North of Boston/Merrimack Valley are home to nature and science centers

Bearskin Neck

Off Dock Street Rockport, MA

Scenic shoreline wonder. No admission charge.

Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary

Route 117, South Great Road Lincoln, MA Phone: 617-259-9807

Visitors to this nature preserve will enjoy hiking trails, live farm animals and hayrides. During the winter season sleighrides are offered.

Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge

Weir Hill Road Sudbury, MA Phone: 978-443-4661

At this sanctuary, visitors can enjoy nine miles of hiking trails, in addition to lectures and other programs in a renovated horse barn.

Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary

Perkins Row Topsfield, MA Phone: 508-887-9264

10 miles of trails and an observation tower are set in this natural preserve.

Parker River Wildlife Refuge

Northern Boulevard Plum Island, MA Phone: 508-465-5753

Enjoy bird watching, nature trails and beach. During nesting season, areas are closed for the protection of nesting birds. There is an admission fee.

Robert S. Peabody Foundation for Archaeology

Phillips Academy, Phillips and Main Streets Andover, MA Phone: 508-364-4201

Exhibits focus on prehistoric archaeology and anthropology.

Wolf Hollow

98 Essex Road Ipswich, MA Phone: 508-356-0216

Nature center focusing on the American gray wolf, its role in the ecosystem and the environment around it. There is an admission charge.

Yankee Fleet Whale Watch & Deep Sea Fishing

121 East Main Street Gloucester Harbor, MA 01930 Phone: 978-283-0313 Toll-Free: 800-942-5464 Fax: 978-283-6089

In 1944, on the shore 35 miles north of Boston, young Jerry Hill began taking visitors for an afternoon sail.

Still owned and run by Jerry and his family, Yankee Whale Watch and Deep Sea Fishing has grown to become New England's leader in whale watching excursions, deep sea fishing trips, education, whale conservation and marine stewardship. In October, 2003 Jerry Hill was appointed to the Stellwagen Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council (part of the National Ocean Service of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration - NOAA) Captain Hill is the only whale watching operator appointed to the board.

Through our association with the Center for Oceanic Research and Education (CORE), our mutual goal is the preservation of marine life and their habitats through education and stewardship.