Ipswich River FAQ
Straight answers, with sources
Quick answers about Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary in Topsfield: it's Mass Audubon's 1,978-acre sanctuary, admission is $7 for adults (members free), trails are open dawn to dusk Tuesday through Sunday, and dogs aren't allowed. Each answer below links to the page with the full details and sources: hours and admission, parking, dogs, canoe rentals, camping, rules and the trail map.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary?
87 Perkins Row, Topsfield, MA 01983. From Route 97 in Topsfield, take the third left onto Perkins Row and drive one mile; the sanctuary is on the right.
Who runs Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary?
Mass Audubon (the Massachusetts Audubon Society), a nonprofit. It acquired the first parcels in 1951.
How big is Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary?
1,978 acres, with 12 miles of trails, according to Mass Audubon.
How much does it cost?
Nonmembers pay $7 for adults, $4 for seniors 65+ and $4 for children 2–12. Mass Audubon members are free.
What are the hours?
Trails dawn to dusk, visitor center 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, Tuesday through Sunday, plus Monday holidays. Closed on ordinary Mondays.
Are dogs allowed?
No. Dog walking is prohibited and pets must stay home. Service animals are welcome.
Can you kayak or canoe at the sanctuary?
Yes, in Mass Audubon's rental boats, May 23 to October 12, 2026 in 2026: $30 members or $40 nonmembers for two hours, $15 each extra hour. Private boats aren't allowed.
Can you camp at Ipswich River?
Mass Audubon members can camp at three canoe-access tent sites on Perkins Island ($120 a night) or rent the Innermost Cabin ($65 a night).
Can you fish or swim?
No. Fishing is prohibited on the sanctuary, and swimming isn't allowed during rentals or camping.
Can you feed the chickadees?
No. Mass Audubon's regulations prohibit feeding wildlife, even though hand-feeding chickadees was once a well-known custom here.
Can you ride a bike or a horse?
No. The sanctuary is foot travel only. Powered mobility devices can get a day pass.
What is the Rockery?
A man-made stone grotto of narrow passages and caves built in 1905, at the end of the half-mile Rockery Trail.
Is the observation tower open?
No. Mass Audubon says the Observation Tower is closed until further notice.
Is it wheelchair accessible?
The visitor center, nature center, barn, restrooms and picnic areas are accessible. An All Persons Trail is planned for late 2027 or 2028.
Is Ipswich River Park the same place?
No. Ipswich River Park is a 49-acre town park at 15 Central Street, North Reading, run by North Reading Parks & Recreation.
How many Mass Audubon sanctuaries are there?
Mass Audubon says it has more than 60 wildlife sanctuaries across Massachusetts. Members get free admission to all of them.
