Massachusetts science and nature attractions thrill visitors
Featured Listings
15 College Lane
Northampton, MA 01063
Phone: 413-585-2740
A living museum of plants
Lyman Plant House and Conservatory houses tropical collections and exhibition gallery. Arboretum features woody plant collection and specialty gardens: Rock Garden, systematics garden, Japanese garden, woodland and wildflower garden, knot garden, and perennial garden.
Hours: Daily year-round. Free.
222 Harrington Way
Worcester, MA 01604
Phone: 508-929-2700
Fax: 508-929-2701
A Center for Environmental Exploration
26 Oxford Street
Cambridge, MA 02138
Phone: 617-495-3045
Fax: 617-496-8782
Dinosaurs, Glass Flowers, Meteorites – Explorers Welcome
There is always something interesting to see and learn at the Harvard Museum of Natural History on Oxford Street in Cambridge on the historic Harvard campus. Lectures on fascinating subjects by authors and scientists – nature drawing classes -- are ongoing. In addition to the Blaschka Glass Flowers, new and changing exhibitions include New England Forests, Language of Color, Headgear, and the renovated Great Mammal Hall. Explore hundreds of animals, birds, and rare minerals in 17 galleries. For more information follow our link above or phone (617)495-3045
180 Hemenway Road
Framingham, MA 01701
Phone: 508-877-7630
Fax: 508-877-3658
The magnificent native plant botanical museum, Garden in the Woods, displays over 1,000 native plant species including over 150 rare and endangered species on 45 acres. Hours: April 15- October 31, Tuesday through Sunday plus Holiday Mondays 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. April 15-July 3, extended hours Thursday and Friday evenings until 7 p.m. After October, trails close for the season. Fee charged.
121 East Main Street
Gloucester Harbor, MA 01930
Phone: 978-283-0313
Toll-Free: 800-942-5464
Fax: 978-283-6089
In 1944, on the shore 35 miles north of Boston, young Jerry Hill began taking visitors for an afternoon sail.
Informational Listings Courtesy of VisitNewEngland.com
127 Combs Road
Easthampton, MA
Phone: 413-584-3009
The nature center features 25 acres of varied terrain, with five miles of trails and an observation tower. The 700-acre sanctuary includes a floodplain forest, marshes, and a grassland habitat.
Routes 102 and 183
Stockbridge, MA 01262
Phone: 413-298-3926
A center for horticultural and environmental education, this 15-acre garden features intimate country landscapes, colorful perennial and annual gardens, a terraced herb garden, pond garden, rock garden, ornamental vegetable garden, display greenhouse, woodland interpretive trail, and gift shop.
Hours: May to October, daily, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Fee charged.
Berkshire Museum
39 South Street (Route 7)
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Phone: 413-443-7171
Open: Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, noon-5 p.m.; closed Memorial Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day; December 24 and December 31, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
River Road
Chesterfield, MA
Phone: 413-532-1631
This dramatic rock canyon features 70-foot-high walls carved by centuries of rushing water from the Westfield River. Fromm the half-mile trail along the cliff tops are breathtaking views of the gorge, the river, and the surrounding forest of hemlock, ash, and oak, and is home to bears, bobcats, and turkeys. A half-mile trail runs along the top of the Gorge. Easy walking. The trail from the parking lot connects to the East Branch Trail (also known as River Road), popular with day hikers and mountain bikers, which follows the river another seven miles, beyond Bliss State Forest. Trout fishing. Hours:
Daily, April 1 to December 1, 8 a.m. to sunset. Facilities:
Seasonal public restrooms. Picnic tables.
525 South Pleasant Street
Amherst, MA
Phone: 413-256-6006
Exhibits, programs and nature trails focus on the environment, ecology, and natural history. There is also a library on the property.
793 Main Street
Hampden, MA
Phone: 413-566-8034
The 18th century house owned by children’s author Thornton Burgess highlights the 354 acres of walking trails and natural beauty. A library and exhibits offered.
McLaughlin State Fish Hatchery
East Street, Route 9
Belchertown, MA
Phone: 413-323-7632
Learn about the raising of fish at one of the largest hatcheries on the East Coast. Wildlife area covers 1,400 acres. Open seven days a week.
