TOP 30 Best Massachusetts wildlife refuges in Massachusetts

Nantucket National Wildlife Refuge, located at 147 Wauwinet Road in Nantucket, Massachusetts, is a stunning natural oasis for visitors to unplug and reconnect with nature. Situated at the tip of Great Point on Nantucket Island, this world-renowned refuge is a haven for nature photography, birding, and surf fishing. Surrounded by Nantucket Sound and the Atlantic Ocean, the refuge's ever-changing coastlines and habitats are shaped by maritime processes. The scenic five-mile drive over the sand to the refuge offers a breathtaking experience of Nantucket's beauty. Managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the refuge is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including marine mammals like seals, shorebirds, seabirds, waterfowl, songbirds, and raptors. The barrier beach dunes and intertidal areas within the refuge provide crucial habitat for these species. Endangered and threatened species such as piping plovers and roseate terns also find sanctuary within the refuge.

The Norcross Wildlife Foundation, located at 30 Peck Road in Wales, Massachusetts, is a tourist attraction dedicated to providing a refuge for all wildlife to not only survive but thrive. The foundation's public trails are currently closed for the season and will reopen on April 20, 2024 at 8:30 am, offering over 2 miles of trails through various habitats for walking and nature viewing. Rare species depend on rare habitats, and visitors can learn more about conservation efforts at an open house event. The foundation works in collaboration with the local land trust, Opacum Land Trust, to conserve the land and water of the region for the benefit of wildlife and people. Support for the foundation and land trust is encouraged to help protect and preserve the natural environment.

Wasque Point Wildlife Management Area is a picturesque park located at 11 Dike Road in Edgartown, Massachusetts, United States. This popular tourist attraction offers visitors the opportunity to explore the beautiful natural surroundings and observe a variety of wildlife in their natural habitat. With walking trails, scenic overlooks, and educational exhibits, visitors can learn about the local flora and fauna while enjoying a peaceful and serene atmosphere. Whether you're a nature lover, bird watcher, or simply looking for a relaxing day out, Wasque Point Wildlife Management Area is the perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages.

Mass Audubon's Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary is a picturesque park and tourist attraction located at 87 Perkins Row in Topsfield, Massachusetts, United States. This sanctuary offers visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the area, with miles of trails winding through forests, fields, and wetlands. Visitors can enjoy birdwatching, hiking, and wildlife observation, as well as educational programs and events that promote conservation and environmental awareness. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun outdoor adventure, Mass Audubon's Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary is the perfect destination for nature lovers of all ages.

Sampsons Island Wildlife Sanctuary is a beautiful park and tourist attraction located in Barnstable, Massachusetts, United States. This sanctuary is part of the undeveloped Sampsons Island/Dead Neck barrier beach system, just off the Cape Cod mainland. It is home to a variety of bird species, including piping plovers, least terns, and common terns, which nest on the island's beaches, tidal flats, and salt marsh. Because of its importance as a bird habitat, Sampsons Island has been designated as an Important Bird Area. Managed by Mass Audubon Cape Cod and Coastal Waterbird Program, this sanctuary offers limited access to the island's beaches on the Cotuit Bay side during spring and summer. Other beaches on the island are closed to boats and pedestrians to protect the nesting areas of the birds. Visitors can enjoy the natural beauty of the island and observe the diverse bird species that call it home.

The Coskata-Coatue Wildlife Refuge Gatehouse is a park and tourist attraction located at 107 Wauwinet Road in Nantucket, Massachusetts, United States. Managed by The Trustees of Reservations, this institution aims to protect and share the scenic, historic, and ecological value of Massachusetts places. Visitors can explore almost 10 miles of family-friendly carriage paths, elegant gardens, and wide-open fields. The Gatehouse also offers educational programs, summer camps, and special events like the Daffodil and Tulip Festival. With a focus on nature and culture, the Coskata-Coatue Wildlife Refuge Gatehouse provides a tranquil setting for visitors to relax, explore, and connect with the natural world.

Herman Covey Wildlife Management Area is a beautiful park and zoo located at 341 East Street in Belchertown, Massachusetts, United States. This institution is dedicated to preserving and protecting wildlife while providing a fun and educational experience for visitors of all ages. With a variety of native and exotic animals to see, as well as interactive exhibits and educational programs, Herman Covey Wildlife Management Area is the perfect destination for nature lovers and families looking to learn more about the diverse wildlife of Massachusetts. Come explore and connect with nature at this wonderful institution.

