crane wildlife refuge on the crane estate

I can't say enough wonderful things about this 4 mile guided tour of the 3 interconnected islands off the coast of Crane Beach in Ipswich! You need to sign up in advance for it and there is a limited number of people per tour - ours had 26 people on this beautiful Sunday afternoon tour from 2-5 pm. It is only held one day per weekend and usually only certain times of the year.The tour starts with a very short 5 minute boat ride to the island with an interesting, personable captain. You are guided around the island in small groups with a trustee guide. If Dorothy, our guide is any indication, all the tour guides are all very good giving details during the tour and pointing out interesting geographical or historical facts. Things we enjoyed: - Dorothy stopping along the way to name some of the plants and herbs that are growing along the paths we walked. Among them: pickle grass which she went and got from the edge of the water, bay leaves, beach plums, grapes, mint leaves etc.- Touring the old barn and being able to go up to the loft- Touring the old house and going down to the stone cellar where the family's dairy was kept cool - Standing at the gravesite of the benefactors of the reservation and looking out over the ocean to Mount Agamenticss in York, Maine and seeing the isle of shoals off the coast. Magnificent view!!- Seeing the vast array of birds that are on the island - bring your binnoculars!I would suggest that you do dress in layers since it was cool on the boat ride over but once you got inland it was warm. We met so many interesting and diverse people on this trip - it really added to our experience and enjoyment. Our time spent here was well worth it and we made some wonderful memories!

amazing place. Lots of wild life and a nice spot to walk. You can spend hours walking and seeing the wild life.

The Crane Mansion is on a acreage that extends to it's own beach. A long walk from the house, but some people do it. Parking is five dollars an inexpensive fee to see the beautiful grounds of this Chateau like home and also be able to go to the beach.

Miles of pristine beach, sandbox quality sand and natural beauty abound. Parking fees are modest for a recreational destinationof this caliber. Beware of greenhead season in July, otherwise the memories will be less than pleasant.

Expansive well-preserved beach. A worthwhile project to support and a great place to spend a day. It fills up as the day goes on, we recommend walking a little further if you came for relative solitude.

parking for $5 to visit the grande estate and beach. The grounds and home of the Crane Estate takes you back in time. A French Chateau of grande status. A wonderful family day to enjoy.

When you get tired of the beach take a hike around the Crane estate. Entrances are from the Crane Beach parking lot, and the bird watching is great. Look out for the nudies in the dunes!

Ocean views, plenty of wildlife, take your time to enjoy.