Nash Dinosaur Tracks
Amherst Road
South Hadley, MA
Phone: 413-467-9566
A display of dinosaur footprints and bones that were found on the site. Open seasonally.
McCauley Road, off Route 8
North Adams, MA
Phone: 413663-6392
This 48-acre park has the only naturally formed white marble arch and man-made white marble dam in North America. The bridge spans Hudson Brook as it twists and tumbles through a steep 60-foot deep gorge. There is an abandoned marble quarry.
The site was an active commercial quarry from 1810 to 1947. In the summer months, park interpreters are on hand to explain the natural forces that created the bridge and its more recent history. There is a 0.25 mile walkway above and through the chasm and a 0.5 mile wooded walking trail.
Open Memorial Day through Columbus Day, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Parking fee is $2. Tables and grills are available for picnicking. Please carry-in, carry-out all trash. Access is limited. Pets are permitted. Must be on a 10-foot maximum leash and attended at all times. Swimming (dangerous conditions exist), rock climbing, defacing rocks, and alcoholic beverages are prohibited.
Recreational opportunities:
Fishing, historic site, interpretive program, picnicking, restrooms (accessible), scenic viewing area, walking trails.
Peck Road
Wales, MA
Phone: 413-267-9654
There are guided spring wildflower walks at this 3,000-acre site, which features three miles of nature trails and two museums.
Northfield Mountain Recreation and Environmental Center
Northfield, MA
Phone: 413-659-3714
Visitors can enjoy 25 miles of trails, which offer great views of blooming wildflowers in the spring, and fall foliage in the autumn. Of particular interest is the hydroelectric station.
Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary
West Mountain Road
Lenox, MA
Phone: 413-637-0320
Visitors will enjoy seven miles of walking trails covering nearly 1,400 acres and featuring beaver ponds and a hummingbird garden. Public programs are offered. Open year-round.
Pratt Museum of Natural History
Amherst College
Amherst, MA 01002
Phone: 413-542-2165
Open: September through mid-June; weekdays, 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sunday, noon-5 p.m. July- August, Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sunday, noon-5 p.m.
Turners Falls Fish Ladder
Turners Falls Bridge
Turners Falls, MA
Phone: 413-659-3714
Visitors to this site can observe salmon as they swim upstream to spawn at a power company dam. Open only in the spring. There is an admission charge.
Ashumet Holly Wildlife Sanctuary
Off Nathan Ellis Highway
East Falmouth, MA 02536
Phone: 781-259-9500
Toll-Free: 800-AUDUBON
Hours: May-August, daily, dawn to dusk. Fee charged.
This preserve features groves of holly, as well as a colony of barn swallows. Sixty-five varieties of holly trees are planted throughout the sanctuary. Self-guided trails take visitors through the sanctuary.
Atlantic White Cedar Swamp Trail
Eastham, MA
This relatively short trail takes longer than you'd expect because the half-mile return is through soft sand. Start at the Salt Pond Visitor Center, reached by taking Route 6 to Eastham, where the site is well marked with National Park signs. (There are restrooms here, as well as abundant interpretive information. Note that the center is closed from mid-January to mid-March.) The trail is well marked; it drops through a stunted oak and pine forest into a mature woodland, then takes a boardwalk loop through the cedar swamp. In summer, be sure to use insect repellent. You'll enrich the experience of this trail if you soak up information at the visitor site first, to learn about the wildlife and vegetation ahead. Expect to spend 45 minutes on this ramble.
Bass Hole Boardwalk
Yarmouth Port, MA
Once the site of a schooner shipyard, the boardwalk will take you past marshlands to Gray's Beach. At the end of the boardwalk are benches overlooking Dennis's Chapin Beach.
Botanical Trails of the Historical Society of Old Yarmouth
Route 6A
Yarmouth Port, MA
Stroll through outdoor splendor of 50 acres with oak and pine woods, berry plants, rhododendrons and other Cape flora. Located behind the post office on Route 6A, the trails are open throughout the year during daylight hours.
Cape Cod Museum of Natural History
869 Route 6A
Brewster, MA 02631
Phone: 508-896-3867
Open: June 1- September 30, daily, 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m.; October 1-March 31, Wednesday-Sunday, noon-4 p.m.; April 1-May 31, Wednesday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; closed December 24, 25, 31, January 1.
