Castle Hill Tour: Grand Stairs to Back Stairs
Do you want to see the whole house? Are you up for a deep dive into life with the Crane family and their servants? Are you curious about how the various elements of the Great House worked together? This extended tour will take you from the luxurious living quarters to… Read More
Family-Friendly Tour of the Old Manse
Step into the incredible world of The Old Manse, a stunning 254 year-old house that witnessed the dawn of the American Revolutionary War and served as a sanctuary for renowned writers and artists! Join us for a special 30-minute tour designed just for families with young adventurers. Experience history like… Read More
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
Where Land Meets Sea: A Coskata–Coatue Nature Tour
Join our expert guides for an unforgettable over‑sand vehicle adventure through the pristine landscapes of the Coskata‑Coatue Wildlife Refuge. Explore a mosaic of rare coastal habitats, including sweeping barrier beaches, vibrant salt marshes, and dynamic marine ecosystems, and discover the fascinating plants and wildlife that call this unique place home. Read More
Castle Hill Tour: Highlights on the Hill
Join us for a leisurely tour of the Castle Hill grounds from our comfy tour cart. You will hear the rich history of the estate while enjoying the breathtaking views of the gardens, marsh, and water. This is the perfect way to get a comprehensive overview of the Crane Estate,… Read More
Castle Hill Tour: Behind the Scenes in the Great House
Do you love checking out basements, kitchens, and other out of the way rooms? Our behind-the-scenes tour takes you past the beautiful facade and explores how the house ran when the Cranes were in residence. You’ll learn how a plumbing magnate incorporated the latest technology of the era into his… Read More
Castle Hill Tour: The Cat's Meow
Our children’s tour, The Cat’s Meow, is designed for children age 3-8. Imagine living in 1929 and visiting the Crane family at their summer home in Ipswich. The house is so big and Mrs. Crane’s kitty, Ptolemy, has gone missing just before the party! Can you help a family… Read More
Castle Hill Tour: Cupola with a View
This is our most Instagram-able tour experience and a particular treat for those interested in the architecture of the Great House and its surrounding property. You’ll gain insight into the architectural choices made by David Adler as he designed and built the Great House, the second home the Cranes built… Read More
The Making of a Museum: A Fruitlands Story
Fruitlands, a museum created by Clara Endicott Sears, offers an immersive tour that delves into the lives of remarkable individuals and the fascinating objects that make it unique. Clara’s insatiable passion for collecting, history, education, and preservation led to the establishment of Fruitlands Museum. Join knowledgeable guides as they lead… Read More
A Walk in the Park: Guided Tour of deCordova Sculpture Park
Explore the Sculpture Park with a deCordova Guide on a lively tour filled with conversation about the artists on view, their creative processes, materials, and deCordova’s rich history. Discover favorite sculptures, new acquisitions, and the fascinating evolution of the deCordova campus. Capacity is limited and we recommend purchasing tickets in… Read More
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
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… Read More