So you want to visit a labyrinth in Massachusetts. I have selected 10 of the best (there are over 100) that are accessible to the public from around the state. If you want a full list of labyrinths in the state check out the Worldwide Labyrinth Finder. Also, there is a wonderful website dedicated specifically to the Labyrinths of New England run by Yadina Clark that is helpful to plan visits.
Why visit a Labyrinth ?
Labyrinths are ancient and mysterious symbols that have been used for centuries for meditation, contemplation, and spiritual renewal. They are also a lot of fun to explore! If you're looking for a unique and challenging experience, walk a labyrinth with intention - it often leads to self-discovery. Personally, I like to walk labyrinths between dawn and sunrise or at sunset until dusk. You may not realize it, but there is probably a labyrinth near where you live. Today we explore…
10 Labyrinths to Visit in Massachusetts
1. Armenian Heritage Park Labyrinth
Video includes Harvard Divinity School (#4), Boston College (#10), Simmons College (#2) and American Heritage Park (#1)
Located downtown in the Armenian Heritage Park, this beautiful 60 foot diameter labyrinth is made of granite pathways set in the grass. You can learn about the labyrinth on the park website. Google Maps satellite view is a perfect way to view it !
Location: Boston, Massachusetts
Address:
Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway
Atlantic Ave and Mercantile Street
Boston, Massachusetts 02110
2. Simmons University Labyrinth
Skip to 2:08 in the video below to see the labyrinth !
This 7 circuit concentric labyrinth is located on the quad. You can plan a visit to the university on the website which also includes photos of the labyrinth.
Location: Boston, Massachusetts
Address:
300 Fenway
Boston, Massachusetts 02115
3. Harvard Divinity School Labyrinth
A 7 circuit medieval labyrinth made of stone can be easily found with it’s entry on Google Maps. See video of the labyrinth above (#1).
Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts
Address:
2- 86 Museum Street
Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138
4. St. David's Episcopal Church Labyrinth
Located behind the parish hall, this 36 foot diameter Chartres replica labyrinth can be seen on Google Maps street view to easily find the location !
Location: South Yarmouth, Cape Cod, Massachusetts
Address:
205 Old Main Street
South Yarmouth, Cape Cod, Massachusetts 02664
5. Merrimack College Labyrinth
A large (80 foot diameter) labyrinth located between Austin Hall and Cushing Hall on the Merrimack College campus. At the center of the labyrinth is an inscription that states “Be of One Mind and Heart Intent Upon God ” ~ St. Augustine. Learn about the design details on the labyrinth’s webpage.
Location: North Andover, Massachusetts
Address:
315 Turnpike Street
North Andover, Massachusetts 01845
6. Weston United Methodist Church Labyrinth
Weston United Methodist Church Labyrinth - photo courtesy of the church
This 44 foot diameter labyrinth had to be included on the list for it’s wonderful color - a mix of greens, blues and purples ! It was designed and created by Kyia Watkins (At Peace Arts). You can see pictures of her and the labyrinth on the churches dedicated webpage to it.
Location: Weston, Massachusetts
Address:
377 North Ave.
Weston, Massachusetts 02493
7. Wellesley College Labyrinth
This 5 circuit medieval labyrinth is uniquely made from cut tree rounds. It can be hard to find, but the labyrinth webpage says: “The labyrinth is located north of Paramecium Pond, in a quiet setting with views of nearby Molly's Garden and Galen Stone Tower.”. On a campus map it would be in the Botanic Gardens.
Location: Wellesley, Massachusetts
Address:
106 Central Street
Wellesley, Massachusetts 02481
8. Church of Our Redeemer Labyrinth
Located just off the minuteman bike path, this St. Paul style 7 circuit labyrinth is made from bricks/pavers. It was designed by David Tolzmann of The Labyrinth Company. The labyrinth has it’s own webpage on the church website to learn more about it.
Location: Lexington, Massachusetts
Address:
6 Meriam St.
Lexington, Massachusetts 02420
9. Health Alliance - Clinton Hospital Labyrinth
This beautiful 11 circuit medieval concrete labyrinth is found on the former site of the Burbank Hospital. The labyrinth includes multiple benches is surrounded by a park with a walking path. This Maps view shows the location next to the drop off of the cancer center.
Location: Fitchburg, Massachusetts
Address:
275 Nichols Rd
Fitchburg, Massachusetts 01420
10. Boston College Labyrinth
An 11 circuit Chartres style labyrinth made of bluestone pathways on the grass. It is dedicated to 22 alumni of the college that passed away on September 11, 2001. You can see pictures and read about the labyrinth on the college’s website. See video of the labyrinth above (#1).
Location: Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts
Address:
140 Commonwealth Avenue
Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts 02467
5 TIPS FOR VISITING A LABYRINTH
Set an intention for your walk so you can walk with purpose. It could be prayer, reflection, meditation, contemplation, or openness.
Be sure to wear comfortable shoes, as you will be doing a lot of walking.
Bring water with you, especially if you are visiting on a hot day.
Take your time and enjoy the experience. There is no need to rush through a labyrinth.
Be respectful of other visitors. This includes not making noise and being respectful if walking with other people.
5 BOOKS TO READ ABOUT LABYRINTH WALKING
I wrote a blog post reviewing the following 5 books, each that deals with walking labyrinths. You can check them out yourself at the Amazon links below or read this blog post: 5 Books about the Spiritual Aspect of Labyrinths to learn a little about what each book teaches.
Walking a Sacred Path: Rediscovering the Labyrinth as a Spiritual Tool by Dr. Lauren Artress 201 pages. AMZN
Labyrinth : Your Path to Self-Discovery by Tony Christie 312 pages. AMZN
Exploring the Labyrinth: A Guide For Healing and Spiritual Growth by Melissa Gayle West 209 pages AMZN
Walking the Labyrinth: A Place to Pray and Seek God by Travis Scholl 240 pages AMZN
Labyrinths from the Outside In: Walking to Spiritual Insight by Rev Dr Donna Schaper and Rev Dr Carole Ann Camp 187 pages AMZN
If you are interested in more spiritual labyrinth aspects I suggest the following websites:
Lauren Artress website - For coaching, workshops and classes.
Veriditas - The nonprofit labyrinth group founded by Lauren Artress
Worldwide Labyrinth Finder - Find a labyrinth to walk near you, or while on vacation
I am a maze artist and I have made one maze from Massachusetts.
Kresge Auditorium Maze (MIT)
Here are some mazes of famous buildings in other locations:
