Parker River National Wildlife Refuge

#10876 among destinations in the United States

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Facts and practical information

Located in the charming coastal town of Newbury, Massachusetts, the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge is a haven for nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers. Spanning over 4,700 acres, the refuge is home to a diverse range of habitats, including sandy beaches, dunes, salt marshes, and freshwater impoundments.

Visitors to the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, from birdwatching and wildlife photography to hiking and beachcombing. The refuge is renowned for its rich birdlife, with over 300 species of birds documented within its boundaries, making it a popular destination for birdwatchers from around the world. In addition to its avian residents, the refuge is also home to a variety of mammals, reptiles, and amphibians, providing ample opportunities for wildlife spotting.

One of the highlights of the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge is its beautiful sandy beaches, which offer stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and provide the perfect setting for a relaxing day by the sea. Visitors can take a leisurely stroll along the shoreline, go for a swim in the refreshing waters, or simply soak up the sun while listening to the gentle lapping of the waves.

For those interested in learning more about the local flora and fauna, the refuge offers a range of educational programs and guided tours, providing valuable insights into the area's natural history and conservation efforts. Whether you're a seasoned naturalist or simply looking to connect with nature, the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge offers a wealth of opportunities to explore and appreciate the beauty of the Massachusetts coast.

Established: 1942 (82 years ago)Elevation: 3 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 42°44'43"N, 70°48'31"W

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MassachusettsUnited States

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Day trips

Parker River National Wildlife Refuge – popular in the area (distance from the attraction)

Nearby attractions include: Castle Hill, Choate Bridge, Ipswich Range Lights, Coffin House.

4.4 miS
Palatial seaside estate and gardens
Castle Hill, Ipswich
112 min walk • 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.
4.8 miS
Bridge
Choate Bridge, Ipswich
122 min walk • 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.
4.7 miSE
Lighthouse
Ipswich Range Lights, Ipswich
120 min walk • 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.
4.7 miNW
History museum, Museum
Coffin House, Newbury
119 min walk • The Coffin House is a historic Colonial American house, currently estimated to have been constructed circa 1678. It is located at 14 High Road, Newbury, Massachusetts and operated as a non-profit museum by Historic New England.
3.6 miS
Historical place, Park
Greenwood Farm, Ipswich
93 min walk • 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.
2.3 miNW
History museum, Museum
Dole–Little House, Newbury
60 min walk • The Dole–Little House is a historic house at 289 High Road, Newbury, Massachusetts. It is now a non-profit museum operated by Historic New England and open to the public, for a fee, at rare intervals. Private tours can also be arranged.
4.8 miN
Lighthouse
Newburyport Harbor Light, Plum Island
124 min walk • The Newburyport Harbor Light, also known as Plum Island Light, built in 1788, is a historic lighthouse on Northern Boulevard in Newburyport, Massachusetts.
4.7 miNW
History museum, Museum
Swett–Ilsley House, Newbury
119 min walk • The Swett–Ilsley House is a much extended Colonial house located at 4 High Road, Newbury, Massachusetts, United States. It is now owned by Historic New England, formerly the Society for the Preservation of New England Antiquities, and operated as a study museum.
4.7 miSW
Town
Rowley
120 min walk • Rowley is a town in Essex County, Massachusetts, United States. The population was 6,161 at the 2020 census. Part of the town comprises the census-designated place of Rowley.
3.4 miSE
Park
Sandy Point State Reservation
86 min walk • Sandy Point State Reservation is a coastal Massachusetts state park located in the town of Ipswich at the southern tip of Plum Island.
4.6 miS
Neighbourhood
Meetinghouse Green Historic District, Ipswich
119 min walk • Meetinghouse Green Historic District encompasses the historic 17th century heart of Ipswich, Massachusetts. The district runs along North Main Street, south from its junction with High Street to the southern end of the Meetinghouse Green.