Top 15 Must-See Attractions in Bourne, MA

At the southern end of Cape Cod, Bourne is a town made up of seven villages located on either side of the Cape Cod Canal, a significant waterway that commenced operations in 1914.

Visitors may explore this grand watercourse via walking or biking paths, take a train across the impressive Cape Cod Canal Railroad Bridge (1935), and enjoy various parks and attractions situated along this remarkable feature of the landscape.

Notably, the Summer White House of President Grover Cleveland was situated in Bourne, and at the Museums at Aptucxet, one can observe the last remaining fragment of a private train station constructed for his estate.

1. Cape Cod Canal

The focus of Bourne is a seven-mile waterway that traverses the base of Cape Cod, connecting Buzzards Bay to Cape Cod Bay.

Measuring approximately seven miles in length and 480 feet in width, the Cape Cod Canal was established between 1909 and 1914, significantly enhancing the safety of intracoastal navigation.

This picturesque canal, characterized by its impressive bridges and consistent flow of maritime traffic, is accessible to all via the Cape Cod Canal Bikeway, which offers seven miles of pathway along the northern bank and 6.5 miles along the southern bank.

Photo opportunities, particularly during sunrise and sunset, are remarkable, coupled with a variety of activities available on both banks, including museums, parks, a state reservation, scenic campgrounds, and other visitor attractions.

2. Cape Cod Canal Railroad Bridge

At the western end of the canal, visitors may be amazed by this vertical lift bridge, which was inaugurated in 1935.

As the second-longest lift bridge in the United States, the Cape Cod Canal Railroad Bridge remains operational, elevating to accommodate large vessels while serving as a thoroughfare for the CAPEFlyer, Cape Cod Central Railroad, and Mass Coastal Railroad.

One way to appreciate this remarkable example of mid-20th century engineering is through the Canal Excursion Train operated by the Cape Cod Central Railroad.

This train departs from Buzzards Bay station on selected Fridays from June to October, providing narrative insights into the region’s unique history, the canal’s construction, coastal ecosystems, and the local glass industry.

3. Museums at Aptucxet

Situated on a 12-acre campus on the southern bank of the Cape Cod Canal, the Bourne Historical Society administers this museum which encompasses a collection of historical structures and replicas.

The centerpiece of the museum is the Aptucxet Trading Post, replicating the original trading post built in 1627 for commerce with the indigenous Wampanoag people and Dutch traders.

Also noteworthy is the Gray Gables Railroad Station (1892), constructed for President Grover Cleveland’s Summer White House, now functioning as a small museum highlighting Cleveland’s connections to the region.

Visitors can explore various gardens, replica historical vessels, and a reproduction of a 19th-century saltworks, including the Joseph Jefferson Windmill, which was created for the notable actor, painter, and art collector, a close associate of Grover Cleveland.

4. Scusset Beach State Reservation

At the eastern entrance to the Cape Cod Canal lies another beautiful location to appreciate the stunning scenery of this waterway, complemented by the oceanfront along Cape Cod Bay.

North of the canal entrance, Scusset Beach State Reservation features 1.5 miles of gently sloping sandy beach, with lifeguards present from Juneteenth to Labor Day. At low tide, the waters are thigh-deep for extensive distances, and even at high tide, they remain manageable.

At the southern end, visitors can stroll along the jetty to observe ships navigating the canal, making it a popular spot for saltwater fishing. Those seeking to stay overnight have access to 98 RV sites and 5 tent-only sites within the reservation.

5. Doran Park

Cape Cod holds a prestigious place in baseball history, being the location of some of the sport’s earliest competitive matches and home to the premier summer collegiate league in the nation.

The origins of Bourne’s team, the Braves, trace back to the 1860s when the area was still part of Sandwich.

The Braves became a member of the Cape Cod Baseball League (CCBL) in 1933 and continue to compete in this collegiate summer baseball wooden bat league. Their home field, Doran Park, was completed in 2006, hosting numerous CCBL all-star games and championship series since then.

CCBL games, held from mid-June to early August, guarantee an extraordinary level of competition, showcasing the best collegiate talent from across the country. Doran Park provides an intimate, small-town atmosphere, with relaxed seating available on the slope of the third base side.

6. Butterflies of Cape Cod

A cherished summer attraction in Bourne features an enclosed native butterfly habitat, which exhibits vibrant colors on warm, sunny days.

At Butterflies of Cape Cod, visitors can learn about butterfly conservation, the elements that contribute to pollinator-friendly gardens, and the essential roles butterflies and other pollinators play in our ecosystem.

Utilizing native plants wherever feasible, the habitat hosts butterfly species indigenous to New England and Cape Cod, revealing how large and colorful they can be.

Given the weather variations and breeding cycles, this location rewards multiple visits.

7. Massachusetts National Cemetery

Spanning nearly 750 acres, this U.S. National Cemetery was established adjacent to the Otis Air National Guard Base in the southern part of Bourne in 1974.

Since its creation, close to 80,000 interments have occurred at the Massachusetts National Cemetery, including two Medal of Honor recipients.