Eighty-acre site abutted by 300 acres of conservation land; nature trails, exhibits, films, guided walks, lectures, and family activities. This museum features exhibits on the local flora and fauna, and nature trails. Events, classes and walks are scheduled throughout the year. There is an admission charge.
Salt Pond Visitor Center at Nauset Road and Route 6
Eastham, MA 02642
Phone: 508-255-3421
Open: Daily, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. (longer during the summer)
Forty miles of pristine sandy beach, marshes, ponds, and uplands support diverse species. Lighthouses, cultural landscapes, and wild cranberry bogs offer a glimpse of Cape Cod’s ways of life. Swimming beaches and walking and biking trails beckon visitors. The park's six oceanside swimming beaches have life guards from late June through August. Eleven self-guided nature trails are open year-round. Parking lots are open year-round, daily, 6 a.m. to midnight.
Salt Pond Visitor Center is Cape Cod National Seashore's main visitor facility, with orientation movies, a bookstore, a museum, and restrooms. The Visitor Center is also convenient to the popular 1.5-mile Nauset Marsh Trail and the Buttonbush Trail, a quarter-mile trail that features a guide rope and text panels in Braille, and the Nauset Bicycle Trail.
The Province Lands Visitor Center is located on Race Point Road, off Route 6, at the northern end of Cape Cod National Seashore, approximately one mile from Provincetown. It is open May 1 through October 31, daily from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Phone number is 508-487-1256.
The observation deck at this Visitor Center provides a 360-degree view of the Province Lands dunes, the Outer Beach and the Atlantic Ocean. Exhibits about local plants and animals and the Pilgrim's landing in Provincetown are featured.
Other highlights of the National Seashore are the Fort Hill Area off Route 6(Eastham); the Coast Guard and Nauset Light beaches, Nauset and Three Sisters Lighthouses off Route 6 (Eastham); the Marconi Station Site(Wellfleet); the Highland Lighthouse (Cape Cod Light) and Highland House (Truro); and the Old Harbor Life-Saving Station (Provincetown).
Cape Cod National Seashore Bike Trails
Phone: 508-771-2144
The Cape Cod National Seashore maintains three bicycle trails ranging from 1.6 to 7.3 miles long. Use of motorized vehicles, including mopeds, on these paved trails are prohibited. Bicycles may be rented within the towns.
Nauset Trail:
This trail connects Salt Pond with Coast Guard Beach. It leads through pine and oak forest with vistas of Nauset Marsh along the way. This trail is wheelchair accessible, and can be shortened by starting or ending at the Doane Rock picnic area. From Salt Pond Visitor Center parking area through Doane Rock picnic area in Eastham, ending at the Coast Guard beach. Distance is 1.6 miles.
Head of the Meadow Trail:
This level trail skirts the edge of a freshwater marsh and provides glimpses of the marsh and dunes. From High Head Road in Truro to Head of the Meadow Beach parking area (beach fees may apply). Distance is 2 miles.
Province Lands Trail:
This hilly trail winds among beech and oak forests, sand dunes and freshwater ponds. The loop trail is 5.45 miles, with spurs to Herring Cove Beach (1.10 mile), Race Point Beach (0.5 mile) and Bennett Pond (0.25 mile). Access points are Beech Forest parking area, Province Lands Visitor Center, Race Point Beach parking area, and Herring Cove Beach. Beach parking fees may apply at Race Point Beach
Cape Cod Rail Trail
Dennis to Wellfleet, MA
Phone: 508-896-3491
The Cape Cod Rail Trail follows a former railroad right-of-way for 22 miles through the towns of Dennis, Harwich, Brewster, Orleans, Eastham and Wellfleet. Its paved surface, few hills, and well-marked automobile crossings make it ideal for cyclists. The trail has a wide unpaved shoulder on one side to accommodate horseback riding, walkers, and runners.
There are many opportunities to get off the trail and visit a beach. Food and water are available and public restrooms can be found at Nickerson State Park, Salt Pond Visitors Center at Cape Cod National Seashore and the National Seashore Headquarters. Bike rentals are available at many points along the way.
