Overview
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).
2 sights · 2 places to eat · 2 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Wakefield
Col. James Hartshorne House
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 ta…
Lake Quannapowitt
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 fe…
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: May–Sep. Summer highs reach about 82°F; winter lows dip to about 18°F. Cold months (Jan, Feb) can bring snow and ice; check road conditions. Wettest: Oct and Mar. (climate data from nearby Reading)
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.
- BOS Boston Logan International Airport, Boston — 11 mi away (major hub). Directions
- BED Laurence G Hanscom Field, Bedford — 11 mi away. Directions
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.
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 Col. James Hartshorne House
- Lunch Kippos Roast Beef
- Afternoon Lake Quannapowitt
- Dinner Floramo's Wakefield
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
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
See Col. James Hartshorne House (Church–Lafayette Streets Historic District)
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.
See Lake Quannapowitt
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.
Eat
Sleep
Nearby
Reading
City / town · 12 listings · 2 mi away
Stoneham
City / town · 4 listings · 2 mi away
Saugus
City / town · 8 listings · 4 mi away
Woburn
City / town · 13 listings · 4 mi away
North Reading
City / town · 10 listings · 5 mi away
Malden
City / town · 10 listings · 6 mi away
Wilmington
City / town · 16 listings · 6 mi away
Medford
City / town · 13 listings · 6 mi away
My experience
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