Crane Wildlife Refuge on the Crane Estate
Crane Wildlife Refuge on the Crane Estate
Crane Wildlife Refuge on the Crane Estate
4.5
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
About
This mix of salt marsh and coastal islands is perfect for kayakers and other boaters, who can also follow trails that explore Choate Island and Long Island.
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The area
Address
Best nearby
Restaurants
40 within 3 miles
Attractions
37 within 6 miles
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
4.5
14 reviews
Excellent
10
Very good
3
Average
1
Poor
0
Terrible
0
revivemindfulness
Topsfield, MA6 contributions
May 2018
Beautiful grounds, tour of the house with history enacted by the staff-very fun and informative . Summer has concerts on Thursday nights
Written July 8, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Paula
Buffalo, NY10 contributions
Aug 2017 • Couples
Even with a $30 entrance fee, we were so looking forward to hiking here. The trails sounded beautiful. Unfortunately the battle of the bugs was in full force the minute we exited our vehicle. Sadly we lost that battle and gave up the hike after a short time. We ended up walking out of the dunes and onto the beach which was one of the most beautiful beaches we have ever seen in the area. We spent several hours walking there and are looking forward to returning there next year.
Written August 14, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
dave d
Bradford, MA327 contributions
May 2017 • Couples
We put our kayak's in at the end of Island road (checked with a neighbor and it is okay to park there despite the signs). 1.5 miles of kayaking got us to the boat dock. We then did an easy 3 mile hike to the top of the island and checked out the burial spot. We also did a brief stop at the historic houses along the way. The top of the island was well worth it, incredible view!
Written May 31, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Bkid43
Amesbury, MA97 contributions
Jun 2016 • Family
Nice place to walk and enjoy a day in the sun, Bring a picnic, sunscreen, and enjoy nature at it's best
Written June 12, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Marksilverfox
Center Harbor, NH89 contributions
Oct 2015 • Couples
only thing going against this great spot is port potties which were marginal at best. fantastic beach and trails through the dunes..magnificent..we walked the grounds also of steep hill and the estate and were blown away. what a great spot
Written October 6, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
R_Choiniere
Maine212 contributions
Aug 2015 • Friends
This is the perfect place to spend a day with kids. There are so many different species of wildlife to explore as well as so many beach treasures to collect. Much sweeter on a misty day when the crowds are gone. Bring a picnic and good seats and you are set for peace and quiet.
Written September 28, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Jim_Claire
Boston, MA19 contributions
Sep 2014 • Friends
I can't say enough wonderful things about this 4 mile guided tour of the 3 interconnected islands off the coast of Crane Beach in Ipswich! You need to sign up in advance for it and there is a limited number of people per tour - ours had 26 people on this beautiful Sunday afternoon tour from 2-5 pm. It is only held one day per weekend and usually only certain times of the year.
The tour starts with a very short 5 minute boat ride to the island with an interesting, personable captain. You are guided around the island in small groups with a trustee guide. If Dorothy, our guide is any indication, all the tour guides are all very good giving details during the tour and pointing out interesting geographical or historical facts.
Things we enjoyed:
- Dorothy stopping along the way to name some of the plants and herbs that are growing along the paths we walked. Among them: pickle grass which she went and got from the edge of the water, bay leaves, beach plums, grapes, mint leaves etc.
- Touring the old barn and being able to go up to the loft
- Touring the old house and going down to the stone cellar where the family's dairy was kept cool
- Standing at the gravesite of the benefactors of the reservation and looking out over the ocean to Mount Agamenticss in York, Maine and seeing the isle of shoals off the coast. Magnificent view!!
- Seeing the vast array of birds that are on the island - bring your binnoculars!
I would suggest that you do dress in layers since it was cool on the boat ride over but once you got inland it was warm. We met so many interesting and diverse people on this trip - it really added to our experience and enjoyment. Our time spent here was well worth it and we made some wonderful memories!
The tour starts with a very short 5 minute boat ride to the island with an interesting, personable captain. You are guided around the island in small groups with a trustee guide. If Dorothy, our guide is any indication, all the tour guides are all very good giving details during the tour and pointing out interesting geographical or historical facts.
Things we enjoyed:
- Dorothy stopping along the way to name some of the plants and herbs that are growing along the paths we walked. Among them: pickle grass which she went and got from the edge of the water, bay leaves, beach plums, grapes, mint leaves etc.
- Touring the old barn and being able to go up to the loft
- Touring the old house and going down to the stone cellar where the family's dairy was kept cool
- Standing at the gravesite of the benefactors of the reservation and looking out over the ocean to Mount Agamenticss in York, Maine and seeing the isle of shoals off the coast. Magnificent view!!
- Seeing the vast array of birds that are on the island - bring your binnoculars!
I would suggest that you do dress in layers since it was cool on the boat ride over but once you got inland it was warm. We met so many interesting and diverse people on this trip - it really added to our experience and enjoyment. Our time spent here was well worth it and we made some wonderful memories!
Written September 20, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Di M
Haverhill, MA2,943 contributions
Jun 2014 • Couples
amazing place. Lots of wild life and a nice spot to walk. You can spend hours walking and seeing the wild life.
Written September 8, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Jeremy T
New York City, NY859 contributions
Aug 2014 • Couples
The Crane Mansion is on a acreage that extends to it's own beach. A long walk from the house, but some people do it. Parking is five dollars an inexpensive fee to see the beautiful grounds of this Chateau like home and also be able to go to the beach.
Written August 13, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
jaf122
Ipswich, MA103 contributions
Apr 2014 • Couples
Miles of pristine beach, sandbox quality sand and natural beauty abound. Parking fees are modest for a recreational destination
of this caliber. Beware of greenhead season in July, otherwise the memories will be less than pleasant.
of this caliber. Beware of greenhead season in July, otherwise the memories will be less than pleasant.
Written April 15, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
No questions have been asked about this experience
Crane Wildlife Refuge on the Crane Estate (Ipswich) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Crane Wildlife Refuge on the Crane Estate
- Crane Wildlife Refuge on the Crane Estate is open:
- Tue - Thu 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
- Fri - Sat 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
- Hotels near Crane Wildlife Refuge on the Crane Estate:
- (2.80 mi) Shea's Riverside Inn & Motel
- (2.12 mi) Ipswich Inn Bed and Breakfast
- (1.74 mi) The Inn At Castle Hill On The Crane Estate
- (9.18 mi) Beech Tree B&B
- (9.58 mi) Changing Tides Bed and Breakfast
- Restaurants near Crane Wildlife Refuge on the Crane Estate:
- (0.86 mi) Down River Ice Cream
- (0.89 mi) The Boathouse Grille
- (2.07 mi) Choate Bridge Restaurant
- (0.89 mi) Boat House Grille
- (8.61 mi) Duckworth's Gloucester