About Ipswich River

Ipswich River offers 12 miles of trails that invite you to explore the forests, meadows, wetlands, drumlin, and eskers. You can also travel down the namesake river, which meanders through the sanctuary, by canoe.

Whether exploring by foot or paddle, 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.

Location

87 Perkins Row, Topsfield, MA 01983
Get directions or contact us >

Hours

May–October

• Tuesday–Friday, 9 am–4 pm; Saturday–Sunday & Monday holidays, 9 am–5 pm; closed Mondays
• Trails: Tuesday–Sunday & Monday holidays, dawn to dusk (closed Mondays)

November–April

• Tuesday–Sunday & Monday holidays, 9 am–4 pm; closed Mondays
• Trails: Tuesday–Sunday & Monday holidays, dawn to dusk (closed Mondays)

Admission

• Members: Free
• Nonmembers: $6 Adults, $4 Seniors (65+), $4 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
• Picnic Area
• Camping/Cabin Rental
• Electric Vehicle Charging Station

Acres

1,955

Trails

12 miles

Sanctuary Highlights

• Boulders stacked to create arches and a grotto setting, constructed in 1905, provide an adventurous walk along the Rockery Trail.
• Mass Audubon members-only benefits including renting canoes, camping on Perkins Island, or staying in our rustic cabin, the Innermost House.
• Day camps in Topsfield, Essex, and Marblehead designed to provide campers with a unique opportunity to learn about nature.
• Annual events like Halloween Happenings, Maple Sugaring, Big Night, and Audubon Nature Festival.
• Travel programs to places such as Monhegan Island for fall migration and Downeast Maine to view puffins.