The Essex National Heritage Area begins just 10 miles north of Boston and
covers 500 square miles of eastern Massachusetts to the New Hampshire border.
The Area includes hundreds of historical sites, miles of intact landscapes,
glistening coastal regions and lifetimes of rich experiences that chronicle
the history of our region and of our nation.

The Essex National Heritage Area begins just 10 miles north of Boston and covers 500 square miles of eastern Massachusetts to the New Hampshire border. The Area includes hundreds of historical sites, miles of intact landscapes, glistening coastal regions and lifetimes of rich experiences that chronicle the history of our region and of our nation.

Bird's eye view of the park

Essex National Heritage Area

The refuge was established in 1941, and today consists of more than 4,700
acres of diverse upland and wetland habitats including sandy beach and dune,
maritime shrubs and forests, cranberry bogs, man-made impoundments, salt marsh
and associated creek, river, and mud flat. These refuge habitats support
varied and abundant populations of resident and migratory wildlife including
more than 300 species of birds and additional species of mammals, reptiles,
amphibians, insects, and plants. The refuge also provides critical habitat for
the federally threatened piping plover.

<p>The refuge was established in 1941, and today consists of more than 4,700 acres of diverse upland and wetland habitats including sandy beach and dune, maritime shrubs and forests, cranberry bogs, man-made impoundments, salt marsh and associated creek, river, and mud flat. These refuge habitats support varied and abundant populations of resident and migratory wildlife including more than 300 species of birds and additional species of mammals, reptiles, amphibians, insects, and plants. The refuge also provides critical habitat for the federally threatened piping plover.</p>

Parker River National Wildlife Refuge

Established on March 17, 1938 as the first National Historic Site in the
United States, Salem Maritime National Historic Site consists of nine acres of
land and twelve historic structures along the Salem waterfront, as well as a
downtown visitor center. Located in the urban setting of Salem, the park
preserves and interprets over 600 years of New England's maritime history and
global connections.

Established on March 17, 1938 as the first National Historic Site in the United States, Salem Maritime National Historic Site consists of nine acres of land and twelve historic structures along the Salem waterfront, as well as a downtown visitor center. Located in the urban setting of Salem, the park preserves and interprets over 600 years of New England's maritime history and global connections.

Salem Maritime National Historic Site

In the 1600's, on the banks of the Saugus River, something extraordinary
happened! Explore the place where European iron makers brought their special
skills to a young Massachusetts colony. Saugus Iron Works is a twelve-acre
National Historic Site that includes working waterwheels, forges, mills, a
historic 17th century home, and a lush river basin.

In the 1600's, on the banks of the Saugus River, something extraordinary happened! Explore the place where European iron makers brought their special skills to a young Massachusetts colony. Saugus Iron Works is a twelve-acre National Historic Site that includes working waterwheels, forges, mills, a historic 17th century home, and a lush river basin.

Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site

Lowell’s water-powered textile mills catapulted the nation – including
immigrant families and early female factory workers – into an uncertain new
industrial era. Nearly 200 years later, the changes that began here still
reverberate in our shifting global economy. Explore Lowell, a living testament
to the dynamic human story of the industrial revolution.

Lowell’s water-powered textile mills catapulted the nation – including immigrant families and early female factory workers – into an uncertain new industrial era. Nearly 200 years later, the changes that began here still reverberate in our shifting global economy. Explore Lowell, a living testament to the dynamic human story of the industrial revolution.

Essex National Heritage Area

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Nearby Parks

Parker River National Wildlife Refuge

Salem Maritime National Historic Site

Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site

Lowell National Historical Park