Fall Fun on the Commuter Rail

The fall season is in full swing! Enjoy the crisp air, colorful foliage, and the aroma of warm, fresh apple cider. 

The Commuter Rail has stations around some of the best Massachusetts and Rhode Island activities and events that the fall season has to offer. Dress in your favorite sweater or flannel, lace up your boots, and ride the train with friends and family. Plus, save money on parking and avoid traffic when you decide to take the train. Welcome fall with open arms as you see the best of Massachusetts and Rhode Island, and learn just why no one does this season like New England.  

Welcome Halloween with Salem Haunted Happenings

Hop on the Newburyport/Rockport Line to beat the traffic and head to Salem for its annual Haunted Happenings events! Salem Haunted Happenings is a festive celebration of Halloween and fall in New England, running from October 1-31, and includes a Grand Parade, artisan vendors, family-friendly events, costume balls, ghost tours, haunted houses, live music, and theatrical presentations. The Commuter Rail provides increased weekend service to and from Salem during the month of October on the Newburyport/Rockport line, helping you save time and money. Trains will run every 30-40 minutes on weekends to/from Salem. 

Salem is extremely walkable and bikeable, with attractions in Downtown Salem within a short distance of each other. In addition to enjoying Salem Haunted Happenings, explore several museums including the Salem Witch Museum, Witch Dungeon Museum, Peabody Essex Museum, and The House of the Seven Gables. Go on one of Salem’s spooky or historical walking or trolley tours and explore many fun shops downtown where you can get your fill of psychic readings and witchcraft. Take a break from all the excitement around you and grab a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants like Turner’s Seafood or Howling Wolf Taqueria. You’re sure to have a good spookily time when you’re in Salem. Find fall event listings and things to do on the Salem Station page. And on Halloween night, there will be a $10 round-trip ticket to Salem on the Newbury/Rockport Line and a $5 round-trip ticket between Beverly and Salem.

Embrace a Fall Curated Experience with Keolis massAdventures

With Keolis massAdventures, you can skip the traffic and experience an all-inclusive, car-free travel adventure for all kinds of fall adventures. When you book with Keolis massAdventures, your purchase will include the cost of a Commuter Rail ticket, a special activity/event, and transportation to the activity or event from the station. Explore fall festive day trips and adventures— a Haunted History Walking Tour of Plymouth, MA, and a Fall Farm Fun Day at Sauchuk Farm among other featured tours.  

Head to Providence for a Spooktacular Time 

For those who are craving a good spook, head to Prospect Terrace Park at 60 Congdon St. (0.5 mile from station) for Providence’s longest-running ghost tour. Tour guides will lead you by lantern light as they take you through the dark history of Providence. While a majority of guests can complete the walking tour, we recommend being mindful of your unique needs.  

On October 5 and November 5, join WaterFire Providence (0.2 mile from station) as the city celebrates its annual WaterFire festival. Watch as nearly 100 bonfires blaze on the three rivers of downtown Providence with the addition of music, street performers, and food from local restaurants.

During your time in Providence, make sure to stop by the many museums within walking distance, including the RISD Museum (0.4 mile from station), an art museum that is integrated with the Rhode Island School of Design.

More Fall Farm Activities (that are just Beyond Walkable) 

Along the Commuter Rail, there are many opportunities to meet up with friends and family for some more fall farm fun. On the Fitchburg Line, enjoy a day on the farm at Mass Audobon’s Drumlin Sanctuary (0.79 miles from Lincoln Station). Here, you can watch pigs, sheep, goats, chickens, lambs, and cows in the farmyard, discover how crops are sustainably grown, and even hike the beautiful trails. 

Have friends or family in the Franklin area pick you up from Forge Park/495 Station on the Franklin/Foxboro Line and journey through Franklin State Forest (1.43 miles from station). Covering over 843 acres, Franklin State Forest offers miles of weaving trails to enjoy colorful trees and other greenery. 

Nothing says fall like apple picking. Grab a rideshare or have friends or family pick you up from Ipswich Station on the Newbury/Rockport Line and head to Russell Orchards (2.63 miles from station). From Tuesday to Sunday, 9 am to 5 pm, this apple orchard offers various varieties of apples, a barnyard for petting animals, and a bakery where you’ll find delicious apple cider donuts. 

Ride the Commuter Rail and explore fun destinations where you can take in all the beauty and excitement that the fall season brings. And during your journey, make sure to document all your fall fun on social media by tagging @mbta_cr and hashtag JustTakeTheTrain.