Wakefield (Massachusetts)

town in Middlesex County, Massachusetts, United States

Wakefield, Massachusetts is a scenic town 12 miles north of Boston with a population of about 27,000 (2020). Wakefield has preserved much of its historic New England appearance and is recognized for its strong community involvement, quality school system, thriving businesses, public library, and for beautiful Lake Quannapowitt, which plays host to outdoor festivals and benefit activities each year.

Lynnfield is a town with a population of 13,000 (2020).

Understand

View of Wakefield Common from Lake Quannapowitt

Get in

By car

Wakefield is off route 128/I-95. The town spans from Exit 38 to Exit 42. Any of the five exits will take you into the center of town. Route 129 can also take you in to Wakefield from the east.

By rail

Wakefield is served by MBTA commuter rail from Boston, as well as the 136/137 bus.

Get around

The easiest way to get around is by car. There is limited public transportation -- only the 136/137 bus and 2 commuter rail stations serve the town. If you are active, a bike is also a good choice.

See

Wakefield Bandstand
  • 🌍 Col. James Hartshorne House (Church–Lafayette Streets Historic District), 41 Church St, ☏ +1 781-245-3935. On the shores of beautiful Lake Quannapowitt, the Colonel James Hartshorne House was built in 1681 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Throughout its life it has served as a private residence, a tavern, and a tenement for icehouse workers for the adjoining Morrill-Atwood Ice Company. (updated Dec 2022)
  • 🌍 Lake Quannapowitt, 468 North Ave. Sunrise-sunset daily. The lake is 3.5 miles around, which makes it ideal for the daily run or walk. At the head of the lake, there is Wakefield Common, which has a park and a gazebo, where many events, such as concerts and Independence Day festivities, are held. Walkers and joggers circle Lake Quannapowitt's shores year round, and in the warmer months, boaters set sail from the nation's oldest inland yacht club. Free. (updated Nov 2022)

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Connect

Go next

Routes through Wakefield
Portsmouth ← Peabody ←  N  S  → Reading → Weston
Chelmsford ← Reading ←  W  E  → Saugus → Lynn
Haverhill ← Reading ←  N  S  → Melrose → Boston


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