Many Cape Cod museums offer nature trails and gardens that are open to the public for their enjoyment. These are areas of Cape Cod that can be enjoyed during all seasons of the year. You will enjoy Cape Cod natural gardens, see history in the trails and enjoy an “edible” garden. We hope you visit the gardens and nature trails at the museums below and consider visiting inside the museum and experience all they have to offer. You won’t be disappointed.
Cape Cod Canal
Enjoy a self-guided walk, hike or bike ride along the Cape Cod Canal and learn its history as you go.
Cape Cod Museum of Natural History
Enjoy these three trails that are part of the museum and enjoy the Wildflower Garden that has been maintained by the Nauset Garden Club.
Cape Cod National Seashore
Enjoy these eleven trails that are part of the Cape Cod National Seashore. Enjoy easy trails that allow sunrise view, visit ponds, and enjoy the many bird species that live and visit this area.
Chatham Marconi Maritime Center
Walk the Antenna Field Walking Tour which shows where the antennas at WCC Chatham were constructed in 1914 by the J.G. White Engineering Company. That antenna system consisted of six large towers averaging 350 feet in height in a straight line about one mile long…. pointing at Stavanger, Norway. This initial configuration was modified and improved over the years from 1914 through World War I and beyond.
Falmouth Museums on the Green
Walk the two-acre campus with two 18th century homes, an early 20th century reconstructed barn, colonial gardens, two historic cannons, stocks and a four seater outhouse.
Green Briar Nature Center
Enjoy the award-winning Shirley Cross Wildflower Garden, which was conceived and designed by Dr. Shirley G. Cross, and is a living museum for those interested in the study and use of wildflowers.
Highfield Hall and Gardens
Enjoy the extensive Gardens at Highfield Hall which includes the Music Gardens and Beebe Woods
Historical Society of Old Yarmouth
Walk the Nature Trails and the Self-Guided Walking Tours of Yarmouth and learn the nature and history of Yarmouth while you walk the tours.
Historical Society of Santuit & Cotuit
Enjoy the heirloom plant varieties that are planted at the Kitchen Gardens. The Kitchen Garden interprets domestic life with herbs, flowers, vegetables and fruit. It is a small sample of plants that would have been tended by Mrs. Dottridge.
Nantucket Historical Association
At the Oldest House, Hawden House and Greater Light there are gardens that are open to the public during daylight hours along with admission being free to the interiors of all of these locations as well this summer.
Outside Exhibits & Sculpture Gardens
Cape Cod museums believe art should be accessible to all and many are able to accommodate that thought with outdoor exhibits and sculpture gardens. These outdoor exhibits and sculptures create opportunities for people to experience art at their convenience. This opportunity allows people to learn about the museum that is showcasing the art on their property. We hope you visit the outdoor art that is at the museums below and consider visiting inside the museum and experience all they have to offer. You won’t be disappointed.
Atwood Museum – Lighthouse Turret, Wetu and Herb Garden
Cahoon Museum of American Art – Streetside: Sculptures & Installations
Cape Cod Museum of Art – CCOSI Outdoor Exhibit (until October 2nd)
Dennis Historical Society – Museums, Markers and Historic Sites
Falmouth Art Center – Outdoor Sculptures
Highfield Hall – Elements Fairy Houses
John F. Kennedy Hyannis Museum – sculpture, around town
Provincetown Arts Association and Museum – Outdoor Sculptures
Sandwich Glass Museum – Outdoor Sculptures