Norwell Offers Recreation for Everyone
If you’re new to town or a lifelong resident, Norwell recreation offers something for everyone. There are many Norwell recreation activities and annual festivals for all ages to enjoy. If you love easy walking and hiking, consider taking a stroll in the beautiful Norris Reservation, offering 2 miles of trails throughout 129 acres of forest that overlooks the beautiful North 
River. Bring lunch and have a picnic on the deck of the boathouse overlooking the beautiful North River or at Gordon’s Pond. You might even catch a view of a seal sunning on the banks of the marsh. The Norris Reservation is also a favorite for dog walkers and their dog friends to meet up.
Jacobs Pond is another great example of Norwell recreation and a great place to fish, kayak, row, sail or explore the nature trails
The Jacobs Pond Conservation area is another beautiful gem in the Norwell recreation offerings, featuring 189 acres of woodland with a network of nature trails ideal for hiking and walking. Jacobs Pond was created in 1730 when the Third Herring Brook was dammed up at the South end of the Pond, which is now Route 123, where the Third Herring Brook runs under the road.
The Town of Norwell recently updated the floating docks, which also includes a handicap accessible dock for those wishing to kayak or canoe. There is a new floating boardwalk that connects the mainland to “Boy Scout Island”, which is available for people to camp overnight, though you must register with the town first. Jacobs Pond is a great place to fish, kayak, canoe, row or sail. There is a small parking lot on Jacobs Lane and handicapped visitors may drive directly down to the dock. There is also some benches and a picnic area. The Norwell Recreation Department sponsors an annual fishing derby in May held at Jacobs Pond, which is always well attended. Sorry, not motorized boats are allowed on the pond.
Wampatuck State Park consists of over 3,500 acres in Hingham, Norwell and Cohasset
Wampatuck State Park is another great asset in the Norwell recreation bag of gems, located in the Northeast section of Norwell. You can access the park at the end of Mount Blue Street in Norwell. There is limited on street parking at this entrance. The park is named after an Indian Chief, local colonists knew as Josiah Wompatuck. In 1665, Chief Wompatuck deeded the park consisting of 3,500 acres to the English settlers, which now is part of Hingham, Norwell and Cohasset. During World War II, the park was used as an ammunition depot by the United States. You can still see signs and buildings used during WWII. Wampatuck State Park is a great place to walk, hike and bike with 12 miles of paved bicycle trails, and many miles of wooded paths and hiking trails. You can also camp in the park either with a trailer or tent. The park offers 262 wooded campsites, 140 of which offer electricity. The park also features the Mt. Blue Spring, which is a source of fresh drinking water.
The Norwell Pathways offer peaceful walks, jogs and bike rides through natures beauty
The town of Norwell has also spent millions of dollars and many years developing a system of pathways for walking, jogging and biking that connects the Norwell High School, Norwell Middle School and ultimately Norwell town center. Many of these oversized paths are throughout the woods with boardwalks built over wetlands offering a quiet and peaceful walk, jog or bike ride. Norwell will also have new sidewalks installed along Main Street beginning at South Street near the High School, which will continue past the Norwell Middle school all the way to Norwell Center.
The North River in Norwell is a recreational paradise full of history
Norwell is also blessed to have its jewel of which Norwell’s history is so connected to. The North River, which leads to the Atlantic Ocean was the beginning of Norwell’s prominent shipbuilding era. Now the North River is a recreational paradise for kayakers, and all boaters. It is also a fishing paradise and for kids that like to jump off the Bridge Street bridge and cool off during summer months. In July, the North and South Rivers Watershed Association holds its annual Great River Race, a fun non-motorized boat race. You can visit the NSRW website for more information and events like learning to kayak, clamming, fly-fishing for Bass and river tours.
There are so many festivities and fun activities for Norwell residents and visitors to enjoy
The Norwell Historical Society holds its annual Strawberry Festival each June at the historic Jacobs farmhouse, which offers tours of the historic Jacobs homestead and barn. The festival is a great family outing where you can enjoy fresh strawberry shortcake and the kids can play old time games and plant seeds in the farm.
New to Norwell festivities every other summer is Norwell Summer Fest to be held in Norwell Center. Norwell Center is closed down to traffic and hosts live music, beer gardens, food concessions, artisans, face painters, touch a truck, dunk tank, rock wall, arcade truck, balloonists, and others. 2015 was the first year for this event and it was a very successful and well attended event. This will hopefully be a long running tradition for future years. For more information, to volunteer or become a sponsor of the event, please visit the Norwell Summer Fest website.
If you’re a runner, Norwell has some great annual 5K and 10K road races for you and the kids. Evan’s Run is held in May and offers a kids race as well ask a walking and running 5K and 10K race through scenic Norwell. Evan’s Run is in memory of Norwell’s Evan Henry who passed away. Donations raised for the non-profit Evan Henry foundation supports autism awareness. Calle’s Miracle Run, is in memory of Norwell’s Caroline “Calle” Cronk who passed away from DIPG. This road race takes place in April. The event offers a kids race as well as a 5K and 10K road race that starts and ends at the Norwell High School. Money raised from the race and donations to the non-profit Hope for Caroline, Inc. foundation help to support other families battling DIPG and to support research for a cure.
The James Library and Center for the Arts is a charming Victorian building located in Norwell center offering an array of arts open and free to the public. There is always something happening at the “James” from art shows, musical concerts and special events. You can also read your old classics or current best seller.
Other things to do in Norwell, visit:
South Shore Natural Science Center for nature walks, petting animals, camps and more.
Norwell Public Library to get discounted passes to zoos, museums, national parks, the aquarium and more.
Norwell Town Sponsored Activities and Town Recreation offers a vast amount of programs every season of the year for all ages.
Norwell Historical Society for special events.
Norwell Athletics Take the kids on down to a high school athletics game.
George Jamieson is a Realtor with William Raveis Real Estate in Norwell and provides buyer and seller services to customers throughout the entire South Shore. If you are in need of real estate services and would like to work with a trusted and experienced Realtor, please call George at 617-877-4839 or email him at George.jamieson@raveis.com. To search homes for sale in Norwell, click here.