The Salem Maritime National Historical Park preserves and shares more than 600 years of New England maritime history and global stories. It is part of the Essex National Heritage Area, which encompasses the 34 cities and towns of Essex County, Massachusetts. Within this broad historical setting, coastal history, early industry, and natural areas exist side by side.
Maritime History and Craftsmanship
The Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site is also part of the Essex National Heritage Area. It preserves and shares the history of the first continuously operated, integrated ironworks in British colonial America. It operated on the Saugus River from 1646 to 1670. In Essex itself, another tradition continues today: the Essex Historical Society & Shipbuilding Museum combines a maritime museum with a historic shipyard, where the traditional craft of wooden boatbuilding continues.
You can also explore the history on your own. The Salem Heritage Trail traces more than 400 years of Salem’s history. This self-guided walk passes through the historic city center, reaches the McIntire Historic District, and continues along the Essex Street Pedestrian Way to Derby Street and the Salem Waterfront District.
Coastal Routes and Trails of Different Scales
The Essex Coastal Scenic Byway is a 90-mile road connecting 14 coastal communities from Lynn to Salisbury. Along the way, the route is characterized by panoramic views, historic architecture, historic sites, and recreational opportunities. The byway offers a regional framework for discovering coastal scenery and history together.
The Border to Boston Trail offers a different perspective: this 70-mile multi-use trail is intended for non-motorized activities such as hiking and biking, and connects about 20 communities from the New Hampshire border to Boston. It is still under development, and there are road gaps between some sections. If you’re looking for a much shorter loop, Stavros Reservation has a three-quarter-mile loop trail. The reservation also protects 50 acres of salt marsh.
Marshlands, Islands, and Parklands
Parker River National Wildlife Refuge is also part of the Essex National Heritage Area. It offers opportunities for hiking, biking, wildlife watching, paddling, and beachgoing. The refuge is especially important for migratory birds and other wildlife. Maudslay State Park has a different character, with gardens and plantings from the 19th century, gently rolling meadows, tall pines, and one of the largest naturally occurring stands of mountain laurel in Massachusetts.
Bradley Palmer State Park is a 721-acre former estate with pine-needle trails and gently rolling meadows. You can hike, bike, and ride horses there. The Crane Estate is permanently protected for public use and recreation. At the Crane Wildlife Refuge, you can take tours through salt marshes and to coastal islands, then explore trails on Choate Island and Long Island. Access conditions may vary seasonally.
Cogswell's Grant on the Essex River showcases a coastal agricultural landscape. The 165-acre farm is an important historic agricultural landscape and has been continuously farmed since 1636; it remains a working farm today. The marshland and gently rolling hayfields are open to the public, with views across the Essex River to the sea.
Practical Information for Individual Visits
At Salem Maritime National Historical Park, the grounds, trails, gardens, and wharves are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Historic buildings, tours, and programs are seasonal. Bakers Island Light Station is another special place to visit: this 10-acre historic site on Bakers Island is operated and maintained for public access and preservation. Public access is by the Naumkeag landing craft. Essex Heritage offers public boat tours during the summer season; dates may vary. Check the tour schedule before planning your visit.
To help you get started in the region, Essex Heritage works with nine welcome and visitor centers in Essex County. The Regional Visitor Center, located in the former Old Salem Armory, offers exhibits, maps, and introductory films. From there, you can explore the region’s history, landscapes, and trails further according to your interests.
Discover more destinations: Beverly, Groveland, Andover, Danvers, Ipswich, Methuen, Saugus, Gloucester, Salem, Peabody, Amesbury, Haverhill, Marblehead, Rowley, Newburyport, Newbury, Lawrence, Rockport, Boxford and Merrimac.
For the broader travel overview: Massachusetts.