Free parking for trail users is available at the trailhead at Route 134 in South Dennis; Headwaters Drive in Harwich; Underpass Road, off Route 137 in Brewster; Nickerson State Park in Brewster; Route 137 at Route 28 in Chatham; Winifred Road, off Old Queen Road in Chatham; Orleans Center at Old Colony Way in Orleans; Cape Cod National Seashore at the Salt Pond Visitors Center in Eastham; National Seashore at Marconi Area in Wellfleet; the trailhead at LeCount Hollow Road in South Wellfleet; Head of the Meadow Beach parking lot in Truro; High Head Road in Truro; and National Seashore's Province Lands Visitor Center in Provincetown.
Captain Bangs Hallet House
11 Strawberry Lane (off Route 6A)
Yarmouth Port, MA 02675
Phone: 508-362-3021
Open: June 1 through October 15, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, with tours at 1, 2 and 3 p.m.
The original part of this Greek Revival sea captain's house was built in 1740. A century later, additional portions of the house were built. The kitchen has its original 1740 brick beehive oven and butter churn. A nice collection of china, pewter, maritime artifacts, and clothing from the sea captain era are displayed here. The 50 acre property has nature trails. Open throughout the summer on select afternoons.
Crocker Neck Conservation Area
Barnstable, MA
Ninety-seven acres of salt marsh to the east and a freshwater marsh to the south. Located on Popponesset Bay.
Gay Head Cliffs
Lighthouse Road
Gay Head, MA
This national landmark is a must-see for any Martha's Vineyard visitor. The cliffs, formed by glaciers, offer an almost other-worldly, multi-colored view.
Great Island Trail
Chequesset Neck Road
Wellfleet, MA
This is on the Outer Cape, on the Cape Cod Bay side (west). The shifting sands have built a pathway out to Great Island, which is restricted to walkers and boaters. Old guidebooks extend the hike southward to Jeremy Point, but there's no longer enough exposed sand to go this far safely. If you've just got to investigate, talk with the rangers out at Race Point in Provincetown about conditions and timing for the tides. Sometimes there are ranger-led trips to Jeremy Point, considerably safer than trying to guesstimate the risk yourself. To reach the start of the trail, take Route 6 to Wellfleet and follow signs to the town pier. Turn right onto Kendrick Road, then left onto Chequessset Neck Road, which follows the coast westward. There's a parking lot at the end of the road. Note that this trail is somewhat strenuous, as it loops through woods, dunes, and swamps, and during high tide may be wet in places, especially after August. Expect to spend nearly four hours if you walk the full length of the well-marked trails. Don't forget tick precautions, and look out for poison ivy in the brush!
Green Briar Nature Center
6 Discovery Hill Road
East Sandwich, MA 02537
Phone: 508-888-6870
Open: January-March, Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; April-December, Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and Sunday, 1-4 p.m.
Located on the shores of Smiling Pool and adjacent to the famous Briar Patch of Thornton Burgess’s stories, Green Briar offers interpreted nature trails and a spectacular wild flower garden. Adjacent to Green Briar is the 57-acre Briar Patch Conservation Area, home of Peter Rabbit and many of the other Thornton Burgess animal characters. Walking trails are open to the public. Admission by donation.
Indian Lands and Conservation Nature Trails
Scargo Hill Road
East Dennis, MA
You'll find a plethora of Mid-Cape flora, marshlands, and views of Bass River along several trails. A 2˝-mile round-trip trail to Cape Cod Bay at Crow's Pasture will take you past wild apple and cherry trees, honeysuckle, and beach plum. Don't miss Scargo Tower with views of Cape Cod Bay and beyond. A very romantic place. Follow Scargo Hill Road to the tower.
Quinaquisset Avenue and Meetinghouse Road
Mashpee, MA
Phone: 508-679-2115
Open: Year-round, daily, sunrise to sunset
Two miles of trails wind through Mashpee River Reservation to a pristine shoreline. Natural spawning areas and excellent water quality make the Mashpee River one of Massachusetts' finest sources of sea-run brook trout. The Reservation's woodland and shoreline trails form a link in the Cape Cod Pathways trail system, and offer excellent opportunities for bird watching and cross-country skiing.
Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge
Chatham, MA
Phone: 508-945-0594
Accessible only by boat, this refuge is home to more than 250 bird species. Visitors are also permitted to surfcast in certain areas. Commercial boats provide transport to the refuge in season.
