Ipswich Travel Guide

Trek Zone

Town

Facts and practical information

Nestled in the picturesque Massachusetts region, Ipswich is a charming town that captivates visitors with its rich history and natural beauty. This quaint New England destination offers a delightful mix of cultural attractions, outdoor adventures, and culinary delights.

History enthusiasts will find themselves immersed in Ipswich's colonial past as they explore its well-preserved historic sites. One such site is the Crane Estate, an opulent mansion built in the early 20th century that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Step back in time as you wander through the halls adorned with intricate woodwork and marvel at the stunning gardens meticulously designed by the renowned Olmsted Brothers.

Nature enthusiasts will be in awe of Ipswich's stunning natural landscapes. Crane Beach, with its pristine sandy shores stretching for miles, is a paradise for sunbathers and surfers alike. Take a leisurely stroll along the dunes, breathe in the salty ocean air, and immerse yourself in the tranquility of the Atlantic Ocean.

For those seeking outdoor adventures, Ipswich boasts an extensive network of trails that wind through its lush forests and meadows. The Willowdale State Forest offers a variety of recreational activities, including hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. As you traverse the trails, keep an eye out for the vibrant flora and fauna that call this beautiful area home.

Food lovers will be delighted by the culinary scene in Ipswich, which celebrates the region's fresh seafood and farm-to-table traditions. Indulge in a traditional New England clam bake, where succulent lobster, clams, and corn are cooked to perfection. Wash it all down with a locally brewed craft beer or cider, showcasing the town's vibrant microbrewery culture.

When it comes to shopping, Ipswich offers a unique blend of boutiques, antique stores, and art galleries. Browse through the charming Main Street, where you can discover hidden treasures and one-of-a-kind souvenirs to commemorate your visit.

Alternative names: Settled: 1633Population: 4.2 thous.Area: 42.51 mi²Elevation: 3 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 42°40'44"N, 70°50'14"W

Location

MassachusettsUnited States

Contact

Website

Social media

Add

Ipswich Top Attractions

Ipswich Attractions - What to See and Explore

Ipswich offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Castle Hill, John Whipple House, Ipswich Museum, Choate Bridge. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Palatial seaside estate and gardens
Castle Hill
Castle Hill is a 56,881 sq ft Tudor Revival mansion in Ipswich, Massachusetts built 1926-1928 as a summer home for Mr. and Mrs. Richard Teller Crane, Jr. It is also the name of the 165-acre drumlin surrounded by sea and salt marsh the home was built atop. Both are part of the 2,100-acre Crane Estate located on Argilla Road.
Museum • History museum • Saltbox architecture
John Whipple House
The John Whipple House is a historic colonial house at 1 South Green in Ipswich, Massachusetts. Built in the seventeenth century, the house has been open to the public as a museum since 1899 and was the subject of some of the earliest attempts at the preservation of colonial houses.
Museum • Specialty museum • History museum
Ipswich Museum
The Ipswich Historical Society in Ipswich, Massachusetts was founded by Reverend Thomas Franklin Waters in 1890. The Society initially had no headquarters, and met in the studio of artist Arthur Wesley Dow. They eventually found a better place to meet in the Odd Fellows Hall.

