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Visiting Sandwich MASightseeing & Things to Do in Sandwich, MassachusettsLooking for things to do and sights to see in Sandwich MA?
As the oldest town on Cape Cod, Sandwich, Massachusetts (settled in 1637), boasts some of the finest museums and historic sites, including the famed Sandwich Glass Museum and one of the earliest water-powered gristmills - restored and operating hundreds of years later.
View Larger Map Although its decidedly quaint, Colonial charm draws many vacationers to this quiet Upper Cape town, there's plenty of activity and lots of things to see and do around Sandwich, too - whatever your interests might be! Sights to See in Sandwich MACape Cod Canal Visitors Center - The Canal Visitors Center is a perfect first stop when you're over the bridge and on your way to Sandwich. Or put the Center on your list of rainy day things to do. Inside, there's lots of hands-on exhibits for the kids, cool interactive electronics that'll let you "virtually" pilot a boat through the Canal, and a small theater showing short films on the history of the Cape Cod Canal and other interesting topics. Outside there's plenty of room for picnicing and sightseeing on the shores of the Canal. (Location: 60 Ed Moffitt Drive, Sandwich MA. Open: Daily from late June to mid-October, and Wednesday-Sunday from early May to mid-June. Admission: Free) Sandwich Glass Museum - Located in the heart of Sandwich Village, the Sandwich Glass Museum displays over 6,000 glass pieces dating from the 1800 to present day. A highlight of a visit to the Museum is watching talented glassblowers working at the furnace, creating dazzling works of art in glass. Check out the gift shop for a special memento! (Location: 129 Main Street. Open: Daily from April to December, and Wednesday-Sunday in February and March. Admission: Adults $5, Children 6-14 $1.25) Hoxie House - As you step in the doorway to Hoxie House, you'll wonder how in the world this mid-1600s saltbox-style home (thought to be the oldest house on Cape Cod), could possibly have housed the Reverend and Mrs. John Smith and their 13 children. A guided tour of the authentically restored Hoxie House takes only about 20-30 minutes, and the tour guide's entertaining stories give adults and kids a wonderful glimpse into family life in Colonial Sandwich MA. (Location: 18 Water Street. Open: Daily from late June to mid-October. Admission: $4) Thornton Burgess Museum - If you've ever read the tales of Peter Rabbit and Reddy Fox, then you're already acquainted with the prolific childrens author and avid conservationist, Thornton Burgess, born and raised in Sandwich, Mass. This museum, dedicated to the life and works of Mr. Burgess, is set in an 18th-century house once owned by Burgess' aunt, Arabella, overlooking beautiful Shawme Pond. If you're looking for things to do in Sandwich with small children, bring them to this charming museum for summer Story Time on the lawn! (Location: 4 Water Street. Open: Monday-Saturday from May to October. Admission: Donations welcomed.) Dexter Grist Mill - Plymouth Colony records show that in 1640, Thomas Dexter was granted 32 acres of land in Sandwich MA, on the condition that he build a mill and agree to stay and be the miller. Mr. Dexter took the Colony up on its offer, and today you can see Mr. Dexter's mill, historically restored to working condition. Stop by, see the inner workings of the mills, watch as corn kernels are slowly ground into meal, and pick up a bag of freshly ground cornmeal to take home with you. (Location: Water Street. Open: Daily from late June to early October. Admission: $5) Sandwich Artesian Well - This isn't so much as sightseeing opportunity as it is an opportunity to taste some of the freshest water Mother Nature can provide. Just adjacent to the Dexter Gristmill is the town's artesian well. Bring an empty water bottle or two and fill 'em up. The water's crystal clear, super-cold, and the best you'll ever taste! (Location: Main Street, next to Dexter Grist Mill. Open: Year round. Admission: Free) Heritage Museums & Gardens - A visit to Heritage Museum and Gardens is one of my favorite things to do in Sandwich during late spring and early summer, when gazillions of rhododendrons are in full bloom all over Heritage's acres and acres of gardens. For the kids there's a fun outdoor discovery area called "Hidden Hollow", where they can climb, play, and get on the outdoor stage and put on a show. Antique auto lovers - there's a classic car museum for you at Heritage. And the American Heritage Museum and the Art Museum, complete with an indoor, working carousel, have fascinating exhibits for everyone to enjoy. (Location: 67 Grove Street. Open: Daily, May to October. Admission: Adults $15, Seniors $12, Youths 4-12 $7) Sandwich Hatchery - Another excellent spot to take the kids is the Sandwich Hatchery, where you can see all sizes, shapes and species of trout being raised and readied for release into our local waters. Remember to have some loose change in your pocket when you visit the Hatchery. For a quarter, you can buy a handful of fish food and keep your younger children giggling and happy for 15 minutes or so feeding the fish! (Location: 164 Route 6A. Open: Best time to visit is April to October. Admission: Free) Related Pages: Sandwich Beaches Guide The "Best" Cape Cod Towns Unique Cape Cod Accommodations in Sandwich and Beyond ** Don't miss This Month's Most Popular Pages at the top right of this page! Visit other Cape Cod Towns Return from Visiting Sandwich MA to Affordable Cape Cod Vacations home page
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