Race Point
Provincetown, MA
Sandy Neck Great Salt Marsh Conversation Area
Sandy Neck Road
Barnstable, MA
This is the largest salt marsh on the East Coast, some 4,000 acres, and there's a nine-mile (round trip) trail to Beach Point that takes about four hours to complete. Summer birders have a chance to see the nests of the endangered piping plovers in the sand. But it's best hiked in the cooler seasons, as this is a vigorous trek. Reach the area in Barnstable by heading to the end of Sandy Neck Road, where there's a parking lot.
Sandy Neck Trail
Barnstable, MA
A 4.8-mile round-trip marked trail at takes you past salt marshes and dunes, leading to the beach. The views of Cape Cod Bay are awesome.
Scargo Hill Road
Dennis, MA 02670
Phone: 508-760-6159
Open: Memorial Day to Labor Day
Freshwater swimming surrounded by woods. Life guards; restroom; snack bar; handicap accessible.
Non-residents and people who are not lodging in Dennis may buy a beach pass at the beach for $20 per day, which can be used that day at all public beaches. Non-residents may buy a week-long beach pass for $75 at Dennis Town Hall, 485 Main Street.
Taylor-Bray Farm
Bray Farm Road
Yarmouth Port, MA
Phone: 508-398-2231, ext. 292
Picnic tables and walking trails offer you the chance to spend a leisurely afternoon. The farm was established in the late 1700s. It continues to be a working farm and is listed on the National Register of Historical Places. Open throughout the summer.
Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary
Route 6 and West Road
South Wellfleet, MA 02663
Phone: 508-349-2615
This nature center offers a variety of educational programs for children and adults, including walks and workshops. Enjoy a naturalist-led bird walk on our property or listen to an evening lecture. This sanctuary has a nature center, walking trails, trail to Goose Pond, seasonal classroom, gardens, and a campground. Picnicking, birdwatching, restrooms, wheelchair accessible. Of particular interest is the boardwalk trail through the salt marsh.
Central Sanctuaries
226 Union Street
Leominster, MA
Phone: 781-259-9500
Toll-Free: 800-AUDUBON
Maintained by the Massachusetts Audubon Society, these four separate preserves offer visitors ample opportunity for wildlife observation and study. Nature programs are scheduled throughout the year. There is an admission charge.
Fisher Museum of Forestry
Route 32
Petersham, MA
Phone: 508-724-3302
This unique museum focuses on the topography of New England's countryside and how it has been affected throughout the 18th, 19th and, 20th centuries. Hiking trails lead from the center out into the forest. There is an admission fee.
James W. Brooks Woodland Preserve
Petersham, MA
Phone: 508-840-4446
Trails criss-cross the landscape of this preserve, which is ideal for bird-watching. Areas for fishing and cross-country skiing also are available.
National Plastics Center and Museum
210 Lancaster Street
Leominster, MA 01453
Phone: 508-537-9529
Open: Wednesday- Saturday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Call for seasonal changes.
Discover the science, history, and many uses of plastic. Included is the Plastics Hall of Fame Exhibit. There is an admission charge.
Quabbin Reservoir and Visitor Center
485 Ware Road / Route 9
Belchertown, MA
Phone: 413-323-7221
Quabbin Reservoir is one of the largest man-made public water supplies in the United States. Created in the 1930s by the construction of two huge earthen dams, the reservoir is fed by the Swift River and the Ware River. The New Salem and Enfield lookouts offer magnificent views of the reservoir. The Quabbin Interpretive Services Program operates the Quabbin Visitor Center and provides general information. An automated telephone system - 413 323-7221 - provides 24 hour access to current information on fishing, hunting, programs, rules and regulations, and public access. Since this is a public drinking water supply, swimming, wading, and dogs are prohibited. Permitted uses are shoreline fishing, hiking, bicycling walking, bird watching, snowshoeing, hunting, with restrictions, and picnicking. Information: www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/central/quabbin.htm
Wachusett Reservoir
River Road
Clinton, MA
Phone: 978-365-3272
An artificial reservoir featuring bird watching, fishing areas, and walking trails. There is an admission fee.
Webster Lake
Webster, MA
Other than being a nice lake to visit, this lake is notable for an unusual reason--it's native American name is Lake Chargoggagomanchaugagochaubunagungamaug. The translation: "I fish on my side, you fish on yours, and no one fishes in between us."
