Appleton Farms
| Hours: | Hours Vary see below |
| Ages: | Toddlers, Kids, Teens, Adults |
| In/Outdoor: | Outdoor |
| Cost: | Free |
| Category: | Parks & Nature |
Established in 1638 as a land grant to Samuel Appleton, Appleton Farms is one of the oldest continuously operating farms in the United States. Scenic views of rolling grasslands, grazing livestock, ancient stone walls, tree-lined carriage paths, and historic farm buildings are all part of the legacy of nine generations of Appleton family members kept alive through the work of The Trustees of Reservations.
Today, The Trustees is continuing the farm's progressive agricultural traditions while at the same time preserving the property's landscape and farm buildings and enhancing the ecological values of its woodlands, wetlands, and fields, such as the 133-acre Great Pasture which supports one of the largest populations of rare grassland birds in Massachusetts.
Operations include a community-supported agriculture, a retail feed and mulch haying operation, and livestock and dairy programs that include White Park and Jersey cows.
Grass Rides
Noted for its more than five miles of grass avenues (former carriage paths) bordered by woods, Appleton Farms Grass Rides was designed by the Appletons for the pleasure of family and friends who enjoyed horseback riding. Like a wagon wheel, five 'rides' converge on a central clearing called the 'Roundpoint.' Here, a large, granite pinnacle, salvaged from the demolition of Gore Hall (the former Harvard College Library), stands as a silent sentry. It is one of four such pinnacles which were given to the Appleton family in recognition of their long and distinguished association with Harvard University. Over the centuries, many Appletons held important positions in both the military and government, practiced law or entered business professions. Many retained strong ties with Appleton Farms and its traditions, and some continued to live on the farm and manage its day-to-day activities.
Permitted recreational activities at Appleton Farms include picnicking, horseback riding, bird watching and cross-country skiing. The property also includes trails for hiking.
| HOURS | ↑ top |
Open year round from dawn until dusk.
Farm Store Hours
Monday, Wednesday & Thursday, 2–7PM
Tuesday & Friday, 11AM–6PM
Saturday, 9AM–3PM
| WEBSITE | ↑ top |
www.thetrustees.org/pages/249_appleton_farms.cfm
| LOCATION | ↑ top |
219 County Road (Rt 1A, Ipswich, MA map
Phone: 978-356-4351
Route 1A. From Route 128, take exit 20N and follow Route 1A north for about 7 mi. Appleton Farms is on the left (west) side of road.
Parking Info:
Please do not park along Route 1A. Park in either Waldingfield Road Parking Area or Highland Street Parking Area, both surfaced for year-round use.
To Waldingfield Road Parking Area: From Route 128, take exit 20N and follow Route 1A north for about 7 mi. Turn left onto Waldingfield Road; parking area is immediately on left at corner. To Highland Street Parking Area: From Route 128, take exit 20N and follow Route 1A north for 4.5 miles. Turn left onto Cutler Road and follow for 2.2 miles. At intersection with Highland Street, turn right. Parking area immediately on right.
| RELATED LINKS | ↑ top |
- Profiles
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Info changes frequently. We cannot warrant it. Verify with Appleton Farms before making the trek. If you find an error, please report it...