crane boat dock

CraneExplorer: Animals in the Estuary

Take in beautiful views of the Crane Wildlife Refuge while learning about estuary flora and fauna and environmental conditions at the Crane Boat Dock. Families will conduct measurements of water quality and weather, census native vs. Non-native crabs, collect and observe plankton using field microscopes, and observe the ever-shifting tides. Read More

Ada K Damon Feb 2024

CraneExplorer: Shipwreck Scholars

Coastal views with a side of shipwreck! Participants will be guided on a hike from the Casino to Steep Hill Beach, while learning about local nautical history, including the role of Fox Creek Canal and Robinson Boat Yard in the area’s shipbuilding legacy, and the fascinating tale of the schooner… Read More

Ada K Feb 24

CraneOutdoors: Marine Archaeology and Sunset Hike

Sunset views with a side of shipwreck! This program will start with an indoor presentation by David Robinson, our state Underwater Archaeologist, followed by a guided hike down to Steep Hill Beach to discover remnants of several shipwrecks, including the Ada K. Damon, which ran aground on Steep Hill Beach… Read More

Wolly Hudsonia on Castle Neck (photo credit T. Barrieau)

CraneOutdoors: Castle Neck Hike in the Dunes

While just about everybody on the North Shore has probably been to Crane Beach, the dunes of Castle Neck are a much less explored world unto themselves. Offering one of the most accessible dune ecosystems north of Cape Cod, Castle Neck has over six miles of trails, traversing the dunes,… 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

fire pit

CraneOutdoors: Sunset Hike to Cedar Point with Firepits

There’s no better excuse to explore Cedar Point—the western-most part of the Crane Estate—than a hike at sunset. This two-hour adventure in a lesser-known part of the property has it all… A stroll through the beautifully manicured gardens of the Great House A hike down the Woodland Trail leading… Read More

drum

Wisdom Keeping: Abenaki Stories and Storytelling Traditions

In celebration of her indigenous heritage, Abenaki storyteller Anne Jennison will give a performance of Traditional Abenaki stories at the Crane Estate in Ipswich, MA at 1PM. The Crane Estate sits on part of the land also known as Agawam, within the traditional lands of the Pennacook Abenaki confederacy. The… Read More

crane boat dock

CraneExplorer: Animals in the Estuary

Take in beautiful views of the Crane Wildlife Refuge while learning about estuary flora and fauna and environmental conditions at the Crane Boat Dock. Families will conduct measurements of water quality and weather, census native vs. Non-native crabs, collect and observe plankton using field microscopes, and observe the ever-shifting tides. Read More

Wolly Hudsonia on Castle Neck (photo credit T. Barrieau)

CraneOutdoors: Castle Neck Hike in the Dunes

While just about everybody on the North Shore has probably been to Crane Beach, the dunes of Castle Neck are a much less explored world unto themselves. Offering one of the most accessible dune ecosystems north of Cape Cod, Castle Neck has over six miles of trails, traversing the dunes,… 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

fire pit

CraneOutdoors: Sunset Hike to Cedar Point with Firepits

There’s no better excuse to explore Cedar Point—the western-most part of the Crane Estate—than a hike at sunset. This two-hour adventure in a lesser-known part of the property has it all… A stroll through the beautifully manicured gardens of the Great House A hike down the Woodland Trail leading… Read More

fungi three photos

CraneOutdoors: Fascinating Fungi Dune Hike

Mushrooms and lichen abounding! The Crane Estate is a haven for a large diversity of fungi, from the dunes to the maritime forest to the interdunal swales. Join this guided hike, led by local forager and fungi enthusiast Jana Harris of Essex Forays to learn about these fantastic fungi, how… Read More