Winter Recess Free Admission Days
Sponsored by Highland Street Foundation and New England Patriots Charitable Foundation
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Get outside and explore one of these five wildlife sanctuaries during Mass Audubon's Winter Recess. Every day during the week of February 15–19, you can visit a different wildlife sanctuary for free, thanks to Highland Street Foundation and New England Patriots Charitable Foundation.
To allow us to safely manage the number of people on the trails or in a gallery at any given time, we are using an Entry & Parking Reservation system. All tickets must be obtained online in advance—you will not be able to get tickets onsite.
Monday, February 15
Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary in Lincoln
At Drumlin Farm, you can experience life on a working farm and explore a wildlife sanctuary at the same time. Watch the pigs, sheep, goats, chickens, and cows in the farmyard; see how crops are sustainably grown in our greenhouse; walk the trails explore field, forest, and wetland habitat; and observe resident owls, hawks, and foxes in the native wildlife exhibits.
Tuesday, February 16
Broadmoor Wildlife Sanctuary in Natick
An expansive retreat along Indian Brook and the Charles River, Broadmoor is an ever-changing environment teeming with wildlife: dragonflies darting, turtles basking, otters leaving tracks in the mud or snow, and more than 150 species of birds. Easy-to-moderate well-groomed trails lead you through the shade of mature woodlands into open fields and along the edges of streams, ponds, and marshland.
Wednesday, February 17
Blue Hills Trailside Museum in Milton
Operated in partnership with the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation, the Blue Hills Trailside Museum is the interpretive center for the state-owned Blue Hills Reservation and features a natural history museum and outdoor exhibits of native wildlife. The animals on display—including Snowy Owls and a Red Fox—have been rescued and would not survive in the wild.
Thursday, February 18
Museum of American Bird Art in Canton
The Museum of American Bird Art (MABA) at Mass Audubon is a family-friendly, professional art museum set on a 121-acre wildlife sanctuary located 15 miles south of Boston. As part of New England’s largest conservation organization, MABA's mission is to connect people and nature through art.
Art Gallery Visit + Trail Access
Trails Only (No Art Gallery)
Friday, February 19
Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary in Topsfield
Ipswich River offers 12 miles of trails that invite you to explore the forests, meadows, wetlands, drumlin, and esker. Whether exploring by foot or paddling down our namesake river, you will marvel at the diversity of wildlife, especially bird species—the sanctuary is part of the Eastern Essex County Interior Forest Important Bird Area.
FAQ
How much is a reservation?
Thanks to the Highland Street Foundation and New England Patriots Charitable Foundation, all admission to Winter Recess days are free of charge for that sanctuary on that day.
Will there be any restrooms or water fountains?
Restrooms are only available at Drumlin Farm and the Museum of American Bird Art. There are no water fountains available.
How long can I stay once I am there?
While you must arrive during your reserved time slot, you can stay for as long as you like except for Gallery Tickets at the Museum of American Bird Art, where visits inside the art museum are limited to 55 minutes. (Please note that Gallery Tickets include access to the trails as well for as long as you like following your scheduled museum timeslot).
Where can I find information about the trails?
You can download trail maps for all the wildlife sanctuaries at massaudubon.org/trails.
Do I need to wear a mask?
Yes! To comply with the state orders, we ask that you always wear a mask during your visit.