This one hundred acre site is designed for family outings. Each museum has a children’s area to keep the youngsters busy while adults can enjoy the quiet of the main exhibit. The gardens are also designed to both delight the eye and allow plenty of room to play on their abundant lawns.
Visitors can bring a picnic lunch or enjoy light fare at the Carousel Café. Throughout the year special events, workshops and exhibits are offered.
The Old East Windmill
Built in 1800, this windmill was used to grind grains and salt. In 1968 it was moved to its present location. It is open on a limited basis.
The Museums
A reproduction Shaker round stone dairy barn is home to the J K Lilly III Antique Automobile Collection. Cars range from a 1899 Winton Motor Carriage (the oldest on display in the museum) to a 1962 Corvette (the newest). There’s even a 1913 Ford Model T that visitors are welcome to sit in.
The Art Museum concentrates on folk art with portraiture, weathervanes, Nantucket lightship baskets, scrimshaw on exhibit in the main gallery.
Riding on the Charles Looff carousel, which is approaching its hundredth birthday, is special treat. The carousel is housed in a specially built room in the same building as the Art Museum.
There is also a rotating exhibit, in 2007 and 2008 -“A Short Life and Merry: Pirates of New England” which is geared for the youngsters with lots of pirate based activities and games.
The American History Museum building is a replica based on the Revolutionary War fort where Washington’s army spent the last winter of the war. The 2008 special exhibition is the Lost Gardens of New England and Cape Cod.
The Gardens and Walking Paths
The gardens offer something for every season-flowering trees and Dexter Rhododendron in the spring, annuals and lots of daylilies in the summer, fall is best for autumn foliage trees and in winter berries and evergreens are the stars.
Specialist gardens highlight rhododendron, daylily, hostas and heathers. There is a lovely little herb garden tucked away behind the original 18th Century homestead. The Arbor Bowl is planted with trees and shrubs, and is home to the heather garden as well. A new maze garden and a seven circuit labyrinth add charm to the garden touring experience.
Despite the popularity of Sandwich Heritage Museum and Gardens it is possible to find quiet places, even on busy days. Five miles of walking trails meander around the gardens, down to Shawme Pond and through the bogs.
Special Events
Throughout the year there are special events offered, ranging from gardening lectures and workshops to family movie nights to a summer concert series on the lawn.
The Sandwich Heritage Museums and Gardens are open to the public 10am to 5pm daily from April 1 to October 31st
From late November until the end of December, the Heritage Museums and Gardens is open in the evenings for the Spectacle of Lights, with indoor and outdoor lighting displays, a candy maze and a chance to see Santa.
Directions and Admission Fees
From Route 6 take Exit 2 (Sandwich/Route 130) and bear left off the ramp toward Sandwich. Immediately past the Old Town Hall (on the left), approximately 1.5 miles take a left onto Grove Street. Follow the signs ¼ mile to the entrance on the left.
Admission is $12.00 for adults, $10.00 for seniors, Children 4-12 $6.00 with free admission for Children 3 and under.
Other Cape Cod Activities
Dawn M. Smith - A vet nurse, Dawn has worked in wildlife rehabilitation and conservation around the world in addition to her veterinary hospital ...
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