More to explore
A disputed stone site, a 1741 common, a rail trail and a year of events.
America's Stonehenge
Stone chambers, standing stones and walls on a North Salem hilltop. The site says its oldest work dates back about 4,000 years and that it lines up with solstice and equinox sunrises; archaeologists dispute an ancient origin. Walk the half-mile loop, about an hour, and decide for yourself. Our America’s Stonehenge guide covers tickets, trails and the debate. 105 Haverhill Rd., open daily 9–5, stonehengeusa.com.
Salem Common & the museum
The common was laid out around 1741 and is now a National Register historic district. The Salem Historical Society runs its museum in the 1738 Old Town Hall, Schoolhouse No. 5 and the Alice Hall Memorial Library. Look for the Canobie memorabilia, the military room and the player piano. 310 Main St.; call (603) 890-2280 for hours.
The rail trail and the parks
The Salem Bike-Ped Corridor follows the old Boston & Maine line for about five miles, paved from the north end to Main Street. Stop at the restored depot, now the Salem Depot Transportation Museum. Swim at Hedgehog Park (53 Lowell Rd.) from Memorial Day to Labor Day, catch free Friday concerts in summer at Field of Dreams Park (48 Geremonty Dr.), or play 18 at Campbell's Scottish Highlands (79 Brady Ave.).
The Salem year
- May: Canobie opens for the season.
- Summer: Field of Dreams concerts and Lake Park music.
- September–October: Screeemfest at Canobie.
- October: Parmigiano Reggiano Festival, ToscanaFest, Concorso Italiano.
- November: Tuscan Village tree lighting; the Salem Holiday Parade, the Sunday after Thanksgiving.
- December: the Lions Club tree lighting on Salem Common.
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Keep exploring
From the Rock to the Grand
Seabiscuit raced here. Now Churchill Downs is building the Rockingham Grand, opening in mid-2027.
America’s Stonehenge: the stones and the debate
Stone chambers on a Salem hilltop, a claim of 4,000 years and a long scholarly argument. Here is what you will see, and how to plan the walk.
The Salem rail trail, mile by mile
Five miles of old Boston & Maine railbed, from Canobie Lake to the Massachusetts line, with a cow tunnel and a depot along the way.