North of Boston Day Trips

About Ipswich
Located on the coast thirty miles north of Boston, Ipswich is an unspoiled treasure of natural beauty and a living museum of colonial America. We think Ipswich is truly unique and offers much to the visitor. On our tours you will find history, natural beauty, and fun for all ages!

History
With more First Period (pre-1725) homes than any town in the United States, Ipswich is a must for anyone interested in early American history. For the first one hundred years of its existence, Ipswich was the second most important town in the Massachusetts Bay Colony after Boston. Olde Ipswich Tours will take you and your group on a journey through time, telling stories of the Puritan days, how Ipswich won the title Birthplace of American Independence, and seeing many of the oldest houses in America.

Nature
On our nature tours you may go for a canoe ride on the Ipswich River, hike on a trail led by an ecologist, or take a cruise among the islands in Ipswich Bay. Take an ocean kayak lesson or visit a pack of gray wolves in their natural habitat.

Fun and Learning
Go on an old-fashioned hay ride. Pick apples or berries on a 100-year-old farm. Have a tea party on the veranda of a mansion looking out over the ocean. Try our world famous Ipswich clams!

Here is a sample of full day tours we offer for groups to Ipswich, Essex, Newburyport, Gloucester, Rockport, Salem, and Marblehead in the North of Boston region. Included with each tours is a qualified tour guide who is fully versed in narrating the history of Colonial America, with interesting and humorous anecdotes.

Nature Tour
Full day tour with complete narration of the most beautiful natural assets of Ipswich, Topsfield and Newburyport– qualified ecologists guide through salt marshes, oceanfront sand dunes and the Ipswich River. Full lunch included.

History Tour
Full day of narrated history of Ipswich and Newburyport. Includes guided tours of two historic houses and full lunch in a beautiful 17th century inn.

Nature & History Tour
Full day tour of Ipswich, includes guided tour of historic district of Ipswich, guided tours of three houses representing 3 different periods of history, and a nature walk with breathtaking ocean views. Includes full lunch.

Best of Ipswich Tour
Full day tour of Ipswich with complete narration. Includes guided nature walk along Ipswich River, narrated tour of historic district of Ipswich, full lunch featuring the famous Ipswich fried clams, visit to a 100 year old orchard where you can buy the best homemade cider donuts in the world, and your choice of: 1) brewery tour, 2) a live show on the fascinating, endangered gray wolf, or 3) visit to Crane Beach.

River Cruise Tour
Full day with complete narration of Ipswich and Essex. Includes narrated tour of historic Ipswich, ecology cruise on the Essex River, stop at an antique shop, full lunch, guided tour of a 59 room mansion, and refreshments served on the mansion’s terrace with spectacular ocean views.

North Shore Sample Tour
Full day with complete narration, includes narrated tour of historic district of Ipswich, guided tour of historic houses in Ipswich and Gloucester, full lunch, scenic drive around Cape Ann, and shopping in Rockport.

North Shore History Tour
Full day history tour with complete narration, includes narrated tour of historic Ipswich, guided tours of three historic homes in Ipswich and Topsfield, guided tour of Salem, full lunch, and scenic drive and shopping in Marblehead.

This walking tour covers the downtown Ipswich historic center and its most historic neighborhoods, including Meetinghouse Green and the South Village Green and the six officially classified National Historic Districts. While strolling by many of the 17th and 18th century houses still standing (Ipswich has 59 houses built before 1725), learn about many of the historic events that occurred in Ipswich throughout its 379 year history. Hear stories about the Puritans who first settled here and the patriots and leaders who shaped the Massachusetts Bay Colony, helping to architect the infant government that would change America forever. Discover why Ipswich is named the “Birthplace of American Independence”.

Tour Features:

• Fascinating history: The audio for this walking tour is taken directly from local Ipswich historian, Jean Moss, and narrated by her husband, John.
• As much time as you like: Hand-held wands are $8 for the whole day. Pause and resume the tour at your convenience. Please return wands before the Visitor Center closes at 5:00 p.m.
• Self-guided: A detailed map is supplied with all the relevant sites labeled.

Available May through October at
IPSWICH VISITOR CENTER
36 S. MAIN STREET
IPSWICH, MA 01938
(978) 356-8540

During the Winter (November – April) contact us directly at
OLDE IPSWICH TOURS
8 HERRICK DRIVE
IPSWICH, MA 01938
(978) 356-5163