Parker River National Wildlife Refuge Gatehouse — Attraction in Newbury

After driving 2 hours to get there, a rather unpleasant and unapologetic woman at the visitor's center desk told us it was now closed to everyone else coming in. (It was Sunday at about 10:30 AM). She smugly told us that when their parking lot fills up they close admittance to the sanctuary to everyone else, and she said that if we wanted to get in on a weekend we would have to "get there by 7 AM". REALLY? NOWHERE ON THEIR SITE DOES IT SAY THIS. We planned our trip for weeks. (Contrary to some reviews, there is NO other place to park to gain access, and we were given no other option to get into the park.) My husband called a few days before, and NOTHING LIKE THIS WAS EVER MENTIONED BY THE WOMAN ON THE PHONE WHEN HE CALLED TO MAKE SURE THEY WERE OPEN THIS SUNDAY, and saying that it was our first trip to Plum Island. We are completely disgusted. This is a HUGE area that should be open to all and accessible more ways then a silly parking lot. The fact that NONE of this is mentioned by them is ridiculous in the extreme. We stopped people coming into the center on our way back to our car and told them what she said to us, and no one else could believe it either. We won't be going back. There are many state parks, and other areas where everyone can go anytime and not be greeted by a snarky woman and the news that they can't get in. Plum Island traffic in town was a zoo, and no place to park there to see the beach or anything else, so it was too late for us to do much else. We ate the lunch we brought in a park in lovely Ipswich, and drove home. This park is probably nice if you could ever get in, but to mislead everyone the way they do, and essentially be closed to everyone who arrives after 7AM on a weekend and not have any of this info on their sites is just bad planning, bad business, and just---bad. We'll be going clamming (for free) in a Maine State Park on the ocean soon to make up for our disaster day trying to get into...

Parker River National Wildlife Refuge in Massachusetts is a haven for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike! As you step onto the sandy shores, you're instantly greeted by a symphony of birdcalls and the whisper of the ocean breeze. The refuge boasts an impressive array of ecosystems, from salt marshes to dunes, offering endless opportunities for exploration.

Whether you're a seasoned birder or just beginning to appreciate the avian wonders, Parker River will leave you in awe. Witness majestic ospreys diving for fish, graceful herons stalking through the marshes, and elusive piping plovers darting along the shoreline. Every turn of the trail reveals a new marvel of the natural world.

But it's not just about the birds! Hiking along the winding paths, you'll encounter breathtaking vistas of pristine beaches and undulating dunes, inviting you to pause and soak in the beauty. Keep your eyes peeled for signs of wildlife – from shy deer to playful seals bobbing in the surf.

For those craving an adrenaline rush, Parker River offers kayaking and paddleboarding opportunities, allowing you to glide through the serene waters and get up close and personal with the refuge's inhabitants.

Whether you spend a day or a week exploring Parker River National Wildlife Refuge, one thing is certain – you'll leave with a newfound appreciation for the wonders of the natural world and unforgettable memories of your time spent in this...

$5 admission fee. It was a bargain if you love to explore and walk, ride a bike 🚲, see giant windmills, birdwatch or hang out by the ocean 🌊. We went to the Hellcat Interpretive Trail so my kids could have any easy walk and their were a lot of great 👍 reviews for this trail. It was enjoyable. There was an observation tower that had a good view and we saw an airplane from a local airport fly overhead. Waterfowl were feeding nearby. Many other trails and observation areas along the way. Only issue, the unpaved road has huge potholes that needs to be filled! It can make driving challenging and hard on your vehicles' suspension. The road is paved up to the Hellcat Interpretive Trail. Place is popular. Parking 🅿️ can be a little challenging. I recommend a visit! Plan to stay for awhile. Bring food and drink. Bathrooms are available. ♿ Accessible to the handicap....