Planning a trip to Merrimack College? You’ve already made a great choice—and we want to help you make the most of your time here! We’ve put together the top 10 spots to check out during your visit so you can get a real feel for what life is like in and around Merrimack.
1. Downtown Andover | Andover, MA | ~2 mins
A charming, walkable downtown area with boutiques, bookstores and cozy cafés. Grab a coffee and enjoy a peaceful laid-back stroll through this classic New England town.
2. Local Hiking Trails | North Andover, MA | ~5 mins
North Andover offers some of the most scenic trails around. Explore Mazurenko Farm, Osgood Hill, Weir Hill and Harold Parker State Forest for a refreshing break surrounded by nature.
3. Smolak Farms | North Andover, MA | ~10 mins
Pick seasonal fruit, enjoy a hayride and feed friendly animals like goats, alpacas and deer. Smolak Farms is a picturesque spot for making memories—and snapping a few great photos!
4. The Loop | Methuen, MA | ~15 mins
The Loop is a great stop for shopping, grabbing a meal or catching a movie. Fun Fact: Our Warrior Shuttle often takes students here on the weekends!
5. Tuscan Village | Salem, NH | ~15 mins
Enjoy an afternoon at this vibrant outdoor plaza filled with restaurants, shops, a brewery and a lake. Seasonal events and family-friendly spaces make it a perfect side trip!
6. Rockingham Mall | Salem, NH | ~15 mins
As the largest mall in New Hampshire, Rockingham offers a wide variety of stores, dining options and cozy spots to relax. Just over the state line, it’s also tax-free—making it a smart (and fun) place to shop!
7. Wamesit Lanes | Tewksbury, MA | ~15 mins
This action-packed entertainment center has bowling, arcade games, golf simulators and an outdoor patio. It’s a great place for all members of the family to kick back and enjoy a few hours of nonstop fun!
8. Canobie Lake Park | Salem, NH | ~20 mins
Roller coasters, water rides, live shows and more make this a year-round favorite for thrill-seekers! Bonus: in the fall, it transforms into one of the region’s top Halloween destinations—complete with haunted houses and spooky hayrides.
9. Downtown Boston | Boston, MA | ~35 mins
Visit world-class museums, walk historic neighborhoods, shop Newbury Street and try famous cannoli in the North End. Boston is easily accessible from campus; skip the traffic and hop on the MBTA Commuter Rail, located less than five minutes away in Andover, MA!
10. Salisbury Beach | Salisbury, MA | ~35 mins
Salisbury Beach combines classic boardwalk charm with sweeping ocean views. Stroll past arcades, shops, a vintage carousel and more—or grab some fresh seafood and ice cream to beat the heat!
