Exploring 16 Cape Cod Historical Sites

Cape Cod boasts a rich tapestry of history woven into their landscapes that provide a glimpse into the region’s past. From charming the colonial homes of seafaring captains to towering lighthouses that have guarded mariners for centuries, these historical sites offer a glimpse into the region’s past. Join us on a journey through time as we explore 15 notable Cape Cod historical sites, each with its own unique story to tell.

Notable Cape Cod Historical Sites

1. Hoxie House

Address: 18 Water St
City/State/Zip Code: Sandwich, MA 02563

Hoxie House is a Cape Cod historical site on Cape Cod, located in Sandwich, Massachusetts. Built in the mid-17th century, it is one of the oldest houses in the region and serves as a living museum, offering visitors a glimpse into the lifestyle of early Cape Cod settlers. The house showcases period furnishings and artifacts, providing a valuable insight into the area’s colonial history and architecture.

2. Jonathan Bourne Historical Center

Address: 30 Keene St (Buzzards Bay)
City/State/Zip Code: Bourne, Ma 02532

This Jonathan Bourne Historical Center is dedicated to the legacy of Jonathan Bourne, the whaling magnate who gave his name to the town. Originally, the historic center was a library donated to the town by Bourne’s daughter in 1897. Today, the historic library is home to the town archives and to exhibits sponsored by the Bourne Historical Society.

3. Nye Family of America Homestead

Address: 85 Old County Rd
City/State/Zip Code: E Sandwich, Ma 02437

Benjamin Nye was one of the first settlers of Sandwich. The homestead was built in 1678 and was placed on the National Register of Historic Places. The museum features family memorabilia and visitors can take a guided tour of the parlors, kitchen, Marine room, seasonal exhibits, and bedchamber with collection of wool and flax processing devices and the “Bugaboo room.”

4. John F. Kennedy Memorial

Address: 480 Ocean St
City/State/Zip Code: Hyannis, Ma 02601

The John F. Kennedy Memorial in Hyannis overlooks Lewis Bay, where JFK spent so many days on the water. The memorial consists of a bronze bust profile of the president, mounted on a simple stone wall. The bust looks toward Lewis Bay while, on the other side of the stone wall, a bronze medallion of the Great Seal of the United States looks toward the town.

5. Judah Baker Windmill

Address: River St
City/State/Zip Code: S Yarmouth, Ma 02664

Originally built in 1791 at Grand Cove in North Dennis, this historic windmill has been moved several times before reaching its current home in the town of Yarmouth. This Cape Cod historical site is an ideal location for an intimate wedding setting.

6. West Dennis Graded School & DHS Maritime Museum

Address: 67 School St
City/State/Zip Code: West Dennis, Ma 02670

This was a schoolhouse for the area’s children in the nineteenth century. Today, this historical building contains a maritime museum with exhibits on the area’s lighthouse keepers and sea captains, as well as the technology they used to do their jobs. The museum also features a restored classroom, where visitors can see what it was like to attend school on Cape Cod in the mid-1800s.

7. Heritage Museums & Gardens

Address: 67 Grove St
City/State/Zip Code: Sandwich, MA 02563

Heritage Museums & Gardens is a prominent cultural attraction on Cape Cod, Massachusetts. Spanning 100 acres, it combines beautifully landscaped gardens with an array of museums and exhibits. Visitors can explore themed gardens, art galleries, classic automobiles, and a vintage carousel. The museum highlights American history and art, making it an engaging destination for both nature lovers and history enthusiasts.

8. Wing Fort House

Address: 63 Spring Hill Rd
City/State/Zip Code: East Sandwich, MA 02537

Wing Fort House, located in Sandwich, Cape Cod, is one of the oldest houses in New England, dating back to 1641. This historic site is a prime example of colonial architecture and offers a unique window into the region’s past. Originally built by Stephen Wing, a prominent early settler, the house has been meticulously preserved over centuries. Visitors can explore its antique furnishings, peak furnishings structural elements, and beautifully landscaped gardens, providing a captivating journey through Cape Cod’s colonial history.