Among the notable burials are WWII ace Fred J. Christensen (1921–2006) and Charles Sweeney (1919–2004), the pilot who delivered the B-29 that dropped the Fat Man atomic bomb on Nagasaki in 1945.

The grounds feature a memorial trail lined with more than 50 monuments honoring veterans from WWI through the modern era.

8. The Lobster Trap

Seafood, a quintessential aspect of Cape Cod’s culinary identity, is equally celebrated in Bourne. An excellent starting point is this waterfront eatery situated near the ecologically significant Back River.

Since 1969, The Lobster Trap has operated with an attached fish market and is open year-round. The menu features New England favorites such as clam chowder, lobster rolls, grilled swordfish, and fish & chips. Their highly sought-after seafood platter includes scallops, shrimp, clams, and cod.

In addition to classic dishes, The Lobster Trap introduces a compelling selection of fusion plates, including furikake-crusted salmon, fish tacos, tuna tartare, crab rangoons, and yellowfin tuna with pad thai.

9. Lyman Reserve

Managed by the Trustees of Reservations, this 210-acre nature reserve, partially located within Bourne’s town boundaries, presents a unique ecological experience.

The Lyman Reserve serves as one of the rare remaining sea-run brook trout fisheries in the nation. This fascinating cycle involves anadromous fish, which hatch in freshwater, migrate to the ocean to mature, and subsequently return to freshwater as adults to spawn.

Along the shoreline, visitors can enjoy views of the Cape Cod Canal Railroad Bridge and Buttermilk Bay, while traversing the spring-fed brook past sandy beaches, wetlands, pine barrens, and cranberry bogs.

10. National Marine Life Center (NMLC)

Established in 1995, this independent non-profit organization specializes in the rescue, rehabilitation, and subsequent release of stranded marine mammals and sea turtles, all based in Bourne.

The NMLC operates an animal hospital that functions as a highly sensitive environment, treating seals and sea turtles, with no public access allowed. However, visitors can engage with the organization through the Discovery Center.

This center features educational exhibits and, depending on the season, displays box turtles in enclosures as well as native hatchlings.

The gift shop offers educational toys and games, locally crafted art and jewelry, and an assortment of gifts focused on marine themes and conservation.

11. Briggs-McDermott House

The Bourne Society for Historic Preservation oversees this Greek Revival residence on Sandwich Rd, designated as a historic house museum.

Constructed in 1802, the Briggs-McDermott House was expanded by George I. Briggs, who contributed to Bourne’s separation from Sandwich.

The house features period furnishings restored to reflect its appearance during the period from 1840 to 1910, a time when the Briggs family played a prominent role in the town.

One remarkable feature is the fresco on the ceiling of the music room, created in 1890 by maritime artist Charles S. Raleigh (1831-1925). The grounds include a lovely period garden and a granite-walled barn.

12. Bourne Scenic Park

Overlooking the canal and situated beneath the grandeur of the Bourne Bridge, Bourne Scenic Park was established in 1951, offering an ideal location for picnics and camping.

Occupying land leased from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the campground has expanded considerably over the past 70+ years, now featuring over 439 sites.

The majority of these sites offer electrical hookups, and there is a selection of newly constructed cabins and lodges available.

In proximity to the canal, Bourne Scenic Park includes swimming pools, a recreational hall with movies and video games, organized activities for all ages, and a park store that stocks essential items for your stay.

13. Pairpoint Glassworks

Located along the canal in Sagamore, Pairpoint Glass has been in operation since 1837, making it the oldest continuously functioning glass company in the United States.

Historically celebrated for its lampshades, Pairpoint handcrafts a broad range of glass products, including sconces, chandeliers, accent lighting, and personalized pendants, as well as vases, barware, bowls, candlesticks, bookends, and bubble ball door knobs.

Visitors can witness the glass-blowing process by making an impromptu visit or scheduling a guided tour, enjoying time-honored techniques utilizing traditional tools.

Pairpoint possesses its own platform on the Cape Central Railroad for disembarking, and its store is open Monday through Saturday.

14. Brookside Golf Club

Situated on Bourne’s Cape side, this 18-hole public course distinguishes itself as one of the most economical options in Cape Cod.

Despite its affordability, Brookside Golf Club aims to create a private club atmosphere, featuring a course with unique character and pronounced elevation changes for Cape Cod.

Esteemed course architects Michael John Hurdzan and John Sandford have contributed to its design, resulting in a layout that balances open holes with more intricate ones set within wooded areas.

All greens are expansive and meticulously maintained throughout the season, complemented by a well-equipped practice area featuring elevated tees and designated chipping and putting zones near the clubhouse.

15. Cape Cod Canal Day

On the third Saturday of September, Buzzards Bay Park, located at the foot of the Cape Cod Canal Railroad Bridge, hosts an engaging community event that caters to individuals of all ages.

Cape Cod Canal Day features a blend of arts and crafts vendors, local beer and wine, food trucks, children’s activities, a competitive cornhole tournament, and a dynamic lineup of live entertainment.

Additionally, there is a 5k run along the canal, with a fishing line set right beside the bridge. Each year, the event attracts approximately 10,000 participants, and serves as a true community celebration supported by more than 40 local businesses.