The town was incorporated as Andover in 1646. The community was split into the North Parish (now North Andover) and South Parish (now Andover) in 1709 and North Andover was incorporated as a separate entity in 1855. There are a number of historical sites, including the North Andover Historical Society and the Stevens-Coolidge Place, owned by the Society for the Preservation of New England Antiquities.
Harold Parker State Forest is one of the oldest in the state forest and park system and has more than 25 miles of trails and wood roads and 11 ponds. Berry Pond offers a fully restored fresh water swimming beach with modern bathhouse. The park is popular for bicycling, boating, camping, fishing, hiking, horseback riding, hunting, picnicking, cross-country skiing and swimming. The Ward Reservation and Weir Hill owned by The Trustees of Reservations, offer hiking, cross country skiing and nature trails.
North Andover is home to companies such as Watts Regulator and the Eagle-Tribune Publishing Company.