These 100 year old gardens are comprised of separated outdoor 'rooms' that surround the Federal Style Brick House. Each 'room' is distinct, and accented by ornaments and statuary. The gardens are surroundede by over 100 acres of woodlands,and uinique spaces including an apple orchard, a meadow,a children’s garden andagricultural fields that including a 2-acre organic vegetable farm run by The Food Project as a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) project.
Since the The Trustees of Reservations opened the Children's Rocky Woodland at Ravenswood Park, have have walked the trail numerous times. It's a wonderful loop trail that starts at the Nature Center located at the park entrance on Western Avenue and loops around the front of the park to intersect with the Magnolia Swamp Trail. At this intersection you can loop back to the entrance by going right, OR you can go left and continue on to the Magnolia Swamp, which is an adventure in itself. The option is presented at the perfect time in the hike, because you can ask the members of your exploration team if they want to head back or move on!
This 165 acre seaside estate is host to many activities including jazz and reggae festivals and private functions. There is a wide sweeping lawn area that runs to the shoreline and a 'Great House' with tours offered during the summer.
A great place to hike, fish and hang out. This is also a great place to skate on the pond in winter!
This 658 acre estate offers rolling grasslands, grazing livestock, stone walls, and historic farm buildings are part of this pastoral landscape – a rare glimpse into New England’s agricultural past. A gift of Colonel Francis R. Appleton, Jr., and his wife Joan, Appleton Farms is one of the oldest continuously operating farms in the country, established and maintained by nine generations of the Appleton family. Miles of trails wind through area of grassy field, farm land and forest, and are perfect for walking and horseback riding.
The former Moseley family estate on the Merrimack River, this park features 19th century gardens and plantings, rolling meadows, towering pines, and one of the largest naturally-occurring stands of mountain laurel in Massachusetts. Most breathtaking are the ornamental trees and masses of azaleas and rhododendrons that bloom in May and June. An exquisite place for walking, biking, horseback riding and informal picnics. Special Use Permits may be obtained for wedding ceremonies and similar programs.
Ipswich River, Mass Audubon’s largest sanctuary, offers more than 10 miles of interconnecting trails that invite you to explore the forests, meadows, and wetlands. Canoe along eight miles of the Ipswich River that run through the sanctuary and camp on Perkins Island, located a half-mile up the river (members can rent canoes from May through October).
Note: This sanctuary is closed on Mondays!
River Road trail is 0.9 miles of a level riverside trail with loops at the Indian River Bridge. Riverbend Trails climb up through old orchard and dense woods, connecting to Page School or to the upper Indian River. There is a side trail along the Indian River. River Road trail may be wet during very high tides.
Ravenswood Park offers 600 acres for solitude and quiet contemplation of nature. Whether you prefer to surround yourself with snow-covered hemlocks, experience spring emerging in a burst of color and aroma, or escape the summer’s heat – you’ll find a refuge here. The park is a testament to one man’s conservationist philosophy, and to all those who have cared for this special place.
*The map marker shows the entrance and parking area.