Located at 161 Clinton Street in Hopkinton, Massachusetts, the Mass Audubon Waseeka Wildlife Sanctuary is a beautiful park and tourist attraction that offers a unique opportunity to observe woodland birds, waterbirds, wildflowers, and a diverse tree population. The sanctuary features a forest that leads to a tranquil pond, providing a peaceful setting for visitors to connect with nature. Visitors can expect to see a variety of bird species such as bluebirds, Pileated Woodpeckers, Great Blue Herons, Ospreys, and even the occasional Great Horned Owl nesting in the standing dead trees and snags around the pond. The sanctuary's fire-enhanced forest adds to the diversity of the landscape, making it a prime location for birdwatching and nature photography.

The William Forward Wildlife Management Area is a picturesque park located in Rowley, Massachusetts, United States. This tranquil oasis is a popular tourist attraction for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can explore the lush greenery and observe a variety of wildlife in their natural habitat. The park also features a small zoo with native animals, providing a unique and educational experience for visitors of all ages. Whether you're looking to relax in nature or learn more about the local wildlife, the William Forward Wildlife Management Area is the perfect destination for a day of fun and adventure.

Located at 291 U.S. 6 in Wellfleet, Massachusetts, the Mass Audubon Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary offers a peaceful and beautiful retreat overlooking Wellfleet Harbor. With extensive trails leading to a salt marsh, barrier beach, and pine woodlands, visitors can enjoy a wide variety of wildlife in their natural habitat. The sanctuary also offers field courses for adults, camping opportunities, and family-friendly programs. Engage in conservation projects such as protecting sea turtles and diamondback terrapins, or simply enjoy the natural beauty of the area. With a focus on environmental education and preservation, Mass Audubon Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary is a must-visit destination for nature lovers of all ages.

Mass Audubon's Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary is a stunning park and tourist attraction located at 472 West Mountain Road in Lenox, Massachusetts. This beautiful sanctuary offers visitors the chance to explore over 1,000 acres of pristine wilderness, including meadows, wetlands, and woodlands. With over seven miles of trails to hike, birdwatching opportunities, and educational programs for all ages, Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary is the perfect place to connect with nature and learn about the diverse wildlife that calls this area home. Whether you're a nature enthusiast, bird lover, or simply looking for a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, this sanctuary is sure to provide a memorable and enriching experience.

Mass Audubon's Wachusett Meadow Wildlife Sanctuary is a picturesque park and tourist attraction located at 113 Goodnow Road in Princeton, Massachusetts, United States. Covering over 1,200 acres of diverse habitats including meadows, wetlands, and woodlands, this sanctuary offers visitors the chance to explore and appreciate the natural beauty of the region. Visitors can enjoy hiking trails, birdwatching, and educational programs that highlight the importance of conservation and environmental stewardship. With its peaceful surroundings and abundant wildlife, Mass Audubon's Wachusett Meadow Wildlife Sanctuary is the perfect destination for nature lovers of all ages.

Located just six miles from downtown Boston, Mass Audubon's Habitat Education Center and Wildlife Sanctuary is a picturesque park and tourist attraction in Belmont, Massachusetts. Visitors can explore gentle trails that wind through forests, meadows, ponds, and vernal pools, providing a peaceful escape into nature. One unique feature of the sanctuary is the use of goats to manage invasive plants, showcasing innovative conservation practices. Visitors can also participate in various outdoor activities, celebrate nature, and get involved in conservation efforts.

Mass Audubon's Daniel Webster Wildlife Sanctuary is a stunning park and tourist attraction located in Marshfield, Massachusetts. Situated on Winslow Cemetery Road, this sanctuary offers miles of trails that wind through grasslands, woodlands, and wetlands, providing a perfect setting for birdwatchers, families, nature enthusiasts, artists, and photographers to explore and enjoy the natural beauty of the area. Visitors to Daniel Webster Wildlife Sanctuary can immerse themselves in the serene surroundings and discover the diverse wildlife that calls this sanctuary home. With a variety of activities and programs available, there are endless opportunities to connect with nature and learn more about the local ecosystem.

Located at 345 Bone Hill Road in Barnstable, Massachusetts, the Mass Audubon Long Pasture Wildlife Sanctuary is a beautiful park and tourist attraction. Visitors can enjoy sandy beaches, butterfly-filled meadows, woodland trails, and even interact with farm animals. The sanctuary offers gentle, varied trails that lead to Barnstable Harbor, with stunning views of the dunes at Sandy Neck Barrier Beach. Youth Climate Leaders are actively making an impact on the Cape, and there are plenty of opportunities to get involved and celebrate nature. Mass Audubon is a nonprofit organization, and donations are tax-deductible. Don't miss out on all the ways you can experience and protect the natural beauty of Long Pasture Wildlife Sanctuary.

Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge Concord Unit, located in Concord, Massachusetts, offers visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the beauty of nature. Comprising mainly of freshwater wetlands along the Sudbury and Concord Rivers, this park provides a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of daily life. The Sudbury unit features serene trails through wetlands and woodlands, as well as a non-motorized boat launch on the Sudbury River. The Eastern MA Complex headquarters is located here, where visitors can purchase America the Beautiful Passes. The Concord unit is a haven for bird enthusiasts, with renowned ornithologists considering it one of the best birding areas in the state. With a wildlife observation tower, platform, and direct access to the Concord River, this unit is a paradise for wildlife lovers. Please note that there is an entrance fee for the Concord Unit. Established in 1944, the refuge lands were originally inhabited by various Indigenous peoples. The goal of refuge management is to provide habitat for native fish and wildlife, particularly migratory birds. The wetlands, fields, and woods within the refuge offer ideal conditions for a wide range of species, including avian groups, semi-aquatic mammals, deer, small mammals, insects, amphibians, and reptiles.

The Parker River National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center, located at 6 Plum Island Turnpike in Newburyport, Massachusetts, is a popular tourist attraction and park managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The refuge beach is currently closed to protect nesting piping plovers and other shorebirds, but a small section at Lot 1 remains open for visitors. Marsh-side access and all refuge trails are still open for exploration. Visitors can learn about national wildlife refuges and enjoy a variety of wildlife-dependent recreational activities at the Parker River NWR. Passes can be purchased at the refuge with cash or check, or online. The refuge periodically closes for capacity and management reasons, but there are other local beaches and recreation areas to explore.

The Erwin S. Wilder Wildlife Management Area is a beautiful park and zoo located at 16 Toad Island Road in Norton, Massachusetts, United States. This institution is dedicated to the conservation and preservation of wildlife, offering visitors the opportunity to observe and learn about a variety of animal species in their natural habitats. With lush greenery, winding pathways, and educational exhibits, the Erwin S. Wilder Wildlife Management Area is the perfect destination for nature lovers of all ages. Come explore and discover the wonders of the animal kingdom at this unique and enchanting institution.

Mass Audubon's Allens Pond Wildlife Sanctuary is a beautiful park and tourist attraction located in Westport, Massachusetts. Situated at 1280 Horseneck Road, this sanctuary offers visitors the opportunity to explore diverse habitats including salt marshes, sandy beaches, and woodlands. Visitors can enjoy birdwatching, hiking, and nature photography while taking in the stunning scenery. The sanctuary is home to a variety of wildlife species, making it a perfect destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. With its peaceful surroundings and educational programs, Mass Audubon's Allens Pond Wildlife Sanctuary is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to connect with nature.

The Frances A. Crane Wildlife Management Area is a beautiful park and tourist attraction located at 1095 Sandwich Road in Massachusetts, United States. This wildlife management area is home to a variety of native animals and plants, making it a popular destination for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. Visitors can explore the area's scenic trails, observe wildlife in their natural habitats, and learn about conservation efforts to protect the local ecosystem. The Frances A. Crane Wildlife Management Area is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the natural beauty of Massachusetts.

Frances A. Crane Wildlife Management Area North is a beautiful park and wildlife management area located in Massachusetts, United States. This institution offers visitors the opportunity to explore and appreciate the diverse wildlife and natural habitats found in the area. With a variety of trails and observation points, visitors can immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the surroundings and observe native wildlife in their natural habitats. Whether you are a nature enthusiast, hiker, or simply looking for a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, Frances A. Crane Wildlife Management Area North is the perfect destination for a day of outdoor exploration and relaxation.

Located in Shelburne Falls, Massachusetts, Mass Audubon's High Ledges Wildlife Sanctuary is a stunning park and tourist attraction offering breathtaking views of the Deerfield River Valley and Mount Greylock. Visitors can enjoy a variety of wildflowers and ferns throughout the flower season, with spring being the best time to see them in full bloom. While some trails may be challenging, the views from the ledges are well worth the effort. Don't miss out on the opportunity to explore nature and get involved with the various outdoor activities offered at the sanctuary. As a nonprofit organization, Mass Audubon relies on donations to continue its conservation efforts, making any contributions tax-deductible.

