Visiting Bourne, MA

Sightseeing & Things to Do in Bourne, Massachusetts

(The Canal is that long waterway you see running diagonally across the top of the map of Bourne, below. Just zoom out on the map to view the whole length of the "Big Ditch".)

But there's a whole lot more to the town of Bourne Massachusetts than just the Canal.

Get off the beaten path, explore Bourne's charming, mainly rural villages, and you'll find plenty to keep you busy during your visit ...

Aptucxet Trading Post - In the early 1600s, American colonists traded with the native Wampanoags and the Dutch here at Aptucxet. On a tour of the Trading Post, its nature gardens and saltworks, knowledgable guides engage children and adults alike in the history of Bourne MA and its first European settlers. (Location: 24 Aptucxet Road, Bourne MA. Open: Memorial Day to Columbus Day, Tuesday-Saturday. Admission: Adults $5, Seniors $4, Children 6-18 $2, Family $10)


Gray Gables Railroad Station - Adjacent to the Aptucxet Trading Post is the 1830s-era, Victorian-styled railroad station known as "Gray Gables". Built especially for U.S. President Grover Cleveland, Gray Gables served as the President's personal train depot for his travels between Washington DC and his "Summer White House" on the shores of the Cape Cod Canal in Bourne. The station houses a nice array of photos and memorabilia of President Cleveland, and the tour guides do an excellent job of bringing the President's days on Cape Cod to life. (Location, Open Dates, and Admission same as Aptucxet Trading Post.)


Cape Cod Canal Railroad Bridge - This is a "must-see" Bourne landmark! Spanning the entire width of the Cape Cod Canal, this engineering marvel is the second-longest vertical lift bridge in the world. It's quite a sight to see any time, and it's especially amazing to be there when the bridge lowers for the train to cross. (Location: Western end of the Cape Cod Canal. Best parking/viewing is at Buzzard's Bay Park on Main Street. Open: Year round. Admission: Free)

Click here to download the USACE's brochure about the Railroad Bridge (PDF format)


Bournedale Herring Run - Never seen a herring run? Picture a waterfall flowing down a set of stairs. Now, picture fish literally jumping out of the water to "climb" each stair, all the way to the top. You won't believe it until you've seen it for yourself! If you're visiting Bourne between mid-April and early May, check out the action at the Bournedale Herring Run. (Location: Alongside the Canal at the Herring Run Recreation Area on Rt. 6. Open: Year round, but herring only in the run in April/May. Admission: Free)


Historic Bourne Village - Among the historic homes and buildings in the quaint, quiet section of Bourne, Massachusetts known as Old Bourne Village are the Greek-Revival style Briggs McDermott House - home to one of the original founders of Bourne, Massachusetts, and the Alonzo Booth Blacksmith Shop - where President Cleveland's horses were shod. The village is wonderful place for sightseeing if you're a history buff!