The Outer Cape

The Penniman House, Eastham

The Penniman House., completed in 1868, was styled after the French Second-Empire period.  It included every known comfort of the day and many innovative ideas.  The Captain Edward Penniman family enjoyed this fine home for nearly 100 years.  Off Route 6, approximately one mile north of the Orleans rotary at Fort Hill in Eastham.  Limited parking.

The Three Sisters Lighthouses and Nauset Light, Eastham

Lighthouses have served as guides to mariners off Cape Cod shores since the 1700s.  This aspect of maritime history is interpreted at the Three Sisters and Nauset Light.  The wooden Three Sisters off Cable Road, are now arranged in their original configuration.  Take Route 6 to the traffic light at Salt Pond Visitor Center at Nauset Road, Eastham.  Turn onto Nauset Road and follow signs to Coast Guard and Nauset Light beaches.  Park at Nauset Light Beach.  The Three sisters are located ¼ mile west on Cable Road.  (Beach fees may apply.)

Cape Cod National Seashore, Eastham

The Cape Cod National Seashore, protected by legislation in 1961 during the Kennedy administration, consists of 44,000 acres spanning the entire Atlantic coastline of Cape Cod, from Chatham to Provincetown.

Eastham Windmill, Eastham

This is the oldest windmill on Cape Cod built in Plymouth in the 1680s, and moved to this spot in 1793.  The annual festival is held in mid-September.

First Encounter Beach, Eastham

This lovely beach on Cape Cod Bay is where, in 1620, Captain Myles Standish led a band of Pilgrims into an unfriendly confrontation with the local natives.  The Pilgrims stayed for five weeks before leaving for Plymouth.

Atwood-Higgins House, Wellfleet

The Atwood-Higgins House is a fine example of a properly framed Cape Cod cottage,  which grew from a half-house in the early 1700s to full-Cape with eight rooms by the 19^th century.  Take Route 6 to Pamet Point Road in Wellfleet (the last road in Wellfleet before crossing the town line into Truro).  Take Pamet Point Road and follow signs to Atwood-Higgins.  Limited parking.

The Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary, Wellfleet

This Massachusetts Audubon Sanctuary encompasses 1,000 acres, pine forest, salt marshes, and beach. 

Marconi Station, Wellfleet

It is the sight of the first Trans-Atlantic wireless transmission on January 18, 1903 conducted by Guglielmo Marconi.  The message, “Most cordial greetings and good wishes,” was from President Theodore Roosevelt to Edward VII of England.  Here you find a fabulous view of the Atlantic Ocean, and from an observation platform, you may be able to see across the entire width of the Cape, all the way to Cape Cod Bay.

1850 First Congregational Church, Wellfleet

According to “Ripley’s Believe it or Not” the only Town clock in the world that strikes on ship’s time is located on Main Street in the steeple of the 1850s First Congregational Church.  In 1952 with the seafaring history of Wellfleet behind him it was easy for Lawrence Gardinier, a town Selectman and tinker shop owner, to propose the appropriateness of the installation of this unique ship’s clock to town meeting.  The $500 was raised and Gardinier took on the task himself of building and assembling the mechanism and the bells.

Great Island: Scenic Nature Walk, Wellfleet

Great Island in Wellfleet is part of the Cape Cod National Seashore, which is maintained by the National Park Service.  It provides a barrier between Cape Cod Bay to the west and Wellfleet Harbor to the east.  The island became attached to the mainland in 1831, when erosion of the island deposited enough sediment to form a connection that allows easy access by foot to the island from the mainland.

In the 18^th century, Great Island was home to a variety of commercial activities including the harvesting of cranberries, of Wellfleet oysters and of whales from the shore for their valuable oil.  In 1970, an archaeological dig uncovered the remains of an inn and tavern that operated until about 1740.  By 1800, whaling had moved offshore and the island was deserted, depleted of the hardwood forest that had been used for building houses and ships.  Pine trees were introduced in the 1830s to prevent excessive erosion Today the island remains a true refuge, great for trail-walking and bird-watching.

Corn Hill Road, Truro

Corn Hill is the sight where Miles Standish and his Mayflower crew found a buried stash of Indian corn seed, which they took with them to Plymouth to plant.

Pamet Cranberry Bog House, Truro

This building, located among former cranberry bogs in the Pamet Valley, was built around 1830, moved to its present site around 1888-89, and modified in the mid-1890s.  It supported the cranberry harvesting that occurred there until the 1960s.  Friends of the Cape Cod National Seashore maintain a small demonstration bog nearby.  Views of the house can be seen from atop Bearberry Hill.  Follow North Pamet Road (Truro), off Route 6, to its end.  Limited parking.

