Join us as we travel 12 easy-going miles east along Interstate 90, the iconic Massachusetts Turnpike, from the rural edges of Sturbridge to the gateway of Worcester County in Auburn. This short but important stretch serves as a key connector between I-84 and the urban Worcester area, making it a heavily used route for both long-haul travelers and local commuters heading toward central Massachusetts.
We begin our ride by merging onto I-90 from Interstate 84 at the interchange just outside Sturbridge, a town known for Old Sturbridge Village — a living history museum worth a stop if you have time before or after your drive. Once on the Turnpike, we settle in for a smooth cruise through central Massachusetts countryside. This segment runs mostly through gently rolling hills dotted with forest and occasional open fields. There’s not much in the way of roadside attractions directly visible from the highway, but you’re flanked by quiet woodlands for most of the trip, especially as you pass through the southern edge of Charlton.
About halfway through, travelers might spot signs for local exits leading toward the town centers of Charlton and Oxford, both quintessential New England communities with classic town greens and local eateries if you fancy a detour. However, I-90 itself remains a limited-access toll road here, so the drive stays quick and uninterrupted until we approach the Auburn interchange.
Closing in on Auburn, the route transitions from rural woods to the outskirts of the greater Worcester area. Traffic typically picks up here as we near the junction with Interstate 290 and Interstate 395. This interchange is a major node, funneling traffic north into Worcester proper via I-290 or south toward Webster and Connecticut via I-395. We wrap up our journey by exiting onto I-290 north, ready to explore central Massachusetts or continue the adventure east toward Boston.
🗺️ Route Map
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