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.

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.
  • 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.

Location

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

Hours

April-November

  • Museum: Tuesday-Sunday & Monday holidays, 10:00 am-5:00 pm
  • Outdoor Exhibits & Grounds: Open daily, dawn to dusk

December-March

  • Museum: Thursday-Sunday & Monday holidays, 10:00 am-4:30 pm
  • Outdoor Exhibits & Grounds: Open daily, dawn to dusk

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