With so much to see and do, your visit to Ipswich and Essex will be fun-filled and unique, whether you’re a beach-goer, an outdoor adventurer, or a history buff.
Ipswich’s most famous attraction is spectacular Crane Beach, but be sure you also explore some of the area’s lesser-known charms. For instance, downtown Ipswich has some of the oldest houses in the country—the largest collection anywhere of these “first period” (1625–1725) homes. Two blocks from the Ipswich Train Station, you can visit one fine example—the 1677 Whipple House. Across the street, visit the 1800 Heard House Museum to learn about the life of a family in the 19th century China trade. You can also sample downtown Ipswich’s unique blend of dining and shopping spots.
Crane Beach, with over 5 miles of sandy beach is one of the most picturesque beaches in all of New England. Facilities and services at the beach include lifeguards and rangers, bathhouses, the Crane Beach Store, and transportation for mobility-impaired visitors.
As you ride to Crane Beach, enjoy the stunningly beautiful salt marshes; they are the prime habitat for plovers, herons, egrets, gulls, foxes, coyote, and deer. Russell Orchards features fruit picking, a petting zoo, a winery, and a farm store with delicious local foods. The farm includes 120 acres of fields, gardens, and orchards. Wolf Hollow offers a unique opportunity to view grey wolves in a natural setting. Hour-long structured presentations, including a chance to howl with the wolves, are given on Saturdays and Sundays starting at 1:30 PM.
Essex is an antiquaries paradise with over 35 restoration centers and antique shops. The Essex Shipbuilding Museum tells the extraordinary story of how the small town of Essex built more two-masted fishing schooners than anyplace else in the world! Two great adventure tours await you here: try a fully outfitted sea kayak tour at E.R.B.A., or go for a narrated tour aboard Essex River Cruises’ River Queen. Essex is famous for its sweet and tender fried little neck clams. Try some seafood at Woodman’s and other local restaurants! Explore!
One day is not enough! We hope you’ll enjoy your visit, and come back again
and again to savor the unique attractions of Ipswich and Essex.
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The shuttle bus service that takes visitors from the Ipswich Train Station to some of the North Shore's most incredible destinations. Previously, these destinations were only available to visitors who had personal transporation. Now, however, visitors may enjoy the area car-free and explore the abundance of recreational, cultural and historic attractions here.
The Explorer service is provided by the Cape Ann Transit Management, Inc. (CATM) It is funded by the Town of Ipswich. |
Special thanks to Andrew Borsari
for the use of several of his beautiful Ipswich images.
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Attractions | Transit Information | Ipswich | Essex | Contact Us
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