Old Harbor Life-Saving Station, Provincetown

At Old Harbor, the National Park Service interprets the dramatic story of shipwrecks and the role of the US life-Saving Service in preventing shipwrecks and performing rescues off the Outer Cape.  During the summer months, reenactments of the historical breeches buoy drill are performed weekly.  Take Route 6 to Race Point Road.  Park at Race Point Beach.   (Beach fees may apply).

MacMillan Wharf, Provincetown

The wharf is one of only five piers out of 54 that once served Provincetown Harbor.  Once home to a busy whaling fleet, the wharf is now lined with whale-watch tour boats.  Also at the wharf is the Expedition Whydah Sea Lab and Learning Center, housing artifacts from the pirate ship Whydah, which sank in 1717 off the coast of Wellfleet.

The Pilgrim Plaque, Provincetown

Located at the beginning of Commercial Street near the Provincetown Inn. in the center of a historic park this plaque marks the place where the Pilgrims first set foot on Cape Cod on November 21, 1620. 

Signing of the Mayflower Compact, Provincetown

A bas-relief located in a small park on Bradford Street, directly behind Town Hall at the base of the Pilgrim Monument, depicts the signing of the “first American Act in our History.” It was the beginning of democratic government and a first step toward the Declaration of Independence, signed 156 years later.

Province Lands, Provincetown

This nature area has with spectacular dunes, marshes, woods and ponds.

Race Point, Provincetown

You are now at the outermost tip of Cape Cod, with ocean and sand dunes stretching as far as the eye can see.  Access to miles of unspoiled beaches is possible with a four-wheel drive vehicle.  Safety equipment and a permit are required.  Information and permits are available at Race Point Beach.

Off-Road Vehicles, North Truro to Race Point

The off-road trail, managed by the National Park Service’s Cape Cod National Seashore unit, extends from Race Point Beach in Provincetown to Long Nook Beach in North Truro (near Highland Light).  Conditions permitting, the trail is open from mid-April to mid-November.  To obtain the required permit, visitors must pass a four-wheel drive vehicle inspection and view an educational video.  Permits are available on a firs-come, first-served basis until a maximum of 3,400 a year have been sold.  Permits are not issued to rental vehicles.  Additional regulations apply to campers.  More information is available online at www.nps.gov/caco or call 508-487-2100.

The Lower Cape

Stage Harbor, Chatham

This site is as historical as it is pretty.  It was here that the famous French explorer Samuel de Champlain was turned back by the Manamoyicks in 1606, in a battle marking the first skirmish between Native Americans and Europeans.

Harwich Methodist Church, Harwich

This church is on the National Register of Historic Places, with its interesting 19th-century graveyard.

Cape Cod Lavender Farm, Harwich

Located on 12 secluded acres, it is one of the few lavender farms on the East Coast.  Enjoy the “enchanted Garden” designed and built by Eddy Foisy.  The garden allows children and adults alike to let their imaginations wander.  Hidden among the varieties of plants, faerie house portals add to the fantasy, the wonder and the experience nature is always ready to give us.

1752 Old Atwood House, Chatham

Here you will find antique tools, dolls and toys, as well as an interesting sea shell collection.

Nickerson State Forest, Brewster

This park consists of 1,955 acres of state forest, which is a great place for nature walks or picnics.

Rock Harbor, Orleans

Rock Harbor is the scene of a famous 1812 battle where Orleans militiamen turned back the British HMS Newcastle.  The dead trees at the harbor entrance mark the channel for the fishing fleet.

The Jonathan Young Windmill, Orleans

This windmill, nestled in a small park, is a working windmill built circa 1720. 

Nauset Beach, Orleans

This town beach encompasses nine miles of spectacular sand dunes facing the Atlantic Ocean. 

The Mid-Cape

Scargo Lake and Tower, Dennis

The Scargo Hill Observation Tower is perched above the fished-shaped Scargo Lake.  It is a 28-foot stone tower, built in 1901 to replace a wooden observatory that had burned down.  Climb to the top for spectacular views across the entire width of the Cape, from Nantucket Sound to Cape Cod Bay and all the way to Provincetown.

The Cape Cod Airport, Barnstable

This is where the adventurous may opt for a glider ride.

John F. Kennedy Memorial, Barnstable

The memorial erected by the people o Barnstable in 1966 commemorating the 35th president, consists of a stone wall with a large presidential seal and a fountain inscribed with a quote from JFK:  “I believe it is important that this country sail and not sit still in the Harbor.”  You will also have a great view of Lewis Bay from here.