The Arborway
Jamaica Plain, MA 02130
Phone: 617-524-1718
This 265 acre site is part of the emerald necklace of Boston parks designed in the late 1800s by Frederick Law Olmsted. The arboretum is a major center for plant research, with about 14,000 woody plants representing nearly 5,000 botanical classifications.
Hours: Visitor Center open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturdays; and noon-4 p.m. Sundays. Closed holidays. No charge.
Blue Hills Trailside Museum
1904 Canton Avenue
Milton, MA
Phone: 617-333-0690
Museum offers hiking trails, live animals and regularly scheduled programs. There is an admission charge.
Broadmoor Wildlife Sanctuary
280 Eliot Street
Natick, MA
Phone: 508-655-2296
At this sanctuary, visitors can enjoy nine miles of hiking trails, in addition to lectures and other programs in a renovated horse barn.
Charles River Reservation
Boston, MA
Phone: 617-698-1802
This natural refuge offers canoeing, hiking, fishing, cross-country skiing, and more. Interpretive programs are scheduled there throughout the year.
180 Hemenway Road
Framingham, MA 01701
Phone: 508-877-7630
The New England Wild Flower Society maintains this garden, the largest landscaped collection of native plants in the northeastern United States. Guided tours are offered weekdays at 10 a.m. and weekends at 2 p.m.
Hours: April 15-Labor Day, daily, 9 a.m.-7 p.m.; September 2-October 31, daily, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; after October, trails close for the season. Museum Shop remains open with winter hours. Fee charged.
Moose Hill Wildlife Sanctuary
293 Moose Hill Street
Sharon, MA
Phone: 617-784-5691
The Massachusetts Audubon Society operates this nature center, the oldest in the state founded in 1916. There is an admission charge.
Stony Brook Nature Center
North Street
Norfolk, MA
Phone: 508-528-3140
This nature center includes a self-guided hiking trail. An extensive boardwalk system lets you walk along the edge of Teal Marsh.
Stony Brook Reservation
Turtle Pond Parkway
Hyde Park, MA
Phone: 617-698-1802
A 475-acre park and wildlife refuge, featuring fishing areas, biking and hiking trails, public swimming, and picnic areas. Programs are scheduled there throughout the year.
106 Central Street
Wellesley, MA 02481
Phone: 781-283-3049
The Margaret C. Ferguson Greenhouses contain over 1000 specimens of desert, tropical and semi-tropical species. The Alexandra Botanic Garden and Hunnewell Arboretum offer hundreds of specimen trees and shrubs in 22 acres of Olmsted-inspired landscape.
Hours: Daily, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
Cedar Tree Neck Wildlife Sanctuary
Indian Hill Road
West Tisbury, MA
This preserve along the Martha's Vineyard north shore features several trails with numerous scenic views.
Wauwinet Road
Wauwinet (on the island of Nantucket), MA 02554
Phone: 508-228-5646
Coskata-Coatue Wildlife Refuge is known for its historic lighthouse, white sand beaches, and world-class fishing. Rolling maritime dunes cover more than 200 acres. Refuge includes 16 miles of over-sand vehicle and walking trails and beach front. Gray and harbor seals feed in the Great Point riptide. Facilities include public restrooms between the Wauwinet Gatehouse and Great Point Lighthouse and at the lighthouse. Both are open May 1 to October 31. Bike rack at the Wauwinet Gatehouse. Seasonal tours of the Great Point Lighthouse and the natural wonders of the refuge. Hours: Year-round, daily, 24 hours (10 p.m.-5 a.m. - fishing access only). Cost: Free to all pedestrians and boaters.
Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary
Edgartown Road
Edgartown, MA
Phone: 508-627-4850
Vistors to this nature center will find plenty of self-guided trails, as well as live native birds. Of particular interest are ospreys nesting in their natural environment. There is an admission fee.
Lobster Hatchery and Brush Pond
Shirley Road
Oak Bluffs, Martha's Vineyard, MA
Phone: 508-696-0552
Learn more about the natural habitat and propagation of lobsters. The hatchery is open daily. Found just off County Road.
Loines Observatory of the Maria Mitchell Association
Milk Street Extension
Nantucket, MA 02554
Phone: 508-228-9273
Open: Seasonally; call for hours.
