Cape Cod is a wonderful choice for a vacation during any season. One of the reasons people love spending some time away in this part of Massachusetts is because of Cape Cod’s rich history.
Cape Cod is traditionally known for its gorgeous views and family attractions. But beyond the family-friendly activities in Cape Cod, you have tons of options to explore the history of this area during any time of the year. Plus, many of these options are in close proximity to many of our fantastic vacation rentals near Cape Cod.
Wing Fort House
You can find this, the oldest home in New England continuously owned by the same family, in Sandwich. A real piece of Cape Cod nostalgia, the Wing Fort House was built in 1641. It has since been restored by generations of the Wing family and filled with family-owned antiques to tell the story of the house’s long history. The home was made part of the National Register of Historic Places in 1976. You can visit it on Spring Hill Road in East Sandwich from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.
Mashpee Wampanoag Museum
Not only does this museum offer exhibits to explore, but it is set in a restored historic property. Surround yourself with the early roots of Cape Cod by learning about the culture of the Wampanoag tribe. They are widely considered to be the first settlers of the area.
You will have the chance to see artifacts and Native American heirlooms, what Cape Cod looked like before modern settlers, and more. Located on Main Street in Mashpee, the museum is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Pilgrim Monument and Provincetown Museum
This historical site, located in the town of Provincetown, will give you a daily dose of historical facts about this area of Cape Cod, paired with an incredible view of the harbor from above. The 250-foot-tall granite structure marks the spot of the first landing of the Mayflower pilgrims in 1620. The museum gives a history of the pilgrims, how the monument was built, maritime history, plus historical paintings, furniture, and other art collectives.
Located on One High Pole Hill in Provincetown, the museum and monument are open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Cape Cod Museum of Natural History
If you’re more interested in the geographical and natural history of the area, you’ll want to check out this fantastic Cape Cod spot. Located in Brewster, you can explore and discover exhibits on the changing landscape of the Cape, including a butterfly house, bird carvings, and even an aquarium.
The museum offers guided walks around the trails as you learn more about the marshes, woodlands, and tidal flats that are unique to the area. These tours are offered year-round, and the museum also even offers off-campus walks to other great nature sites around Cape Cod. You can find the museum on Main Street in Brewster. It is open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday.
John F. Kennedy Museum
If your historical interests lie in presidential history, there’s no better place than the Cape to learn about one of the most famous political families in history. The John F. Kennedy Museum in Hyannis gives offers a glimpse into the time the 35th president spent at the family compound in Cape Cod.
There are several photo exhibits, as well as many other features on a revolving basis from the JFK Library in Boston. You can also take a 1.6-mile walk around Hyannis on the Kennedy Legacy Trail and see the sites the way Kennedy did.
You’ll find this presidential spot on Main Street in Hyannis. The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from noon to 4 p.m. on Sundays.
For any other historical adventures or spots to check out, don’t hesitate to contact our staff for some options.