Barnstable County Courthouse, Barnstable

Built in 1831-2 this Greek Revival style with huge granite blocks, and “protected” by a cannon on the front lawn.  A sculpture on the side of the building commemorates James Otis, the local patriot who, according to President John Adams, was the “spark of which the child of Independence was born.”

The Old Customs House, Barnstable

This structure was built in 1856 to oversee Barnstable Harbor.  As the Cape’s busies harbor port, the harbor received a stead stream of goods until it silted in around 1900.

Cape Cod Potato Chip Factory, Hyannis

See how the best potato chips in the world are made.  Follow the potato’s journey until it becomes a crispy treat.  At the end of the tour, sample the treats and buy some for the car.

The Upper Cape

Red Brook Pond, Bourne

This is conservation area of 48 wooded acres and hiking trails.

The Knob, Falmouth

“The Knob” is a finger of land with nature trails that lead to a stunning water view.  Although The Knob is public property, it was donated by Cornelia L. Carey “for the enjoyment of all those who love to walk and take pleasure in the quiet beauty of the woods and the sea” – it is banked by private roads.  Reach The Knob by walking on the sandy path; signage clearly indicates where private land starts.  Keep in mind that parking is extremely limited; there’s a small lot on your right, near the end of the public road.

Village of Woods Hole, Woods Hole

Woods Hole is a charming village and Steamship Authority port for Martha’s Vineyard.  On the right is the picturesque scene of the village and Eel Pond, usually dotted with boats.  Quissett Road leads to School Street, which ends at Water Street, lined with restaurants, shops and world-renowned scientific laboratories.

Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute, Woods Hole

The Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution offers scientists 70 years of seagoing experience. This expertise is currently concentrated in two large, one intermediate, and one small research vessel as well as the submersible Alvin, remotely operated and autonomous vehicles, several small surface craft and a series of oceanographic instruments. Scientists from this Institution and many other research laboratories use these vessels, vehicles, and instruments for exploration and research in all the basic marine disciplines. www.whoi.edu

Mashpee Commons, Mashpee

This is a distinctive group of upscale shops located at the rotary.  Between excursions to the beach take time to explore over 90 fine Cape Cod shops and restaurants, plus favorite regional and national stores.    Enjoy sidewalk cafes, restaurants and the cinema.  Hosted here are free outdoor summer concerts and special events year ‘round.  www.mashpeecommons.com  508-477-5400

Cape Cod Factory Outlet Mall, Sagamore

Find over 20 manufacturers’ outlet stores to choose from plus a variety of kiosks.  www.capecodoutletmall.com  508-888-8417

Cape Cod Canal, Sandwich

The idea of linking two tidal rivers to create an all-water route across the seven-mile isthmus of Cape Cod was first proposed by captain Miles Standish of the Plimoth Colony. But Standish's dream for a waterway through the isthmus was far too large a task for a small band of pilgrims. During the American Revolution, a canal at Cape Cod took on an importance as a way to circumvent British harbor blockades. Throughout the nineteenth century, many plans were made, but none succeeded. It would take a wealthy New York financier named August Belmont and modern engineering to finally make the pilgrim's dream a reality. 

Share the dream and beauty of the canal’s recreation area.  In addition to being a preeminent navigation project, the Cape Cod Canal offers a wide variety of recreational opportunities. Corps of Engineers operated recreation facilities include parking areas and comfort stations at various access points to facilitate public use of the Canal for fishing, hiking, bicycling, picnicking, ship-watching and other recreational pursuits.
Service roads along both sides of the Canal land cut offer access along the waterway. Benches are placed along the service roads for the enjoyment of our visitors.
Public information and exhibits on the Canal are available at the Canal Visitors Center in Sandwich and at the Administration building in Buzzards Bay.   http://www.nae.usace.army.mil/recreati/ccc/recreation/recreation.htm

Sandwich

Sandwich Village, the oldest town on Cape Cod, was settled in 1637 and incorporated in 1639.  The quaintness of Sandwich and its history cannot be found in any other New England town.  www.sandwichma.org  508-888-0378

Dexter Grist Mill, Sandwich

Built in 1690, stop for a tour and watch corn being ground.

Sandwich Recreation Area, Sandwich

It features biking and walking trails on Canal Service Road and outstanding views of the canal.

Sandwich Boardwalk, Sandwich

The boardwalk stretches over the marsh, is ideal for walking and bird watching.

Sandy Neck Recreation Area, Sandwich

This area has 4.8 miles of sandy trails are bordered with cranberries and wildflowers.  The beach straddles the Sandwich-Barnstable town lines, stretching alongside the Cape’s north shore and Cape Cod Bay.