Upton, Massachusetts travel guide: things to do, food & where to stay

Overview

Upton (Massachusetts) is in Blackstone Valley, Massachusetts.

3 sights · 1 things to do

Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage

Best things about Upton

Knowlton Hat Factory

Upton State Forest

The 2,660 acre forest offers hiking, biking, horseback riding, cross country skiing, and snowmobiling. Dotted with ruins of old structures. Trails are fairly developed so it's an easy hike.

Sweetwilliam Farm

a working farm preserving Upton’s agricultural history, retaining the characteristics of a farm from the mid 1700s. The land was once owned by the grandfather of Eli Whitney and the 18th century farmhouse was built by hi…

Willard House and Clock Museum

Nearly 300-year-old farmhouse containing a collection of clocks made by the family who owned it.

Plan your trip

Best time to visit & weather

Most comfortable: May–Sep. Summer highs reach about 80°F; winter lows dip to about 18°F. Cold months (Jan, Feb, Dec) can bring snow and ice; check road conditions. Wettest: Mar and Nov. (climate data from nearby Wellesley)

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.
ORH Worcester Regional Airport, Worcester — 15 mi away. Directions
BED Laurence G Hanscom Field, Bedford — 26 mi away. Directions
PVD Rhode Island T. F. Green International Airport, Providence/Warwick — 32 mi away (major hub). Directions

Upton is accessible by Interstate 90, also known as the Mass Pike, which connects to the neighboring town of Grafton, and via Interstate 495, which connects to the neighboring town of Hopkinton (Massachusetts). Route 140, which runs from New Bedford northwest to Gardner, crosses through the town east to west.

Full “Get in” guide ↓

Budget & where to stay

No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.

Sample 1-day itinerary

Day 1

Morning Knowlton Hat Factory, Upton State Forest
Afternoon Sweetwilliam Farm, Willard House and Clock Museum

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

Map

Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.

Understand

Upton is a small town located in Worcester County in south central Massachusetts, 35 miles west of Boston and southeast of Worcester. The Town is 21.8 square miles in size, has approximately 7,540 residents. First settled in 1728, the town was incorporated in 1735. One of the town's more notable residents was Eli Whitney, inventor of the cotton gin.

Get in

Get around

Upton is a small town and is best accessible by car.

See

See Sweetwilliam Farm

Maps Website

See Knowlton Hat Factory

⚠ Last checked Mar 2017 — confirm before you go

Maps

See Willard House and Clock Museum

Nearly 300-year-old farmhouse containing a collection of clocks made by the family who owned it.

📍 11 Willard St, North Grafton☎ +1 508 839-3500

Maps Website

Do

Do Upton State Forest

The 2,660 acre forest offers hiking, biking, horseback riding, cross country skiing, and snowmobiling. Dotted with ruins of old structures. Trails are fairly developed so it's an easy hike.

Visitor parking is available at the trail head at 205 Westboro Road.

Maps Website