The Audubon Caratunk Wildlife Refuge is a beautiful park located at 301 Brown Avenue in Seekonk, Massachusetts, United States. This refuge is dedicated to preserving and protecting the natural habitats of various wildlife species. Visitors can explore the scenic trails, observe diverse plant and animal species, and participate in educational programs and events. The Audubon Caratunk Wildlife Refuge is the perfect destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts looking to connect with the environment and appreciate the beauty of the natural world.

Located at 60 Beaver Dam Road in Plymouth, Massachusetts, the Mass Audubon Tidmarsh Wildlife Sanctuary is a breathtaking 481-acre property that was once a working cranberry farm. After undergoing the largest freshwater ecological restoration in the Northeast, Tidmarsh is now a haven for cold-water streams, ponds, forests, and woodlands that are open for all to enjoy. Visitors can explore the diverse landscapes and wildlife that call Tidmarsh home, including natural bogs and a cold-water stream that were once prominent features of the area. The sanctuary is actively involved in projects aimed at protecting and restoring resilient landscapes, making it a vital part of the local ecosystem.

Located in Gardner, Massachusetts, United States, Mass Audubon's Lake Wampanoag Wildlife Sanctuary is a hidden gem for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. This park is home to a variety of fascinating wildlife, including moose, bears, deer, bobcats, and coyotes. With ecologically managed grasslands that support Bobolinks and Savannah Sparrows, this sanctuary offers a unique and peaceful experience for visitors. Since Lake Wampanoag is one of the lesser visited wildlife sanctuaries, visitors can often find themselves alone in nature, surrounded by the beauty of the natural world. Whether you're looking to explore the trails, observe wildlife, or simply enjoy the tranquility of the outdoors, this sanctuary has something for everyone.

The Parker River National Wildlife Refuge Gatehouse, located at Refuge Road in Newbury, Massachusetts, is a popular tourist attraction and park. Please note that as of April 1, the majority of the refuge beach is closed to protect nesting piping plovers and other shorebirds, with only a small section of beach open at Lot 1. Visitors are asked to respect all signs, ropes, and gates during this time. The refuge offers marsh-side access and various trails for visitors to explore. Managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the refuge aims to conserve and restore fish, wildlife, and plant resources for the benefit of present and future generations. Visitors can learn more about the refuge by joining one of the programs or visiting during open hours.

The Fannie Stebbins Memorial Wildlife Refuge is a beautiful park and tourist attraction located at 202 Bark Haul Road in Longmeadow, Massachusetts, United States. This peaceful refuge is dedicated to preserving and protecting local wildlife and their habitats. Visitors can enjoy hiking trails, birdwatching opportunities, and serene natural surroundings. Whether you're a nature lover or just looking for a relaxing escape, the Fannie Stebbins Memorial Wildlife Refuge is the perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages.

The Old Sandwich Game Farm Wildlife Management Area is a picturesque park and tourist attraction located on Game Farm Driveway in Sandwich, Massachusetts, United States. This historic institution offers visitors the opportunity to explore and enjoy the natural beauty of the area, including various wildlife species and habitats. With walking trails, picnic areas, and educational exhibits, the Old Sandwich Game Farm Wildlife Management Area is a perfect destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Come discover the beauty and tranquility of this unique wildlife sanctuary in the heart of Cape Cod.

Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge, located at 30 Wikis Way in Chatham, Massachusetts, is a stunning park and tourist attraction that offers visitors the opportunity to explore and appreciate the natural beauty of the area. With its diverse habitats, including sandy beaches, salt marshes, and dunes, the refuge is home to a wide variety of wildlife, making it a popular destination for birdwatching and nature enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy hiking, wildlife viewing, and photography while learning about the importance of conservation and preservation efforts in this unique coastal ecosystem. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun-filled day of exploration, Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge has something to offer for everyone.

Mass Audubon Canoe Meadows Wildlife Sanctuary is a beautiful park and tourist attraction located at 309 Holmes Road in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, United States. Just a mile away from the city center, this sanctuary brings the wilderness to Berkshire County's largest city, offering a chance to see a variety of wildlife such as warblers, turtles, ospreys, otters, and even the occasional bear throughout the year. Visitors can enjoy the peaceful surroundings and immerse themselves in nature while exploring the sanctuary's trails and observing the diverse wildlife. Whether you're a birdwatcher, nature enthusiast, or simply looking to enjoy the outdoors, Canoe Meadows has something for everyone.