9. Edward Gorey House

Address: 8 Strawberry Ln (Yarmouth Port)
City/State/Zip Code: Yarmouth, Ma 02657

The Edward Gorey House (aka the Elephant House), is the home on Cape Cod in which Edward Gorey—author, illustrator, puppeteer, and playwright—lived and worked from 1986 until his death in 2000. The house currently serves as a museum celebrating Gorey’s life and work.

10. Highland Lighthouse

Address: 27 Highland Light Rd
City/State/Zip Code: North Truro, MA 02652

Highland Lighthouse, also known as Cape Cod Light, is an iconic beacon situated in North Truro, Cape Cod, Massachusetts. Dating back to 1797, it is one of the oldest and most historically significant lighthouses in the United States.

Perched atop the bluffs, it stands 66 feet tall and offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and Cape Cod Bay. Today, Highland Lighthouse serves as a popular tourist attraction and is open to the public, providing insight into Cape Cod’s maritime history.

11. Benjamin Nye Homestead & Museum

Address: 85 Old County Rd
City/State/Zip Code: East Sandwich, MA 02537

The Benjamin Nye Homestead & Museum, located in Sandwich, Cape Cod, is a historic gem that offers visitors a window into the region’s past. This 18th-century homestead is a well-preserved example of colonial architecture and lifestyle.

The museum highlights artifacts, furniture, and exhibits that illustrate the daily life of the Nye family and the broader Cape Cod community during the late 1700s. Visitors can explore the charming homestead, stroll through the beautiful gardens, and gain insights into Cape Cod’s rich history through engaging exhibits and guided tours.

12. Atwood-Higgins House

Address: 269 Bound Brook Island Rd
City/State/Zip Code: Wellfleet, Ma 02667

A historic property with deep colonial roots in Cape Cod National Seashore. This 1730 Cape Cod-style house known as the Atwood-Higgins House, is one of the oldest in the region. Tours of the Atwood-Higgins complex occur seasonally throughout the year.

13. Wellfleet Historical Society & Museum

Address: 266 W Main St
City/State/Zip Code: Wellfleet, Ma 02667

The Wellfleet Historical Society & Museum collects and preserves the story of Wellfleet through exhibits, research archives and community engagement. The museum is open by appointment only.

14. Pilgrim Monument

Address: 1 High Pole Hill Rd
City/State/Zip Code: Provincetown, Ma 02657

The Pilgrim Monument marks the spot where the Mayflower landed in November of 1620. The Pilgrims had been at sea for three months, the rough seas had blown the Mayflower more than 500 miles off course, and strong currents forced them to set anchor in Provincetown Harbor.

The Pilgrim Monument and Provincetown Museum are open six days a week (closed Tuesdays) from Memorial Day until early November. You can climb up inside the 252 foot granite tower or ride the glass elevator to the top for astounding views of Provincetown and the Cape Cod National Seashore.

15. Winslow Crocker House

Address: 250 MA-6A (Yarmouth Port)
City/State/Zip Code: Yarmouth, Ma 02675

Built in 1780, this Georgian-style, historic home offers seasonal, bi-monthly tours with a guide. In 1936 the Winslow Crocker House was moved 6 miles down the Old King’s Highway and remodeled with a 20th century flair. It is open June-October for tours.

16. Bourne Historical Society and Aptucxet Trading Post

Address: 6 Aptucxet Rd
Town/State: Bourne, MA

The Aptucxet Trading Post, an open-air re-creation of the Pilgrims’ first trading post, is one of the oldest Cape Cod historical sites.   The adjacent Briggs-McDermott House, is an historic home that offers insights into the region’s past. You can also find Gray Gables Railroad Station, an artisan shop, a replica of 19th-century saltworks, gardens, and walking trails. Open Memorial Day to Columbus Day.

Find More History to Explore on Cape Cod

Cape Cod and the Islands are not only renowned for their natural beauty but also for their rich historical tapestry. The 20 Cape Cod historical sites we’ve explored in this article offer a captivating glimpse into the past, from the humble beginnings of Hoxie House to the grandeur of Hadwen House, and the maritime legacy of Great Point Lighthouse.

Whether you’re a history enthusiast or simply seeking to connect with the region’s heritage, these Cape Cod historical sites stand as testaments to the enduring spirit of the Cape and the Islands. To continue your exploration of Cape Cod History check out our Museums on Cape Cod listing.