Worcester Historic Houses Walk, Worcester

Worcester Historic Houses Walk (Self Guided), Worcester

Worcester, Massachusetts, is not just a hub of modern development and educational excellence; it also harbors a rich collection of historic residences, each with its own story and architectural significance. These houses offer a glimpse into the lives of some of the city's influential figures from various periods and the architectural trends that shaped their homes.

One of the notable historic houses in Worcester is the Whitcomb Mansion, a significant Queen Anne-style landmark, known for its unique architectural features and historical contributions, including its dual listing on the National Register of Historic Places. Nearby, the WH Goulding House is a testament to the industrial era’s impact on residential architecture, reflecting the prosperity of its original owners who thrived during that time.

The Otis Putnam House and Jerome Marble House are other notable structures, with the former, built in 1887, exemplifying Queen Anne style and the latter displaying the opulent Second Empire architecture, featuring symmetrical design and elegant detailing, now utilized as professional office space. The Tilley Raymond House and George Cobb House further exemplify the architectural diversity of the area, ranging from quaint Greek to grand Gothic Revival designs.

Additionally, the Harris-Merrick House showcases a mix of historical aesthetics, embodying the transition in architectural preferences over the years. The Francis Dewey House, which belonged to one of Worcester’s prominent legal figures, offers not only architectural beauty but also a slice of legal history. The Charles Allen House and William Hogg House round out this list, each contributing its unique style and historical value to Worcester’s cultural landscape.

These homes are not just structures but repositories of stories and a testament to the city’s evolution from a modest town to a bustling modern city. For anyone interested in architecture, history, or the development of American towns, visiting these locations offers a unique chance to discover the rich tapestry of Worcester’s past.

Image Courtesy of Wikimedia and George Cobb House.

How it works: Download the app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store to your mobile phone or tablet. The app turns your mobile device into a personal tour guide and its built-in GPS navigation functions guide you from one tour stop to next. The app works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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Create Your Own Self-Guided Walks in Worcester

Map Instructions: (1) Click the "Nearby Sights" button to view the nearby attractions; (2) click a map pin to see sight information.

Guide Name: Worcester Historic Houses Walk
Guide Location: USA » Worcester (See other walking tours in Worcester)
Guide Type: Self-guided Walking Tour (Sightseeing)
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.9 Km or 1.2 Miles

Sights Featured in This Walk

WalkBuilder (customize this walk)

Use the WalkBuilder tool below to customize this walk to suit your interests. Instructions: click

at the upper right corner in the map above to view other sights in the city. To learn more about a sight, click a map pin. Click the “+” or “–” to add or remove a sight from the walk. To reorder the selected sights, simply drag and move them up or down the list in the left column.

Click here to view route map

Enter a name for your custom walk, along with your email address, in the fields below. You will receive the instructions for retrieving your custom walk in the GPSmyCity app by email. The GPSmyCity app offers turn-by-turn travel directions to guide you from one attraction to the next.
Walk Name*:
Email*:

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I access my walking tour in Worcester?
Save your walking tour on the website. Then download the GPSmyCity app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and sign in to your GPSmyCity account. Next, download “Worcester Map and Walking Tours” within the app. Your walk will appear on the Walks screen.

2. How do I view other attractions in Worcester?
At the upper-right corner of the map above, click the “Nearby Sights” button to show or hide other sights in the city. Click a map pin to view details about a sight. To add a sight to your walk, find it in the right column of the WalkBuilder tool above and click the “+” button next to it.

3. How do I re-arrange the sight order?
In the left column of the WalkBuilder tool, drag a sight to move it up or down the list. Then click “Click here to view route map”. Repeat this process until the route meets your needs.

4. Can I add my hotel to a walking tour?
Yes. You can add your hotel as the starting point, the ending point, or both (creating a loop route). This feature is currently available only in the GPSmyCity app.

5. Can I add my own sights to a walking tour?
Yes. You can add sightss that are not in our database and include them in your walk. To do so, sign in to your GPSmyCity account on the website or use the GPSmyCity app.

6. How many sights can be included in a walking tour?
For technical reasons, the number of sights in a walking tour is currently capped at 20. This limit may be increased over time.

Walking Tours in Worcester, Massachusetts

Create Your Own Walk in Worcester

Creating your own self-guided walk in Worcester is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.

Canal District Walking Tour

The Canal District in Worcester, Massachusetts, is a lively and historic area that has seen considerable rejuvenation recently. Originally home to the Blackstone Canal, instrumental in Worcester's industrial boom during the 19th century, the neighborhood has evolved into a vibrant center of activity. It skillfully merges Worcester’s industrial past with contemporary urban growth, showcasing... view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles

Worcester Introduction Walking Tour

Known as the "Heart of the Commonwealth," Worcester's central location in Massachusetts has played a pivotal role in its development from a quiet settlement to a bustling urban center.

The name "Worcester" is taken from the city in England. The Massachusetts counterpart was incorporated in 1722 and has since grown into the second-largest city in New England. Its growth... view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles

Worcester Architectural Jewels

In Worcester, Massachusetts, you'll find a trove of architectural wonders reflecting the city's rich historical and cultural heritage. Among these jewels is Mechanics Hall, a stunning Victorian-era concert hall renowned for its complex design and exceptional acoustics. Nearby stands the Wesley United Methodist Church, an elegant example of Gothic Revival architecture, with its towering... view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.4 Km or 2.1 Miles