The Crane Estate: Winter Activities
The Crane Estate in Ipswich, MA is a stunning property managed by The Trustees of Reservations, offering a variety of winter activities that showcase the beauty of this historic site. Here's a look at what you can enjoy at the Crane Estate during winter:
Holiday Celebrations and Illuminations
WinterLights: During the holiday season, the Crane Estate hosts WinterLights, where the grounds and gardens are illuminated with thousands of colorful lights. This event includes lit pathways, holiday-themed installations, music, and seasonal treats. WinterLights is a family-friendly activity and provides incredible photo opportunities against the backdrop of the Great House and its formal gardens.
Holiday House Tours: For those interested in history, the Great House is decorated with period holiday decor, offering tours that dive into the mansion’s history and architectural details. You’ll get a glimpse of how the Crane family might have celebrated the season.
Trustees of Reservations
Guided Hikes and Snowshoeing
Nature Trails and Guided Hikes: The Crane Estate encompasses miles of trails through rolling dunes, woodlands, and beachfront. During the winter months, guided hikes are available, exploring the Crane Wildlife Refuge, Steep Hill Beach, and surrounding areas. If there’s snow, snowshoeing along these trails adds an adventurous touch to your visit.
Bird Watching: Winter offers unique birdwatching opportunities as migratory birds pass through the refuge. Guided birding tours often happen around this time, led by experts who share insights on local and migratory species.
Trustees of Reservations
Snowy Owl Prowls
We dug a little deeper and found out about another outdoor winter event at Crane. Check out their Snowy Owl Prowls. Wide-open coastal sites are the location of choice for wintering Snowy Owls and Crane Wildlife Refuge is the place to try to see the exquisite animals perched upon the dunes or salt hay staddles! In winter’s past, the owls have been frequent visitors to the Crane Wildlife Refuge, so bring your binoculars and see what you can see! CraneOutdoors offers both standard Snowy Owl Prowls and Family Snowy Owl Prowls where you can hike in search of these magnificent birds at your preferred pace.
The Boston Calendar
Cross-Country Skiing
Cross-Country Skiing on the Grounds: The Crane Estate offers expansive open lawns and trails perfect for cross-country skiing. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own equipment and enjoy skiing along the oceanfront or on the estate’s rolling terrain.
Trustees of Reservations
Seasonal Events and Workshops
Winter Workshops: Various workshops on wreath-making, holiday crafts, and natural art are offered around the holiday season. These events provide a hands-on way to enjoy the beauty of the estate while creating seasonal decor.
Bonfires and Hot Cocoa: Occasionally, the estate hosts outdoor bonfire gatherings where visitors can warm up with hot chocolate or mulled cider after exploring the grounds.
Event Brite
Photography and Self-Guided Tours
Winter Photography: With the estate’s scenic beauty and grand architecture, the Crane Estate is a photographer’s dream in winter. Snow-covered landscapes and winter light provide beautiful conditions for photography, so bring your camera for some memorable shots.
Self-Guided Tours: Guests can explore the estate on their own, with informational markers and guides available to learn more about the Crane family and the estate's history.
Mark Davidson Photography
Special Events
New Year’s Celebration and Events: Depending on the season, the estate sometimes offers unique New Year events like outdoor gatherings, special dinners, or themed tours to ring in the New Year with historic charm.
Massachusetts Women’s History CenterPractical Information
Reservations: Some activities require advance reservations, especially WinterLights and holiday tours.
Seasonal Passes: Trustees of Reservations members often enjoy discounted entry and priority booking for popular events like WinterLights.
Weather: Always check the weather conditions, as activities like hiking and skiing depend on suitable snow cover.
For an updated list of events and availability, it’s best to check with The Trustees of Reservations or the Crane Estate’s website directly, as offerings can vary by year.