The Cape Cod Museum of Natural History's main objective is to make people more aware of the environment and their surroundings. The museum is divided into two floors dedicated to the flora and fauna of the region which includes exhibits on whales, birds, reptiles and amphibians found in the region. There is a library for extra research and a shop where you can find souvenirs to remind you of the environment around you. The museum also holds various activities to provide a learning experience for children as well as adults! Admission and open hours vary seasonally.
Although referred to as a bike trail, this paved path also welcomes walking, running, horseback riding and rollerblading. Built on an old railway bed, the scenic 25-mile (40-kilometer) trail takes you from Yarmouth to Dennis to Wellfleet via cranberry bogs, lakes and towns. Nickerson State Park, off Route 6A in Brewster, maintains the trail and is at the halfway point.
This brick tower is not remarkable for its architecture; it does, however, have a great view. Located on top of the 160-foot (50-meter) Scargo Hill in Dennis (the highest point on the Cape), a clear day allows views of the Provincetown Monument and mainland Massachusetts. In almost any weather condition you can see Scargo Lake, which was named after a Native American princess. You may find it a romantic spot too, especially for sunsets and star gazing.
Chronicling the history of the Kennedy family, this museum offers a glimpse into the life of the 35th President through video and photo displays. Featuring an ornate interior, the museum is replete with memorabilia and other informative objects. It is one of the most prominent attractions on the peninsula.
Few people know that the pilgrims first struck land in Provincetown, on November 21, 1620, before continuing on to Plymouth. While anchored in Provincetown Harbor, the Pilgrims signed the Mayflower Compact, dedicating themselves to a community governed by democratic rule. This tower was built in 1910 to commemorate that landing, was modeled after the clock tower of the Palazzo Pubblico (specifically the Torre del Mangia) in Siena, Italy. A climb to the top affords one of the best views on the entire Cape, and the tower also incorporates the Provincetown Museum.
Located in Dennis, the Cape Cod Art Museum strives to promote and encourage artists from Cape Cod and surrounding areas. Apart from the seven galleries it has for exhibitions, there is also a sculpture garden and a museum shop. With art classes for all, the museum also hosts events year-round. Stop by this museum to view the work of regional artists.
The West Barnstable station can easily date its history back to the 1900s. The artifacts and exhibits of this place take you back in time as the building still has maintained all the original woodwork and furniture from when it was constructed in 1911. Other features include railroad tools, switchstands and a small motor car which was used for repairs by the maintenance men of that time. The ticketing office still has maintained some of the original equipment from that era. Many events and festivals are organized here celebrating and supporting the railroad history.
Once a wireless receiving station named after Guglielmo Marconi, The Chatham Marconi Maritime Center operates as a museum since 2002. Focusing on the history of wireless technology, its exhibits take you through Marconi's various accomplishments in the field. The museum also offers information regarding the uses of various wireless devices in our day to day life. Explore the evolution of science and technology in the field of wireless communication as you roam around this fascinating place.
A notable structure located amid the scenic plains beyond the sandy shores of Harding's Beach, Stage Harbor Light is set against a picturesque backdrop comprised of pristine waters and undulating grasslands. While the lighthouse itself may not be accessible, visitors can admire its striking visage from vantage points provided by Harding's Beach and soak in the surrounding scenery as it strikes the right balance with the lighthouse's historical splendor. An enduring marvel, Stage Harbor Light traces its origins back to 1880 and is recognized as one of the defining landmarks of the area.
Chase Park is located in the heart of Chatham. This green space is a great recreational spot and plays host to several cultural and community activities. It is the venue for the annual Festival of the Arts, an arts and crafts event that features on summer itineraries of locals as well as visitors to Cape Cod. The historic Godfrey Windmill is the highlight of this park’s landscape.
Located within a Georgian house that was built in 1775, Cahoon Museum of American Art was established in 1984, primarily showcasing the works of Ralph and Martha Cahoon who were two of the most accomplished artists to hail from Massachusetts during the 19th-century. They regularly host exhibitions, boasting their collections that include creations made by artists such as William Mathew Prior, Alvan Fisher, James Buttersworth, and Levi Wells Prentice to name a few.
United States Customshouse, also known as the Donald G. Trayser Memorial Museum and the Coast Guard Museum is a heritage museum housed within a historic building that was built in 1855 by renowned 19th-century architect Ammi Burnham Young. The structure functioned as a customs duty house and a post office till 1958, by which it had been converted into a museum. Guided tours of the entire building are permitted.