Ipswich, Newburyport, and Plum Island are located on the Massachusetts coast near the state’s northern border. Because of their proximity to the New Hampshire state border, they are considered relatively remote and offer plenty of outdoor recreational opportunities. Rt. 1A runs through all three towns and leads to the Merrimack River and Parker River Wildlife Sanctuary. You can reach Ipswich by taking Rt. 1A from Ipswich Center.
You’ll find plenty of activities to keep your kids busy while on vacation in the area. There are several places to stay in the area, including rental cottages and bed and breakfasts. While in town, you can take advantage of the city’s free shuttle service from Plum Island Point to downtown Newburyport. The city’s commuter rail station is also close by, providing convenient access to Boston.
Those visiting the area can also visit the historic Plum Island. This barrier island is an important ecological system. It covers 13% of the world’s coast, offering protection from the ocean. Generally, barrier islands consist of sand dunes, tidal flats, and salt marshes. Plum Island is 11 miles long and shared by four communities. You’ll find a large number of restaurants, grocery stores, and ice cream stores along this stretch of shoreline.
Throughout the nineteenth century, many summer cottages popped up on Plum Island. At one point, the island was a hot spot for tourists. The town turned its turnpike into a private road, attracting a number of tourists who were looking for a romantic place to stay. The island also had a dance pavilion, theatre, and grocery store. The Plum Island Hotel was a popular destination, and in 1883, 200 carriages crossed the turnpike. The hotel burned down in 1915 and was not replaced.
The Plum Island Light was originally a private lighthouse. Before it was built, it burned whale oil derived from Sperm whales, but was eventually replaced by kerosene. Today, the light is maintained by the Friends of Plum Island Light, Inc. The Pettingell family remained the legal owners of the new section of Plum Island, which is now part of the City of Newburyport.
The Parker River Natural Wildlife Refuge has hundreds of species of plants and animals. With its 4,662 acres, it is perfect for nature lovers. You can view piping plovers and other bird species in the protected Parker River National Wildlife Refuge. In addition to wildlife, you can see coastal plants and farm animals. You can also explore the Parker River and explore the Hellcat Interpretive Trail. If you’re looking for some outdoor activities, Ipswich, Newburyport, and Plum Island is the place to visit.
The Plum Island underground water system has been in place for less than a decade. City, state, and federal officials are working together to replace the existing underground system with more durable mains and connecting bolts. It is unclear what caused the system to fail, but it is likely that harsh winters and salty ocean tides played a role in the destruction of the old water supply. The island will become an important part of the future of these communities and will remain so for generations to come.