When you’re looking for things to do in Eastham, Massachusetts, you’ve come to the right place. The town of Eastham is located in Barnstable County and is part of Cape Cod. It has a population of 5,752 according to the 2020 census. The town has a number of things to offer visitors, from historic sites to hiking trails.
Wiley Park
Eastham is home to Wiley Park, a 44-acre lake and beachfront park. It features hiking trails and fishing holes, as well as a lifeguard on duty. In addition to its many activities, Wiley Park also has a boat launch and parking lot. The beach is ideal for swimming and offers beautiful scenery.
Eastham has many walking trails that offer the opportunity to explore diverse ecosystems. Some trails skirt the Cape Cod National Seashore, while others meander through original Nauset Indian settlements. You’ll see a variety of landscapes including salt marshes, fresh kettle ponds, cedar swamps, and open meadows. You’ll also find historical markers along the paths.
Wiley Park is a 44-acre conservation area located on the shore of Great Pond. Visitors can hike and bike around the park. During summer, you’ll find many people swimming, fishing, and boating in the area. The park is also accessible by car via Route 6 or Herring Brook Road.
The park is a great place for families to enjoy the great outdoors. You’ll find plenty of playground equipment, and kids will love the freshwater pond. There are also platforms for kids to jump into the water, as well as a small sandy beach. It is a good place for families with young children, as it has good waves and ample space.
Wiley Park is also a great place for swimming. Its two fresh water ponds, Herring Pond and Wiley Park, have full facilities and lifeguards. While the water is cold in the winter months, you can still swim here. During spring and summer, you can catch piping plovers nesting on the beach. Also, if you go during low tide, you’ll find the old brick foundations of the Three Sisters lighthouses.
Visiting the 1869 Schoolhouse Museum
Visiting the 1869 Schoolhouse Museum in the historic town of Eastham, Massachusetts, is a great way to learn about the history of the area. The museum is located in a one-room schoolhouse that was built in 1869. Exhibits include a model schoolroom, household items, and shipwreck treasures. A 13-foot jawbone from a 65-foot finback whale is also on display.
While visiting Eastham, Massachusetts, you should also visit the nearby Cape Cod National Seashore. This historic town is home to the First Encounter Beach, where Pilgrims first encountered Indians. In addition to the museum, you can enjoy outdoor activities like kayaking, boating, and fishing. The scenery is absolutely gorgeous!
Visitors should also visit the Historical Society’s archives. These collections contain important historical documents and artifacts related to the town. Besides the schoolhouse, the museum is also home to Native American relics, farming equipment, and other objects related to everyday life in the town.
Another fun activity is visiting the nearby Cape Cod Museum. This museum includes a popular recreation of a Native American village and exhibits about the history of the Cape Cod area. It also has a bookstore and a theater where you can view four short films about the region. The museum is open Monday to Saturday from 9 am to 4 pm, with extended hours during summertime.
Visiting the 1880 Windmill
The Eastham Windmill is a historic structure located in Eastham, Massachusetts. It is the oldest windmill on Cape Cod. Originally constructed by Eastham resident Thomas Paine in Plymouth in 1680, the windmill was moved to nearby Truro and later to Eastham.
The Windmill was refurbished by the Town of Eastham in the 1960s and is now on the National Register of Historic Places. While the mill has been restored several times, it still needs upkeep. In the mid-1990s, local Boy Scouts raised funds for repairs to the fence surrounding the windmill.
Eastham is located on the “forearm” of Cape Cod, about 23 miles south of Provincetown and the same distance east-northeast of Barnstable. The town is 38 miles from the Sagamore Bridge, and 92 miles from Boston. The Eastham Historical Society maintains three museums in the town. The 1869 Schoolhouse Museum and the Dill Beach Shack are both open to the public.
Windmill Park is a wonderful place for a picnic. A historic windmill can be found here, and you can even tour the mill itself! The windmill is located in Eastham and shares the site with Setucket Mill. The windmill is likely the oldest windmill on Cape Cod.
Hiking trails
Hiking trails in Eastham, Massachusetts offer opportunities to explore a variety of ecosystems. Some trails skirt the Cape Cod National Seashore, while others wind through the heart of the town’s original Nauset Indian settlement. You can expect to pass through salt marshes, fresh kettle ponds, cedar swamps, and open meadows. While exploring Eastham, look for historical markers along the trail.
Hiking trails in Eastham, Massachusetts are open from dawn to dusk. Remember to carry appropriate lights when hiking and be courteous to other trail users. When hiking at night, wear protective headgear. Wearing a helmet is mandatory for those under 16 years old. Hikers should always respect private property and carry trash out when they are finished.
Canoeing
The waters and marshes surrounding Eastham are perfect for canoeing and kayaking. Many of the areas are protected and offer a sense of complete solitude. You can also take a refreshing dip in the kettle ponds. Here you can learn about the area’s wildlife and enjoy the peaceful solitude of the water.
There are several public docks and landings in the area. From there you can paddle around Town Cove, a saltwater lake that includes Hopkins Island. You can also paddle through narrow channels in the marsh to reach Mill Pond or Nauset Spit. The saltwater marsh is home to various species of marine life, including seals and waterfowl.
You can also visit the Schoolhouse Museum, which was built in 1869. It is part of the National Register of Historic Places. The Eastham Historical Society manages the site, which has been converted into a museum. The museum is open year-round and offers educational programs and tours of the local heritage.
The French Cable Company had a facility near Nauset Beach Light in Eastham, which now serves as an educational center. The facility is also the site of an environmental education program called NEED. The program is aimed at giving school groups a taste of the Cape Cod countryside.