Overview
Shirley is a city in Merrimack Valley with a population of 7,000 (2020). The town was named for former Governor William Shirley, and was settled in 1720 and incorporated in 1775.
Ayer is a town with a population of 8,000 (2020).
Littleton is a town in Massachusetts with a population of 10,000 (2020).
11 sights · 1 things to do · 1 places to eat · 1 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Shirley
Center Cemetery
This is an 18th century cemetery is across from Shirley Common. Records of burials are available at the Historical Society museum.
First Parish Meeting House
The building was built in 1773 moved by oxen to its current location in 1851. Today it can be rented for weddings.
Fredonian Park
Fredonian Road off of Main Street. Wide open grounds with a gazebo next to a brook. The bridges and boardwalk were torn out after being judged structurally unsound but some of the remains were used to install walkways ov…
Lake Shirley
Flat Hill Road to Sunset Lane. Recreation area where you can swim, boat, and otherwise kick back.
MacKaye Cottage
The cottage was built 1836 and bought by actor Will MacKaye in 1886. Will's relatives include Benton, founder of the Appalachian Trail, Hazel, a suffragette and Steele, an actor, producer, author, inventor.
Old Firehouse
This Queen Anne Style building was built in 1894. The same architect who designed the original Hazen Library designed it.
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: May–Sep. Summer highs reach about 84°F; winter lows dip to about 14°F. Cold months (Jan, Feb, Dec) can bring snow and ice; check road conditions. Wettest: Oct and Dec. (climate data from nearby Nashua)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- BED Laurence G Hanscom Field, Bedford — 19 mi away. Directions
- ORH Worcester Regional Airport, Worcester — 23 mi away. Directions
- BOS Boston Logan International Airport, Boston — 35 mi away (major hub). Directions
Route 2 west to Exit 38B (Route 110 / 111), 37B (Fort Devens) or 36 (Shirley Road).
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.
Sample 3-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Fredonian Park, Whiteley Park, Shirley Shaker Village
- Lunch Bull Run Restaurant
- Afternoon MacKaye Cottage, Oliver Holden Birthplace
Day 2
- Morning Shirley Common, Shirley Historical Society Museum
- Afternoon First Parish Meeting House, Old Town Hall
Day 3
- Morning Lake Shirley, Center Cemetery
- Afternoon Old Firehouse
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Get in
By car
Route 2 west to Exit 38B (Route 110 / 111), 37B (Fort Devens) or 36 (Shirley Road).
By train
Commuter rail (Fitchburg Line) west to Shirley Station (Zone 8).
Get around
There is not much public transit; you will need a car to get around.
See
See Center Cemetery
This is an 18th century cemetery is across from Shirley Common. Records of burials are available at the Historical Society museum.
See First Parish Meeting House
The building was built in 1773 moved by oxen to its current location in 1851. Today it can be rented for weddings.
See Fredonian Park
Fredonian Road off of Main Street. Wide open grounds with a gazebo next to a brook. The bridges and boardwalk were torn out after being judged structurally unsound but some of the remains were used to install walkways over the old trail system.
See Lake Shirley
Flat Hill Road to Sunset Lane. Recreation area where you can swim, boat, and otherwise kick back.
See MacKaye Cottage
The cottage was built 1836 and bought by actor Will MacKaye in 1886. Will's relatives include Benton, founder of the Appalachian Trail, Hazel, a suffragette and Steele, an actor, producer, author, inventor.
See Old Firehouse
This Queen Anne Style building was built in 1894. The same architect who designed the original Hazen Library designed it.
See Old Town Hall
Also on the Shirley Common next to First Parish Meeting House. The Greek Revival building was built in 1847 and was rebuilt in 1950 by Lucien Gionet after being struck by lightning.
See Oliver Holden Birthplace
Birthplace of Oliver Holden, Composer of hymn "Coronation", one of the hymns known by memory by Civil War soldiers. He also wrote "Worcester Collection of Sacred Harmony" that was the first book to be printed on movable type in the US.
See Shirley Common
The public space where many summer festivals and town events occur. There is a Civil War monument in the center that was dedicated May 30, 1891. Its inscription reads: "Erected by the Citizens of Shirley in memory of those brave men who in response to the nation's call hazarded their lives to suppress the Great Rebellion 1861-1865."
See Shirley Shaker Village
The Shaker village was community from 1793 to 1908. 11 of the original buildings as well as the cemetery remain to this day. The Shaker Village is now on the grounds of a Massachusetts Correctional Facility but the Shaker sites are open to guided tours by the Shirley Historical Society. Permission to enter the complex must be obtained from the MCI Superintendent's office.
See Whiteley Park
Main Street across from the train station. The last Shaker Elder gave the land to the town in 1896. The park now contains several War Memorials and the grounds come to life during Veterans Day, Memorial Day, and the 4th of July.
Do
Eat
Eat Bull Run Restaurant
Lots of legends and lore go along with the restaurant. It is said (although there is no evidence) that Paul Revere knocked on the door during his ride through every town in Middlesex county. The tavern also features a covered wooden bridge behind the tavern.
Sleep
Nearby
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My experience
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