown Navy Yard, Boston

Just 30 min from Waltham, rated 4.7 stars by 11,156 visitors, a popular destination with plenty to see and do.

30 min4.7 (11,156)Attraction$10 - $40

Best time to visit: Spring and fall offer mild weather and smaller crowds at most attractions.

Fort Trumbull, 80 Walbach St, New London

Fort Trumbull

80 Walbach St, New London

Just 1 hr 47 min from Waltham, rated 4.7 stars, a popular destination with plenty to see and do.

1 hr 47 min4.7 (16)Attraction$10 - $40

Best time to visit: Spring and fall offer mild weather and smaller crowds at most attractions.

Bancroft's Castle, Groton, MA 01450

Bancroft's Castle

Groton, MA 01450

Just 44 min from Waltham, rated 4.7 stars by 397 visitors, a popular destination with plenty to see and do.

44 min4.7 (397)Attraction$10 - $40

Best time to visit: Spring and fall offer mild weather and smaller crowds at most attractions.

Frequently Asked Questions About Historic Sites Day Trips from Waltham

What are the best historic sites near Waltham, MA?

The best historic sites near Waltham include museums, battlefields, heritage villages, and architectural landmarks. Check the cards above for top-rated options with drive times and ratings.

Are there free museums near Waltham?

Yes. Many historic sites and some museums near Waltham offer free admission or suggested donations. State and national historic sites are often free or very low cost. Check the budget estimates on each card.

What historic towns are near Waltham?

Several well-preserved historic towns within driving distance of Waltham feature walkable downtown districts, period architecture, and local museums. These make excellent full-day trips combined with lunch and shopping.

When is the best time to visit historic sites near Waltham?

Historic sites and museums are great year-round. Spring and fall offer the best weather for outdoor sites and battlefields. Many sites host special events and reenactments in summer and around holidays.

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