Parking & Directions
87 Perkins Row, Topsfield
Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary is at 87 Perkins Row, Topsfield, MA 01983. Park in the visitor lot at the top of the entrance drive, next to the visitor center. Mass Audubon lists parking and an electric-vehicle charging station among the facilities, and doesn't list a separate parking fee; nonmembers pay sanctuary admission inside. From Route 97 in Topsfield, take the third left onto Perkins Row and drive one mile; the entrance is on the right.
Getting There at a Glance
Directions From Boston and the South
Mass Audubon's directions: take I-95 north to exit 70 and follow Route 1 north. At the junction of Route 1 and Route 97, turn right onto Route 97 south, toward Beverly and Danvers. Take the third left onto Perkins Row and follow it for one mile. The sanctuary is on the right.
Directions From the North
Take I-95 south to exit 76A and follow Route 97 south. At the junction of Route 1 and Route 97 in Topsfield, stay on Route 97 south and take the third left onto Perkins Row. Follow Perkins Row for one mile; the sanctuary is on the right.
Using GPS
Enter 87 Perkins Row, Topsfield, MA 01983, or the coordinates of Mass Audubon's map pin, 42.631543, -70.920581. Perkins Row is a long road that loops around the sanctuary — the trail map shows it reaching the property in several places — so make sure you're heading for the Sanctuary Entrance and Entrance Drive, not another stretch of the road.
Where to Park
The entrance drive climbs to the visitor lot beside the visitor center and the Barn on Bradstreet Hill. Every trail starts from here, and so does the walk to the canoe landing, 0.4 mile away. Overnight guests at the Innermost Cabin leave their cars in this lot too; you can't drive up to the cabin. Perkins Island campers carry gear from the lot to the canoe landing, with a wheeled cart to help.
Busy Days and Event Closures
Big programs can take over the lot. For the Halloween Hoot & Howl on October 17, 2026, Mass Audubon limited parking after 2:00 pm to registered participants. Check the sanctuary's page or call 978-887-9264 before an evening visit in October, and see programs and events.
Accessible Parking
Mass Audubon describes the parking and entry walkways as gravel, stone dust, paved asphalt or wooden ramp. Its planned All Persons Trail, targeted for late 2027 or 2028, will connect to designated accessible parking. See accessibility.
No Public Transit to the Door
Mass Audubon's directions are by car only. Plan to drive, or arrange a ride to Perkins Row.
Not Looking for Topsfield?
If you meant the town park with ball fields in North Reading, that's Ipswich River Park at 15 Central Street, North Reading.
Parking & Directions FAQ
What is the address of Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary?
87 Perkins Row, Topsfield, MA 01983.
Is there parking at Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary?
Yes, in the visitor lot by the visitor center at the top of the entrance drive. Mass Audubon also lists an electric-vehicle charging station.
Do you pay for parking at Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary?
Mass Audubon doesn't list a parking fee. Nonmembers pay admission (adults $7); members are free.
How do I get to Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary from Boston?
I-95 north to exit 70, Route 1 north, then right onto Route 97 south. Take the third left onto Perkins Row; the sanctuary is one mile down on the right.
Can you take public transportation to Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary?
Mass Audubon gives driving directions only. Plan to arrive by car.