Mass Audubon's Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary

Category: Nature preserve

Address: 87 Perkins Row, Topsfield, MA 01983, USA

Phone: +19788879264

Opening hours

Sunday: 9AM–5PM

Monday: Closed

Tuesday: 9AM–4:30PM

Wednesday: 9AM–4:30PM

Thursday: 9AM–4:30PM

Friday: 9AM–4:30PM

Saturday: 9AM–5PM

Reviews

R C

Aug 15, 2022

Awesome place to go for a hike in topsfiield/Ipswich area, I've been there many times. You also get to see many different kinds of birds, turtles, newts, frogs and snakes in their natural habitat!!! It is around a big river. There are many trails here and you will never get bored!!! There is a big parking area and its closed on Mondays. Would definitely recommend it!! Whenever I went it was never busy here. So it can a good place for a quiet hike with nature. There are 12 miles of trails to hike on. The trails are well marked there is also a small gift shop. That sells maple sugar, honey, stuffed animals, shirts and earrings. Its a protected wildlife sanctuary. Its a beautiful area to explore you always find new things!!!

Bob Spillman

Jul 12, 2022

This wildlife sanctuary is a large preserve that protects a large portion of the Ipswich River and surrounding forest. A series of well-groomed trails offer multiple walking opportunities, including an area known as the Rookery, an unique rock formation that includes a short tunnel and fun diversions for kids enjoy climbing and exploring. The buildings at the sanctuary entrance offer interpretive displays and a birdwatching window overlooking a garden area designed to attract birds. One trail section is known for its friendly birds who watch for bird-feeding walkers who bring bird food. Some will even land on an arm to gather the treats. The forests are well-maintained and the river offers boating opportunities. A very pleasant walk will spot many turtles, some fish, and perhaps a snake or two.

Donna Brady

Mar 6, 2022

I came here with a friend, for the first time, on the 67 degree day in February. We enjoyed a lovely hike and fed the birds. There were many families as it was February vacation, however it wasn't crowded. It was so tranquil and relaxing!

felix paulino

Jan 16, 2022

Amazing place for relaxing and tourist attractions, secure parks, wonderful river views, I can recommend for whole family, very clean place

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Questions & Answers

I have what appears to be young blue heron in my backyard. It's been here for about 45 minutes. My yard is very crowded with large trees. Should I worry about it being able to get out of here?

Joanne Mills | Aug 23, 2021
Travis Pringle | Aug 23, 2021

No it will be able to leave with no issues

Are the restrooms still closed at the preserve? The preserve website states they have been closed due to Covid - but this was last updated in February, and the Covid situation has thankfully vastly improved since then.

Mark L | Aug 23, 2021
Robin Austin | Aug 23, 2021

At last visit in May 2021 I believe the restrooms had been opened. Not sure if that is still the case as I have not been more recently.

Are some of the trails stroller friendly?

Aditya Jinna | Aug 23, 2021
Anne Malenfant | Aug 23, 2021

Yes, although they are not super smooth, you can push a stroller down many of the trails.

Are trail maps available? (The shop appeared to be closed.)

Tommy A | Aug 23, 2020
Sean Sweeney | Aug 23, 2020

You can also download one from their website. https://www.massaudubon.org/get-outdoors/wildlife-sanctuaries/ipswich-river/about/trails

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How much does parking cost at the wildlife sanctuary?

Cathy Morrow | Aug 23, 2020
Monique Flint | Aug 23, 2020

Parking is free. I paid $6.00 as a non-member.

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Are the eastern bluebirds nesting?

Ronald Ladd | Aug 24, 2019
Chris Thomas | Aug 24, 2019

The birds are nesting

Can the lake be fished?

C Bas | Aug 24, 2019
Abigail Chouinard | Aug 24, 2019

No

Are canoe or kayak rentals available?

Ben | Aug 24, 2018
sammayeam | Aug 23, 2021

Are the trails wheelchair accessible?

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Your site says there is camping, is this true?

Joanne Kimball | Aug 24, 2018
Danielle Alexander | Aug 24, 2018

I believe that the sites are not a public free for all. I believe it is seasonal, and by arrangement as previously mentioned.

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What can you see in april

Susan Linton | Aug 24, 2018
Kevin Russell | Aug 24, 2019

You will see an awakening of your inner self, nature at its best, environments untethered. Wildife, that through time, has gained trust with kind souls, and in turn, will fly from the branch, and light upon your finger, takes nourishment offered by you, right from your hand. Truly magical.

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