About Blue Hills Trailside Museum

Baby owl at Blue Hills Trailside Museum
© Joan Moore

Operated in partnership with the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation, Blue Hills Trailside Museum is the interpretive center for the state-owned Blue Hills Reservation.

The sanctuary features a natural history museum and outdoor exhibits of native wildlife. The animals on display—including Snowy Owls and a River Otter—have been rescued and would not survive in the wild.

Location

1904 Canton Ave, Milton, MA 02186
Get Directions or Contact Us >

Hours

April-November

  • Museum & Gift Shop: Tuesday-Sunday & Monday holidays, 10:00 am-5:00 pm
  • Outdoor Exhibits & Grounds: Open daily, 8:30 am-5:00 pm

December-March

  • Museum & Gift Shop: Thursday-Sunday & Monday holidays, 10:00 am-4:30 pm
  • Outdoor Exhibits & Grounds: Open daily, 8:30 am-4:30 pm

Admission

  • Members: Free
  • Nonmembers: $5 Adults, $4 Seniors (65+), $3 Children (2-12)
  • EBT Participants: Free for up to 4 people when you show your EBT card
  • ConnectorCare Card to Culture participants: Free for up to 4 people when you show your ConnectorCare card

Facilities

  • Parking
  • Universally Accessible Nature Center
  • Universally Accessible Restrooms
  • Universally Accessible Trail
  • Picnic Area

Acres

Within the 7,000-acre Blue Hills Reservation

Trail Mileage

125 miles via Blue Hills Reservation

Sanctuary Highlights

  • Programs and special events for all ages, plus live presentations featuring native wildlife.
  • Summer camp to discover nature through hands-on exploration, creative play, and active learning.
  • Universally accessible guided trail experience including a rope guide and educational materials in large-print, Braille, audio, and tactile formats.
  • Gift shop that carries backyard birding items, Blue Hills souvenirs, a variety of field guides, handmade jewelry, eco-friendly gifts, and much more.
  • Home base for the Snowy Owl Project, which collects migratory and physical data on wintering Snowy Owls.
  • Private function and event space in the auditorium and atop scenic Chickatawbut Hill, the second highest peak in the Blue Hills Reservation.