Barnstable

Barnstable offers plenty of reasons to divide your trip between nature experiences and local history. Trails lead to views of Barnstable Harbor and the dunes of Sandy Neck Barrier Beach; others offer unobstructed views of the Great Marsh. In Barnstable Village, historic buildings, collections, and a public library tell different sides of the story. When choosing your destination, consider whether you would rather spend your time outdoors on trails and by the water, or exploring cultural history.

Nature Trails and Experiences on the Water

Long Pasture Wildlife Sanctuary has 2.5 miles of trails leading to a view of Barnstable Harbor and the dunes of Sandy Neck Barrier Beach. The trails combine exercise in the sanctuary with a specific landscape to take in: the harbor and the dunes. For travelers who enjoy spending time outdoors and have this kind of view as their destination, Long Pasture is a focal point of the visit in its own right.

At Barnstable Harbor, Long Pasture also offers programs with educational experiences on the water, including kayaking and boat trips. These add another way to explore the area to the trails. If you like to include activities on the water in your trip, you can consider these programs; if you prefer to explore on foot, the sanctuary also has 2.5 miles of trails.

Another option is the Old Jail Lane Great Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary (Woods to Marsh) route. This is a 4-mile, moderately difficult out-and-back route along old roads and trails, with unobstructed views of the Great Marsh. The stated distance and difficulty provide a concrete basis for planning your day. For another point of reference, the 4C's Courthouse Trail can begin or end at the Barnstable County Complex in Barnstable Village.

History in Barnstable Village

The Coast Guard Heritage Museum is located in the historic former Custom House in Barnstable Village. Its exhibition space covers more than 2,700 square feet and features historical artifacts, models, and stories. Visitors interested in maritime history and historical objects will find a different way to explore the past here than on trails through the nature preserves: the focus is on exhibits and stories in a former Custom House.

The Phinney-Jones House also connects a specific building with Barnstable's past. Built in 1834 as a ship captain's home in the late Federal style, it houses a collection of historical artifacts from the 17th century. Visitors can learn about Barnstable's fishing, ice trade, salt production, and cranberry industry there. These topics provide insight into various sectors of the local economy; the house and its collection make it a cultural-history destination in its own right.

The Old Jail in Barnstable is the oldest wooden jail in the United States. Along with the former Custom House and the Phinney-Jones House, it shows the variety of historical points of interest in Barnstable. Sturgis Library is a historic public library in the village of Barnstable. It preserves and promotes the history and culture of Cape Cod, complementing the area's buildings and museums with a library dedicated to regional history.

Which focus suits your trip?

Other destinations: Orleans, Eastham, Bourne, Truro, Wellfleet, Brewster, Chatham and Mashpee.

For the overview of the wider trip: Barnstable.