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
Face masks are required indoors for all visitors; no canoeing or camping until further notice.
Visitor Center Admissions Window
Tuesday–Sunday, 9:00 am-4:30 pm • Closed Mondays (except holidays)
Restrooms are available next to the barn
Trails
Tuesday–Sunday, dawn to dusk • Closed Monday (except holidays)
Admission
Members: Free
Nonmembers: $10 per standard vehicle
As a way to increase access to nature, Mass Audubon also offers several free admission programs at our wildlife sanctuaries.
Visitor Guidelines
For your safety and to avoid conflicts with wildlife, please review all guidelines (including leaving dogs at home) before you visit.
Facilities
- Parking
- Universally Accessible Nature Center
- Universally Accessible Restrooms
- Picnic Area
- Camping/Cabin Rental
- Electric Vehicle Charging Station
Acres
1,955
Trails
12 miles
Details & map >
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.
Camping & Canoeing
→ Currently unavailable due to COVID-19 ←
Exclusively for Mass Audubon members! Explore the outdoors and connect with nature at your own pace. Ipswich River offers special canoeing and camping opportunities only for Mass Audubon members. Not a member? Join Today!