Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary

Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary is Mass Audubon's largest sanctuary with over 10 miles of trails spread across 2265 acres. Over 8 miles of the Ipswich River run through the sanctuary, winding around the edge of the property. The wetlands around the river are home to many birds and wetland creatures such as otters and painted turtles.

Much of the sanctuary rises above the wetlands situated on a drumlin where almost all of the trails are located. Wooden boardwalks cross the wetlands in several places giving excellent viewing areas. An observation tower and gazebo along the edge of the wetlands give more wildlife viewing possibilities.

The Rockery is a man-made rock garden constructed from large boulders. A variety of plants fills the spaces between the boulders. Tunnels and trails were built into, around, and on the Rockery - it even has chairs fashioned from the careful placement of boulders. The Rockery overlooks a small pond, and was once part of an arboretum.

Features

Wildlife, birds, reptiles, wooden boardwalks crossing wetlands, observation tower, gazebo, canoe rentals, stone bridge.

Homepage

Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary - Mass Audubon's home page for IRWS

Location Map

Trail Map - Trail map in PDF format

Directions

From Boston and the south:
Take Rt I-95 north to exit 50 and follow Rt 1 north. At the junction of Rt 1 and Rt 97, turn right onto Rt 97 south (toward Beverly and Danvers). Follow Rt 97 south and take the second left onto Perkins Row. Follow Perkins Row for 1 mile, and the sanctuary is on the right.

From the north:
Take Rt I-95 south to exit 53B and follow Rt 97 south. At the junction of Rt 1 and Rt 97 in Topsfield, stay on Rt 97 south and take the second left onto Perkins Row. Follow Perkins Row for 1 mile, and the sanctuary is on the right.

Street Map

Hours & Admission

Trails open dawn to dusk, nature center open 9AM to 5PM. Closed Mondays except Monday holidays. Admission is $4 for non-members.

Notes & Comments

A fantastic place for birding and good for other wildlife, IRWS also has enough interesting features to make a visit worthwhile. It can get crowded on weekends as it's very popular with families with young children - most of the paths are wide and easily walked. Go early or on weekdays.

Be sure to bring some sunflower seeds. The chickadees are quite used to humans, and will eat from your hands.

A section of the Rockery

Chickadee trading a pose for a seed

One of the tunnels in the Rockery

Chickadee with the Rockery behind