Corn husk creations

CraneExplorer: Corn Husk Creations

Celebrate Indigenous People’s Day by learning about Native American culture and crafting with us at The Crane Estate. Crane educators will share Indigenous stories and a fun craft learned from our collaborator Anne Jennison, an Abenaki storyteller and traditional performer. Learn about wampum, turtle island, the three sisters, and the… Read More

Old Manse Exterior Summer

Home to Two Revolutions: Tour of the Old Manse

Home to Two Revolutions – From the American Revolution of 1775 through the literary revolution of the mid-19th century, on this house tour we share the stories of Manse residents, both the famous and the lesser-known, who influenced and responded to the 19th century social, political and cultural changes that… Read More

Flashlight Tour

Attic Tours of The Old Manse

Uncover the hidden stories of The Old Manse on this thrilling tour that takes you to the historic third-floor attic! While the 254-year-old museum is renowned for its famous writers, philosophers, and Revolutionary War heroes, we’ll dive into the lives of those who stayed in this intriguing space—visiting ministers, enslaved… Read More

Old Manse Books

American Contradictions: Enslavement and the American Revolution at The Old Manse

Many who fought for liberty and independence from Great Britain also enslaved other people – a contradiction that is at the heart of the American Revolution. At the Old Manse, we see this contradiction embodied in the life of William Emerson, “Patriot Preacher” and slave holder. We also… Read More

Old Manse Exterior Summer

Home to Two Revolutions: Tour of the Old Manse

Home to Two Revolutions – From the American Revolution of 1775 through the literary revolution of the mid-19th century, on this house tour we share the stories of Manse residents, both the famous and the lesser-known, who influenced and responded to the 19th century social, political and cultural changes that… Read More

Portrait of the Great House and Casino

CraneOutdoors: The Castle Hill Hike

Come explore the lesser-visited corners of Castle Hill and its surroundings with us. This hike is a CraneOutdoors guide favorite because it’s got a little bit of all the things that make the Crane Estate such a special place… A stroll along the spine of Castle Hill, starting at the… Read More

Kayaking to Choate Island

CraneOutdoors: Choate Island Kayak and Hiking Adventure

Kayaking the pristine, sheltered waters of the Essex River Basin offers one of the top on-the-water experiences to be had in Northeast. Add to that a hike on the area’s largest island and you have the makings of an epic adventure. This combined outdoor trip in the Crane Wildlife Refuge—home… Read More

Kayaking Toward Choate Island at Sunset

CraneOutdoors: Sunset Kayak in the Crane Wildlife Refuge

There are few places on the North Shore that more reliably enjoy spectacular sunsets than the back side of Crane Beach, overlooking Essex Bay. On this outing into the heart of the Crane Wildlife Refuge, we will be paddling in the protected waters of one of the most scenic… Read More

Kayak with Dragonfly

CraneOutdoors: Kayak Adventure on the Castle Neck River

One of the best was to enjoy the natural beauty of the Massachusetts North Shore is kayaking the placid waters of the Great Marsh—the largest continuous stretch of salt marsh in New England, extending from Cape Ann to New Hampshire. The Castle Neck peninsula on the Crane Estate is a… Read More

DEER

CraneOutdoors: Winter Wildlife Walk

A CraneOutdoors Winter Wildlife Walk will take you on a stroll through the Crane Beach dunes while learning about the plants and animals that call this special place home. You may be familiar with Crane Beach, but have you ever visited the dune trails? The dunes of Castle Neck are… Read More

DEER

CraneOutdoors: Winter Wildlife Walk

A CraneOutdoors Winter Wildlife Walk will take you on a stroll through the Crane Beach dunes while learning about the plants and animals that call this special place home. You may be familiar with Crane Beach, but have you ever visited the dune trails? The dunes of Castle Neck are… Read More

DEER

CraneOutdoors: Winter Wildlife Walk

A CraneOutdoors Winter Wildlife Walk will take you on a stroll through the Crane Beach dunes while learning about the plants and animals that call this special place home. You may be familiar with Crane Beach, but have you ever visited the dune trails? The dunes of Castle Neck are… Read More