Mass Audubon Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary
Mass Audubon Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary things to do, attractions, restaurants, events info and trip planning
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Definitely my favorite place to explore tidal marsh habitats without getting out in the canoe. The trails here offer a great view at low tide, complete with an insane number of fiddler crabs and mud snails. Out at the end of the boardwalk where it terminates in the bay there are usually great opportunities to spot wading birds of all sorts, mostly yellowlegs and peep species with the occasional egret or heron tagging along. The trails that don't lead to the bay showcase the local pine barren habitat and also provide good birding opportunities. Inside the visitor center they have several tanks with native fish and invertebrates. I would absolutely recommend this place for families, as the trails out to the water are not a very long walk and take you through some beautiful areas. They'll also appreciate the animals on exhibit inside!
Elizabeth RawlingsElizabeth Rawlings
40
Visit today, tomorrow, and often. John James Audubon would be proud of this “gold standard” of Audubon sanctuaries and nature centers! Trails are well-marked and clear and beautiful! Tons of birds and wildlife abounds! We saw baby diamondback terrapin turtles, too! They were as small as a penny! On the water, we saw tons of fiddler crabs, gulls, yellowlegs, sandpipers, and more. Signage is clear to get in. Reception is organized. Center is very well-staffed with knowledgeable folks. Inside the center, there were glass aquariums with local fish and wildlife and educational commentary, TVs with information and interactive exhibits, spots to watch the “backyard birds” at their feeders and even binoculars for you to try. Can’t wait to return next time we are in the area.
Josh -Josh -
30
day32(23OCT2024) sanctuary66: modern, airy visitor center with a nice exhibit area with displays and tanks (a sea robin and a northern puffer fish!). level, groomed, sandy single-track trails. i went out Goose Pond trail to boardwalk over salt marsh to Hatches Creek. lovely view of salt marsh and bay. i saw more fiddler crabs than i could count and various shore birds. on way back i looped around the Try Island trail - surprised to see large colonies of bear-berry as i've only ever seen it on rocky ledge outcroppings elsewhere in Massachusetts. Also saw a school of "minnows" in small creek running from Goose Pond into Silver Spring Brook. Today marks the end of my adventure: 32 day trips over 6 months to visit all 66 Massachusetts Audubon Society sanctuaries.
Andy TollandAndy Tolland
00
With over a thousand acres of woodlands and marshes with easy to follow and well labeled trails, Mass Audubon is a great place to go for long walks and if you are interested in wildlife and bird watching, this is truly a paradise.there used to be a charge to enter if you weren’t a member, however since the Nature Center is temporarily closed, the wildlife preserve is free for everyone! We spoke to one of the volunteers who warned us about large and aggressive flies that can be very unfriendly. He also urged us to watch out for ticks, so if you go, use string insect repellent and I’d advise wearing long pants.
Arthur GlaubermanArthur Glauberman
20
This Audubon sanctuary is setup superbly. It has an exceptional visitors center. It includes 4 salt water tanks full of local New England marine bay and ocean fish, various wildlife/local habitat displays and two in-house bird blinds (very cool). Moreover, the staff really knows "its stuff." Better still there many miles of well maintained trails that enable you to experience local forest and wildlife habitats - from fresh water to marine. You can walk out to the ocean too. Just make the tide is low! Also, bring some binoculars, a good camera, some water and bug spray (except in the off-season).
Stephen DowStephen Dow
40
This is one of the most scenic and peaceful places to visit on the Cape. Go for nature exploration, easy walking trails, bird & wildlife watching, and tide pool discoveries during low tide. The Audubon volunteers and staff are very knowledgeable and serve as good guides along the trail. Seeing all of the fiddler crabs in the salt marsh along the boardwalk is super neat! This is a great place to take little ones to explore as they also have indoor sea creature exhibits and a lovely butterfly garden. Definitely bring water, sunscreen, and good shoes on this excursion!
Dani FuchsDani Fuchs
00
Nearby Attractions Of Mass Audubon Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary
Wellfleet Cinemas
Wellfleet Flea Market
Blue Dolphin Inn
Wellfleet Motel

Wellfleet Cinemas
4.6
(552)Click for details

Wellfleet Flea Market
4.1
(189)Click for details

Blue Dolphin Inn
4.1
(167)Click for details

Wellfleet Motel
4.4
(167)Click for details
Nearby Restaurants Of Mass Audubon Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary
Laura & Tony's Kitchen Amazing Breakfast
Harrigan's Cafe

Laura & Tony's Kitchen Amazing Breakfast
4.4
(241)Click for details

Harrigan's Cafe
4.7
(99)Click for details
Basic Info
Address
291 US-6, South Wellfleet, MA 02663
Map
Phone
(508) 349-2615
Call
Website
massaudubon.org
Visit
Reviews
Overview
4.8
(397 reviews)
Ratings & Description
outdoor
family friendly
pet friendly
Description
Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary is a 1,183 acres wildlife sanctuary located in Wellfleet, Massachusetts, on Cape Cod. The sanctuary was established by the Massachusetts Audubon Society in 1957. It includes walking trails along Wellfleet Harbor of Cape Cod Bay as well as a nature center and a campground.
attractions: Wellfleet Cinemas, Wellfleet Flea Market, Blue Dolphin Inn, Wellfleet Motel, restaurants: Laura & Tony's Kitchen Amazing Breakfast, Harrigan's Cafe

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