Where is Franklin, Massachusetts

Franklin is a town in eastern Massachusetts and part of the Greater Boston metropolitan area. It is about 30 miles southwest of downtown Boston in Norfolk County. The community is known for its historic character, Franklin Public Library, Dean College, Forge Park, and its location between Boston and Providence with convenient commuter rail access to both the MetroWest and southern New England region.

Location Map of Franklin, Norfolk County, Massachusetts

About Map: The map shows the location of Franklin in Norfolk County, in the U.S. state of Massachusetts.

Franklin Map, Massachusetts

Where is Franklin Located?

Franklin is a town located in Norfolk County, Massachusetts, the United States. It lies in southeastern Massachusetts, about 30 miles southwest of downtown Boston, 20 miles northeast of Providence, Rhode Island, and roughly 15 miles southeast of Framingham. Franklin is positioned at approximately 42.083° North latitude and 71.397° West longitude. The town covers about 27.0 square miles, or 69.9 square kilometers, including land and water. The 2020 Census recorded 33,261 residents, while recent estimates place the population at about 34,000. Franklin has a varied landscape of wooded areas, ponds, wetlands, residential neighborhoods, and open land. The town was incorporated in 1778 and was named in honor of Benjamin Franklin, making it one of the first communities in the United States named for him. Franklin is home to the Franklin Public Library, recognized as the first public library in the United States, and the library's collection includes an early donated book associated with Benjamin Franklin. Dean College is another important local institution. Forge Park/495 commuter rail station provides service toward Boston and connections across the region. Nearby attractions include Franklin State Forest, Wadsworth Park, and the historic downtown area. Interstate 495 and Route 140 provide convenient road connections to Boston, Providence, Worcester, and other Massachusetts communities.

Most Viewed US Maps

Franklin Town Facts

Distance from Franklin, MA to Nearby Cities

• Walpole, MA – 10 miles (16 km)
• Medway, MA – 8 miles (13 km)
• Millis, MA – 10 miles (16 km)
• Wrentham, MA – 10 miles (16 km)
• Foxborough, MA – 8 miles (13 km)
• Norwood, MA – 15 miles (24 km)
• Milford, MA – 10 miles (16 km)
• Sharon, MA – 15 miles (24 km)
• Framingham, MA – 20 miles (32 km)
• Providence, RI – 20 miles (32 km)
• Worcester, MA – 35 miles (56 km)
• Boston, MA – 30 miles (48 km)
• Cambridge, MA – 35 miles (56 km)
• Quincy, MA – 30 miles (48 km)
• New Bedford, MA – 45 miles (72 km)
• Plymouth, MA – 45 miles (72 km)
• Woonsocket, RI – 15 miles (24 km)
• Warwick, RI – 30 miles (48 km)

Top Attractions in Franklin

• Franklin Public Library – A historic library founded in 1790 and widely recognized as the first public library in the United States.
• Dean College – A private college in downtown Franklin with a long history dating to the 19th century.
• Franklin Historical Museum – A local museum preserving artifacts, documents, photographs, and stories from Franklin's history.
• Franklin State Forest – A wooded recreation area with trails, ponds, and opportunities for hiking and outdoor activities.
• Forge Park – A community park near the MBTA station with open space, sports facilities, and recreational areas.
• Franklin Town Common – A historic civic area surrounded by traditional New England architecture and community buildings.
• Franklin Public Library Historical Collection – The library's historical materials highlight the town's early educational traditions and its connection to Benjamin Franklin.
• Wadsworth Park – A local recreational area with open space and facilities for community activities.
• Blue Hills Reservation – A large protected natural area northeast of Franklin offering hiking trails, scenic overlooks, and outdoor recreation.
• Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor – A regional historic landscape connecting communities in Massachusetts and Rhode Island through industrial, canal, and river history.

Airports Near Franklin

• Norwood Memorial Airport (OWD) – 20 miles
• Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) – 35 miles
• Worcester Regional Airport (ORH) – 40 miles
• T.F. Green International Airport (PVD) – 35 miles
• Hanscom Field (BED) – 40 miles

Sources:

Population and area data sourced from the United States Census Bureau (2020 Census). General city information referenced from the official Town of Franklin website and local government records.

Massachusetts Related Maps and Info