Astronomy is the order of the day here. Programs include astronomy classes for children and lectures by astronomers of the Maria Mitchell Association. Open nights for telescope viewing are held year-round on Friday nights. There is an admission fee.
Off Long Point Road
West Tisbury (on the island of Martha's Vineyard), MA
Phone: 508-693-7662
At more than 600 acres, Long Point is one of the largest publicly accessible properties on Martha's Vineyard. It encompasses beach, dune, and woodland. Popular in summer, the property is also an off-season treasure, especially for birders and other nature-watchers.
The property has 2.1 miles of flat trails through woods and open areas, plus beachfront. Easy walking. Hours: Mid-June to mid-September, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. (gate closes at 6 p.m.). Mid-September to mid-June, daily, sunrise to sunset. Allow a minimum of two hours.
Facilities: Public restrooms. Picnic tables. Bike rack. Small visitor center.
Maria Mitchell Association Aquarium
28 Washington Street
Nantucket, MA 02554
Phone: 508-228-5387
Open: Seasonally; call for hours.
Satwater and freshwater tank exhibition and a gift shop with unique gifts for all ages. The aquarium is the starting point for marine ecology field trips led by staff members. There is an admission fee.
Maria Mitchell Association Natural Science Museum
7 Milk Street
Nantucket, MA 02554
Phone: 508-228-0898
The historic Hinchman House property features a museum of natural history, focusing on plant and animal life on Nantucket. Classes, lectures, nature walks and other events are scheduled throughout the season. Gift shop. The museum is open seasonally but activities are offered year-round. Cost: Adults, $5; children, $4 children; passes to all Maria Mitchell Association museums: Adults, $15; Children, $10.
Shellfish Hatchery
Winyah Lane
Vineyard Haven, Martha's Vineyard, MA
A marine research and propagation center. Stairs lead down to the lagoon and a dock.
Bearskin Neck
Off Dock Street
Rockport, MA
Scenic shoreline wonder. No admission charge.
Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary
Route 117, South Great Road
Lincoln, MA
Phone: 617-259-9807
Visitors to this nature preserve will enjoy hiking trails, live farm animals and hayrides. During the winter season sleighrides are offered.
Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge
Weir Hill Road
Sudbury, MA
Phone: 978-443-4661
At this sanctuary, visitors can enjoy nine miles of hiking trails, in addition to lectures and other programs in a renovated horse barn.
Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary
Perkins Row
Topsfield, MA
Phone: 508-887-9264
10 miles of trails and an observation tower are set in this natural preserve.
Parker River Wildlife Refuge
Northern Boulevard
Plum Island, MA
Phone: 508-465-5753
Enjoy bird watching, nature trails and beach. During nesting season, areas are closed for the protection of nesting birds. There is an admission fee.
Robert S. Peabody Foundation for Archaeology
Phillips Academy, Phillips and Main Streets
Andover, MA
Phone: 508-364-4201
Exhibits focus on prehistoric archaeology and anthropology.
Wolf Hollow
98 Essex Road
Ipswich, MA
Phone: 508-356-0216
Nature center focusing on the American gray wolf, its role in the ecosystem and the environment around it. There is an admission charge.
301 Brown Avenue
Seekonk, MA
Phone: 508-761-8230
This 196-acre refuge is easily accessible from Providence, and features fields, woods and a large nature center. From I-95 take the Broadway exit, Exit 6. in East Providence. Bear left at the bottom of the ramp, onto Warren Avenue. Turn left at the first set of lights, onto Rte. 114 North. Travel approximately 2 miles and then turn right onto Rte. 152 North. Continue on Rte. 152 across a reservoir and into Seekonk. After you pass the middle school on the left, turn right onto Brown Avenue. Caratunk is 7/10 of a mile on the right.
Lloyd Center for Environmental Studies
430 Potomska Road
South Dartmouth, MA
Phone: 508-990-0505
Visitors can enjoy walking trails and exhibits at this nature preserve, set on 55 acres.
South Shore Natural Science Center
Jacobs Lane
Norwell, MA
Phone: 617-659-2559
Nature trails are the focal point of this site, which includes a trail for the visually impaired. Exhibits and programs are scheduled here daily.
