Best Things to Do in Needham

1. Needham Center-Framing the Town Hall and the Town Common, Needham has an animated downtown area, with dining, shopping, culture and a slew of events that bring the community to the heart of the town.

2. Echo Bridge-In the northeast of Needham, a lovely stretch of the Charles River is encompassed by the Hemlock Gorge Reservation, with steep, hemlock-wooded banks.

3. Cutler Park-This is the largest to be found on the Middle Charles River, and is ecologically rich, providing a habitat or resting place for some 100 bird species.

4. Charles River Peninsula-Owned by the Trustees of Reservations, this stunning patch of land is tucked into a meander of the Charles River, with water surrounding it on three sides.

5. Needham Town Hall-The Town Common in front is the venue for Needham’s summer farmers’ market, as well as annual gatherings like the Harvest Fair in October.

6. Needham History Center & Museum-The Needham Historical Society was founded in 1915, and has a beautiful HQ at the Mills House (1834), which is the main exhibit space.

7. Needham Town Forest-There’s something for riders of all abilities, and on the eastern corner you can hike or ride to High Rock, where there’s a scenic overlook.

8. The Needham Free Public Library-This library’s first dedicated building was a Carnegie librar y, part funded by the Needham industrialist William Carter which opened at Highland Avenue and Mellen Street in Needham.