The Fort Devens center is about 5 miles southwest of MIT Haystack Observatory and 6 miles west of Kimball Farm.
Deciding on the best time to visit Fort Devens depends entirely on what you'd like to see and do while you're in the area. Summer is the most popular season for visitors. From June to August, the area sees average high temperatures in the 70s and 80s Fahrenheit. This comfortable weather brings plenty of visitors, so while you'll have no problem finding things to do, you likely won't discover a good hotel deal.
Fall in Fort Devens brings cooler temperatures and stunning leaf colors. While average high temperatures in September are in the low 70s, by November, they've dropped to the upper 40s. Even though hotel rates will start to go down a little from peak summer prices, the beautiful New England fall season still keeps rates above the lowest prices of the year.
If you're interested in getting those low prices, you'll want to plan your trip to Fort Devens in the winter. However, to take advantage of the deals, you'll have to dress warm to handle the snow and cold. Average highs from December to February are in the 30s, and the area sees an average of 55 inches of snowfall each winter. However, with several ski resorts nearby, you're sure to find a fun way to enjoy all the snow and cold.
Spring takes some time getting to Fort Devens. In March, average high temperatures start out in the low 40s. However, by May, you'll find average highs in the upper 60s. Since the ski resorts start losing snow, but the summer crowds haven't shown up yet, this is another good season for finding hotel deals. Plus, you'll get to enjoy some lovely spring flowers during your visit.
When you're looking for good discounts that can help you save money during your stay in Fort Devens, you'll discover several options in the area. At SpringHill Suites by Marriott Devens Common Center, seniors 62 years or older can save at least 15 percent on their room rate. Military personnel and qualified government employees are also eligible for special offers and rates during their stay. Additionally, AAA and CAA members will want to use their membership to get discounts on their room rate.
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Leominster also offers several ways to save. Seniors 65 or older will want to take advantage of the senior discount rate during their next stay. Additionally, AAA and CAA members and AARP members are all eligible to take 5 percent off their room rate. All military personnel and their families can also use the exclusive savings during their leisure stays. Plus, the free parking and complimentary wireless internet access at the hotel are two other ways you can save money during your stay.
If you're interested in one of the value option hotels in Fort Devens, you'll find plenty of nice choices around the area. Courtyard by Marriott Boston Littleton is conveniently situated just off Interstate 495 and 9 miles from the heart of Fort Devens. The modern rooms come with a flat-screen television that has premium cable channels, granite countertops in the bathroom, free wireless internet access, a minifridge, a microwave, and a coffeemaker. During your stay, you can go for a swim in the indoor pool, exercise in the 24-hour fitness center, or head to the onsite restaurant for breakfast and dinner.
Situated 12 miles from Fort Devens and just 3 miles from Nashoba Valley Ski Area, Hampton Inn & Suites Westford-Chelmsford offers comfortable rooms that have free wireless internet access, a microwave, minifridge, and 37-inch flat-screen television with expanded cable channels. Make sure you start your day right with the complimentary hot breakfast. Even if you're in a hurry, the hotel offers an On the Run breakfast bag on weekdays. Other convenient amenities you'll enjoy at the hotel include an indoor pool, a fitness center, business center, 24-hour convenience store, and guest laundry facilities.
A stay at Residence Inn by Marriott Boston Westford will put you 12 miles from Fort Devens and 5 miles from hiking at Great Brook Farm State Park. You can choose from studios, one-bedroom suites, or two-bedroom suites. Every guest room comes with a pull-out sofa, free wireless internet access, and a fully equipped kitchen that has a refrigerator, microwave, coffeemaker, stove, dishwasher, and utensils.
Additionally, every guestroom has a 37-inch flat-screen television, and the suites have a separate 32-inch flat-screen television in the bedroom. Other amenities at the hotel include free parking, an indoor pool, fitness center, and complimentary breakfast.
No matter where you decide to stay around Fort Devens, you'll find plenty of activities in town to enjoy. When you're looking to learn some history about the town and military base, head to Fort Devens Museum. The museum showcases around 3,000 artifacts, photographs, and documents that show the history of the town from 1917 to present day. The artifacts relate to the families, soldiers, land, and buildings that were once part of the largest military base in New England. Part of the collection includes equipment, uniforms, and deactivated weapons.
If you're looking for a great place to visit when the weather is warm, check out Mirror Lake. From late June through late August, the beachfront opens for a variety of activities, including fishing, boating, canoeing, kayaking, and swimming. Or you can simply find a spot on the sandy beach to relax and unwind. Another top outdoor destination to explore is Oxbow National Wildlife Refuge, which encompasses wetlands, forests, and part of the Nashua River. This 1,697-acre refuge offers hiking, fishing, wildlife viewing, kayaking, and canoeing.
When you're interested in exploring everything Fort Devens has to offer, you'll find a variety of hotel accommodations around the area that offer the ideal home base during your travels.