What to See
The Paul Revere Heritage Site is a nine-acre area in the heart of Canton Center. The site is home to the Paul Revere Common, the Paul Revere Museum of Discovery and Innovation housed in the Historic Barn, the Copper Rolling Mill with the Northern Spy Restaurant on the first floor and free, rotating museum exhibits on the second floor.
The Paul Revere Museum of Discovery and Innovation (MoDI)
The Paul Revere Museum of Discovery and Innovation is housed in the Historic Barn that was built by Joseph Warren Revere in 1845 for the company’s many draft horses that moved goods and materials to and from the many buildings (nearly all of which are long gone). The museum’s engaging, interactive exhibits allow visitors of all ages to have fun while learning of the Revere’s contributions to America’s economy.
The Paul Revere Common
The Paul Revere Common is seven acres of manicured parkland that includes waterways and flat walking trails. Seventeen interpretive signs are scattered through the site. Many copses of trees include arboretum signs whose QR codes lead to an online Tree Quest Game. The Revere Common is open every day from a half hour before sunrise to a half hour after sunset. Free parking is available in the site and along the streets that border the site. There is no charge to visit the park. Set your GPS to the “Northern Spy Restaurant” in Canton, MA.
Events are often held on the Revere Common.
The Copper Rolling Mill
The Copper Rolling Mill was built in 1850 by Joseph Warren Revere, Paul Revere’s son and business partner. Copper sheets were rolled in the mill through the 1880s. The mill was recently rehabilitated and re-purposed. The ground floor is home to the award-winning Northern Spy Restaurant. The second floor is a mixed-use area that houses rotating exhibits. The Copper Rolling Mill is open whenever the Northern Spy Restaurant is open. Exhibits are free.
The Northern Spy Restaurant
Northern Spy is a New England family restaurant centered around a wood-fired hearth in Canton, Massachusetts.
Northern Spy, in operation since December 2020, “serves exceptional New England food with soul” according to the Boston Globe. The menu features grass-fed Massachusetts beef, local fresh seafood, and classic dishes like brown bread and sticky toffee pudding. The bar at Northern Spy is known for its craft cocktails, especially the Northfashioned – the restaurant’s version of a Old Fashioned, made with rye, bourbon, apple brandy, and spice.
In 2021, Boston Magazine named it one of the top 50 restaurants in and around Boston and the 2021, 2022 Best Brunch South of Boston.
Northern Spy is located on the ground floor of the Copper Rolling Mill.