Bridge
Choate Bridge
Choate Bridge is a historic stone arch bridge carrying Route 1A/Route 133 over the Ipswich River in Ipswich, Massachusetts. It is one of the oldest surviving bridges in North America, and is probably the oldest in Massachusetts.
Lighthouse
Ipswich Range Lights
The Ipswich Range Lights are a pair of range lights on Crane Beach in Ipswich, Massachusetts. They have a long and varied story. They were first built as two brick towers, 542 feet apart on a more or less east–west line in 1838.
Historical place • Park
Greenwood Farm
Greenwood Farm is a historic property and nature reserve located in Ipswich, Massachusetts, which is owned by The Trustees of Reservations. It features the Paine-Dodge House, a First Period farmhouse constructed in 1694.
Museum
Ipswich Museum
Ipswich Museum is a registered museum of culture, history and natural heritage located on High Street in Ipswich, the county town of Suffolk. It was historically the leading regional museum in Suffolk, housing collections drawn from both the former counties of East Suffolk and West Suffolk, which were amalgamated in 1974.
42°40'46"N • 70°50'17"W
Caldwell Block
The Caldwell Block is a historic block on S. Main Street in Ipswich, Massachusetts. It is the oldest surviving building in Ipswich that was designed as a commercial and retail space, and is still used for that purpose.
42°40'39"N • 70°49'51"W
Merrifield House
The Merrifield House, also known as Rosebank, is a historic house at 11 Woods Lane in Ipswich, Massachusetts. It was built c. 1792 by Francis Merrifield, Jr. a veteran of the American Revolutionary War.
42°40'41"N • 70°50'9"W
Benjamin Grant House
The Benjamin Grant House is a historic house at 47 County Street in Ipswich, Massachusetts. It is a well-preserved early Georgian house, built c. 1735 by Benjamin Grant.
42°40'44"N • 70°50'14"W
Shoreborne Wilson House
The Shoreborne Wilson House is a historic colonial house at 4 South Main Street in Ipswich, Massachusetts. The 2 ¹⁄₂-story wood-frame house was built between 1685 and 1692 by Shoreborne Wilson, a cooper.
42°39'48"N • 70°52'59"W
Turner Hill
Turner Hill is a historic estate located at 315 Topsfield Road in Ipswich, Massachusetts. It was built for Charles Goodnough Rice and Ann Proctor Rice to a design by Boston architect William Rantoul.
42°39'23"N • 70°48'53"W
Wolf Hollow
Nature and wildlife • Park
42°40'35"N • 70°50'1"W
Burnham-Patch House
The Burnham-Patch House is a historic house at 1 Turkey Shore Road in Ipswich, Massachusetts. The 2 ¹⁄₂-story Colonial stands on a plot of land purchased by Thomas Burnham in 1667, occupying a prominent position on Turkey Shore Road, a historically important path to the coast.
42°40'33"N • 70°50'5"W
Dr. John Calef House
The Dr. John Calef House is a historic house at 7 Poplar Street in Ipswich, Massachusetts. It is a well-preserved example of a First Period house with high-quality Georgian modifications.
42°40'43"N • 70°50'24"W
Bailey House
The Bailey House is a historic house in Ipswich, Massachusetts. It was built sometime between 1893 and 1910 to serve as the home and office Doctor Bailey, a prominent local physician. It is sited on a hill overlooking the central downtown area of Ipswich.
42°40'35"N • 70°50'3"W
Heard-Lakeman House
The Heard-Lakeman House is a historic house at 2 Turkey Shore Road in Ipswich, Massachusetts. Nathaniel and John Heard built this 2 ¹⁄₂-story wood-frame house in 1776 for Nathaniel to live in.
42°40'32"N • 70°50'39"W
Sacred Heart Parish
Sacred Heart Parish - designated for Polish immigrants in Ipswich, Massachusetts, United States. Founded 1908. It was one of the Polish-American Roman Catholic parishes in New England in the Archdiocese of Boston. The parish closed April 25, 1999.
42°40'21"N • 70°50'15"W
Nathaniel Rust Mansion
The Nathaniel Rust Mansion is a historic house at 83 County Street in Ipswich, Massachusetts. It is a 2+1⁄2-story colonial style house with First Period origins, indicated in part by its asymmetrical front facade.

Day trips

Ipswich – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Ipswich, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Peabody Essex Museum (Salem), Hammond Castle (Gloucester), Good Harbor Beach (Gloucester).

11 milesS
Modern venue for American/Asian artwork
Peabody Essex Museum, Salem
Nestled in the historic city of Salem, Massachusetts, the Peabody Essex Museum (PEM) stands as a beacon of art and culture. Renowned for its rich and diverse collections, this museum is one of the oldest continuously operating museums in the United States, having been...
9.8 miSE
Museum, History museum
Hammond Castle, Gloucester
Hammond Castle is located on the Atlantic coast in the Magnolia area of Gloucester, Massachusetts. The castle, which was constructed between 1926 and 1929, was the home and laboratory of John Hays Hammond, Jr. an inventor and pioneer in the study of remote control who held over four hundred patents.
11 milesE
42°37'10"N • 70°37'53"W
Good Harbor Beach, Gloucester
Beach, Outdoor activities, Park
17 milesSW
Historical place, Museum, History museum
Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site, Saugus
Nestled in the heart of Saugus, Massachusetts, the Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site offers a unique glimpse into the early industrial roots of America. This historical place stands as a testament to the ingenuity and determination of 17th-century ironworkers...
11 milesS
Museum, Maritime museum, Historical place
Salem Maritime National Historic Site, Salem
The Salem Maritime National Historic Site is a National Historic Site consisting of 12 historic structures, one replica tall-ship, and about 9 acres of land along the waterfront of Salem Harbor in Salem, Massachusetts.

Show all

Best Time To Visit Ipswich

Learn when is the best time to travel to Ipswich weather-wise and what to expect in each season.

Popularity among visitors

JFMAMJJASOND

June, July and August are the busiest months in this location. Many people also choose to visit in September.

Average temperatures in °F

JFMAMJJASOND

The highest air temperature is in June, July and August. While the coldest is in January and February.

Monthly rainfall in inches

JFMAMJJASOND

The lowest rainfall is recorded in February, May, June, July and August. Most of it rains in January, March, April, October, November and December.

Length of day in hours

JFMAMJJASOND

We can expect the longest days in June, while the shortest in December.

Sunrise

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the top attractions to visit in Ipswich?

The top attractions to visit in Ipswich are:

What is the best time to visit Ipswich?

June, July and August are the busiest months in this location. Many people also choose to visit in September. The highest air temperature is in June, July and August. While the coldest is in January and February.