Along with Castle Hill and Crane Beach, the Crane Wildlife Refuge—a patchwork of coastal and island habitats that includes a portion of Castle Neck and seven islands in the Essex River Estuary—was once part of the vast early-20th-century summer estate of Chicago industrialist Richard T. Crane, Jr., his wife Florence, and their two children. Well before the arrival of European settlers, however, the Agawam established semi-permanent agricultural villages here, harvesting shellfish in and around the islands in the warmer months. During the 18th and 19th centuries, Choate Island and Long Island, connected by a causeway, comprised a prosperous farming community.

Rolling fields with historic structures are divided by ancient stone walls, while salt marsh, vast intertidal zones, and the islands—Choate, Long, Dean, Dilly, Pine, Patterson, and Round—provide a haven for wildlife. More than 200 species of birds have been seen here and several rare species of plants and animals thrive in the refuge.

The largest of the Refuge’s islands, the 135-acre Choate Island (formerly Hog Island), supports myriad birds and mammals including deer, fisher, coyote, and otter. The spruce forest, planted in the early 20th century, now attracts golden crown kinglets and sharp-shinned hawks, while Choate Island’s grasslands provide critical habitat for bobolinks and Savannah sparrows. Gulls, sanderlings, and sandpipers feed along the Island’s shore. Explore the historic remains dotting the landscape, including the circa 1725-40 Choate House and circa 1778 Proctor Barn.

You’ll discover solitude in this immense refuge. Boaters and kayakers must land on or adjacent to the dock on Long Island. From there, wander three and a half miles of gravel roads and mown foot trails that lead from the dock to the landmark barn on Long Island, past the 250-year-old Choate House, and up to the Crane burial site at the top of Choate Island. Choate Island Hikes are offered occasionally, late May through October.

Kayak trips to Choate Island and around the Crane Wildlife Refuge run from late June through October. Guided hikes, family programs, and other outdoor adventures run year-round at Crane Beach and Castle Hill. Private guided experiences, group tours, and corporate events are available upon request. Visit CraneOutdoors for more information.

Choate Island Day is an annual celebration of Choate Island—the environment, people, and history that make it special.

Note: All programs require pre-registration online or at the Great House guest services desk. 

When to Visit
Year-round, daily, 8AM to 4PM. Allow a minimum of 2 hours.

Boaters and kayakers must land on or adjacent to the dock on Long Island.

The Crane Estate/Essex River Estuary
Ipswich and Essex, MA 01938
Telephone: 978.356.4351
E-mail: castlehill@thetrustees.org

Access by private watercraft or CraneOutdoors program only. Boaters and kayakers must land on or adjacent to the dock on Long Island.

Kayaks/Canoes and other non-motorized watercraft may haul out immediately adjacent to the dock on Long Island. Motorized craft may tie up on the dock, leaving the front space open for maintenance staff.

Literature about events at the Crane Estate, other Trustees reservations to visit in the region, and membership in The Trustees of Reservations is available from the bulletin board at the Long Island dock. We recommend that you download a trail map before you visit.

We recommend that you download a trail map before you head out.

The standard Crane Estate regulations are here. Additionally, please review the following:

• Boaters and kayakers must land on or adjacent to the dock on Long Island.
• Dogs are not allowed in the Crane Wildlife Refuge at any time. There is a limited dog season at Crane Beach.
• Camping is prohibited.