Bourne, Massachusetts

Buzzards Bay Recreation Area in Bourne, Massachusetts, welcomes visitors to embark on a day of exploration along the northern shores of the Cape Cod Canal.

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About This Location

Nestled at the base of the iconic Cape Cod Canal Railroad Bridge, the Buzzards Bay Recreation Area in Bourne, Massachusetts, welcomes visitors to embark on a day of exploration along the northern shores of the Cape Cod Canal. This picturesque park, owned and maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers, offers a gateway to a unique blend of natural beauty, history, and outdoor activities.

One of the immediate highlights of Buzzards Bay Recreation Area is the opportunity to gaze up at the remarkable Cape Cod Railroad Bridge. When it was completed in 1935, this vertical lift bridge held the title of the world's longest of its kind. Its towering presence is a testament to engineering marvels of the past, and it stands as a symbol of the area's rich maritime and shipping history. It is still active today, so if you stay long enough you are bound to see it in operation.

The park serves as the westernmost access point to the Cape Cod Canal Bikeway, a 7-mile-long paved service road that stretches all the way to Scusset Beach in Sagamore. This wide and flat trail, tracing the northern shoreline of the canal, is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're biking, walking, or running, the canal-side path offers a serene journey with breathtaking water views.

As you venture along the Cape Cod Canal, you'll witness a constant procession of boats traversing its waters. From mighty tugs and barges to graceful sailboats and powerful motorboats, the canal is a bustling waterway that provides a captivating spectacle. Even mega-yachts and cruise ships utilize this valuable shortcut. The park also draws avid fishermen who crowd the rocky shores, casting their lines in hopes of hooking the legendary striped bass, among other species. You can watch their angling pursuits while picnicking or enjoying the playground, or you can try your hand at fishing and see what catches your line.

The Cape Cod Canal is not only a hub of maritime activity but also a sanctuary for a diverse range of wildlife. Seals, those playful denizens of the sea, make occasional appearances, delighting observers with their antics. Sports anglers are drawn to the canal by the opportunity to catch prized fish like striped bass, bluefish, and sea bass. On rare occasions, even whales have been spotted passing through these waters, creating unforgettable moments for lucky onlookers.

In essence, Buzzards Bay Recreation Area invites you to embark on a multifaceted adventure. It's a place where you can revel in the achievements of engineering history, witness the bustling life of the Cape Cod Canal, try your luck at fishing, and even catch sight of some of the ocean's most charismatic inhabitants.

So, whether you're a nature enthusiast, history buff, or simply seeking a day of outdoor leisure, the Buzzards Bay Recreation Area is your starting point for an unforgettable journey along the Cape Cod Canal's northern shore. There are hundreds of parking spots at the Buzzards Bay Recreation Area. Parking is free.

Location Features

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Locations

Address:
33 Canal Service Road, Bourne, Massachusetts

GPS Coordinates:
41.743766, -70.613307
Directions to location:
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Directions to parking area:
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Parking Notes:
There are hundreds of parking spots at the Buzzards Bay Recreation Area which offers stunning views of the Cape Cod Canal and the iconic railroad bridge. Parking is free.

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