By LANNAN M. O’BRIEN
The Cape Cod Canal: that stretch of blue that separates the place we call home from the rest of the world. Most of us have taken leisurely walks or bike rides along the popular bikeway that parallels its waters. Perhaps we have even traveled it by boat, passing under the arc of the Sagamore Bridge as drivers endure summer traffic overhead. But how many of us have stopped to enjoy the many attractions along the way? If, for a moment, we stop to see the canal through a visitor’s eyes, we might just discover something new.
Cape Cod Canal Visitor Center
1. Cape Cod Canal Visitor Center
It seems like an obvious place to start, but the visitor center is an often-overlooked destination. Run by the US Army Corps of Engineers, the museum is filled with interactive exhibits detailing the canal’s history and wildlife. Inside, you can learn about the many ships that travel the waterway, view live radar and images, and even steer a virtual boat. Don’t forget to board the retired US Army Corps of Engineers 40-foot patrol boat during your visit!
60 Ed Moffitt Drive, Sandwich;
508-833-9678; nae.usace.army.mil/Missions/Recreation/Cape-Cod-Canal
Scusset Beach State Reservation
2. Scusset Beach State Reservation
On the mainland side of the canal is the picturesque Scusset Beach State Reservation, a sandy beach, camping site and recreation area with all the amenities. For an easy nature walk, take the 1.7-mile Sagamore Hill Loop, and you’ll be rewarded at the top with views of Cape Cod Bay. The park is a popular spot for fishing, swimming, beachcombing and simply watching the boats pass by along the canal. Visitors can take advantage of the many picnic areas, nature center, and wheelchair-accessible boardwalks (beach wheelchairs can also be reserved ahead of time).
20 Scusset Beach Road, Sagamore;
508-888-0859; mass.gov/locations/scusset-beach-state-reservation
Pairpoint Glass Company
3. Pairpoint Glass Company
Next to the Sagamore Bridge and adjacent to a gas station is an easy-to-miss building that houses Pairpoint Glass Company, America’s oldest glass company. Originally founded as Mount Washington Glass Company in 1837, Pairpoint produces artful glasswork that can be found in museums throughout the country. Here you have the unique opportunity to watch glassblowers at work, learn about the company’s history and purchase Pairpoint designs for sale. Tip: You can access Pairpoint directly from the bikeway or even via its private train platform along the Cape Cod Central Railroad.
851 Sandwich Road, Sagamore;
508-888-2344; pairpoint.com
Butterflies of Cape Cod
4. Butterflies of Cape Cod
Just off the Scenic Highway is a hidden treasure filled with the magic of things that flutter: butterflies. Butterflies of Cape Cod is a charming butterfly habitat devoted to conservation and educating the public about pollinator gardening. Visitors can explore a small, backyard-inspired habitat of native butterflies and plants, learn about the insect’s life cycle and identify different species. A gift shop offers butterfly wing jewelry, themed gifts, and even caterpillar cups for kids and adults to raise their own butterflies. Tip: The habitat section is closed when it is raining. It’s recommended to visit in the afternoon on sunny days.
26 Herring Pond Road, Bourne;
774-413-9310; butterfliesofcapecod.com
Herring Run Recreation Area
5. Herring Run Recreation Area
About halfway along the north side of the canal, there is a pleasant spot to explore nature and enjoy the view. This point where the Herring River meets the canal—called the Herring River Recreation Area—draws springtime visitors eager to view herring swimming upstream via a fish ladder to spawn. The destination, however, has much to offer year round: a wooded 1.5-mile nature trail features educational information about the canal, ultimately leading trail goers to Bourne Scenic Park. The recreation area also makes a great spot for pictures, with clear views of the Sagamore Bridge.
810 Scenic Highway, Bourne; savebuzzardsbay.org/places-to-go/herring-run-recreation-area
The Museums at Aptucxet
6. The Museums at Aptucxet
Step back in time with a trip to these canalside museums, which share pieces of local history from the colonial era through the 20th century. The 12-acre property includes outdoor exhibits and historical buildings, including the Aptucxet Trading Post, a replica of a Pilgrim trading post built in 1627. Wander the colonial gardens, view a replica saltworks and stop by the small Gray Gables Railroad Station built for President Grover Cleveland for his stays—that’s just the beginning of all there is to see and do here.
6 Aptucxet Road, Bourne; 508-759-8167; bournehistoricalsociety.org