Vibrant College Town | Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Worcester’s a college town—plain and simple.

With 38,000+ students, how can it not be? From wildlife sanctuaries and botanical gardens to diners and indie marketplaces (indoor and out), there’s lots to explore, and even more to do. It won’t take long for you to stumble upon your new favorite restaurant, shop, museum, or spot in the park (we’re home to one of the oldest in the country, after all)—and when you do find it, share it with us! We love finding new places just as much as you do.

So, what will you do first?

Calling All Baseball Fans

The Triple-A minor league affiliate for the Boston Red Sox--the Worcester Red Sox, or WooSox-- is located right here in Worcester less than two miles from campus. Nestled in the bustling Canal District, the brand new Polar Park Stadium is one of the newest and most innovative sports venues in the country. Not surprisingly, WPI--as the official Worcester Red Sox academic technology advisor--helped the club design and develop the stadium.

More about the WooSox Thursday College Nights

Arts & Culture

Abstract to Zoetrope: Galleries and museums are all over the city, with some—like the Worcester Art Museum and the world-renowned American Antiquarian Society—located right in WPI’s own backyard.
Bon Appétit: Whether you’re a burger buff or a cupcake connoisseur (or are just looking for a fine cup of coffee), Worcester’s got you covered—on Shrewsbury Street and beyond.
Curtain Call: We love a good show, and Worcester’s full of venues of all sizes, from the Hanover Theatre and Mechanics Hall to the Palladium and DCU Center, as well as several movie theaters.
Ye Olde Weekend Plans: Food truck festivals, stART on the Street, fairs near and far, movies on the Common—and that’s just on a Saturday. Check out what else is going on in Worcester.
Cheers: Worcester’s craft brewery scene is on the rise, ready to be explored by the 21+ crowd.

The Great Outdoors

Worcester may be a city, but it’s also got many nature and outdoor activities to offer year round. Explore the city’s parks in the spring, start off a summer day with a game of golf before heading to the beach, enjoy the foliage while kayaking along Lake Quinsigamond in the fall, and ski at Wachusett Mountain in the winter (don’t forget your hat).

Looking for more?

Check out Mass Audubon’s Broad Meadow Brook, the largest urban wildlife sanctuary in New England
Explore the EcoTarium, Worcester’s indoor/outdoor museum (say hi to the turtles for us)
Bike, walk, or run along the Blackstone River Bikeway
Catch a Worcester Bravehearts game
Take your pick of one of the seven trails making up the Cascades Trail System
Swim, sail, picnic, fish, and more at Quinsigamond State Park
Take advantage of College Nights every Thursday at Central Rock Gym
Bundle up for some ice skating at the Worcester Common Oval
Explore the Tower Hill Botanic Gardens in nearby Boylston
Cheer on WPI’s very own varsity teams as they take on opponents from all over

Local Resources

When’s the next art show? Is this restaurant on Shrewsbury Street or in the Canal District? What else is there to do around Worcester? We’ve gathered a few resources to help you further explore your city.