Cape Cod National Seashore Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids Cape Cod National Seashore
IUCN Category V (Protected Landscape/Seascape)
Beach at Cape Cod

Location	Barnstable County, Massachusetts, USA
Nearest city	Barnstable, Massachusetts
Area	43,607.14 acres (176.4718 km²)
Established	August 7, 1961
Visitors	3,968,672 (in 2022)
Governing body	National Park Service
Website	Cape Cod National Seashore

A photo of the Cape Cod National Seashore taken for the National Park Service's Mission 66 initiative, around 1966.

The Cape Cod National Seashore (CCNS) is a special protected area in Massachusetts. It covers about 43,607 acres (or 68 square miles) on Cape Cod. This beautiful area was created on August 7, 1961. President John F. Kennedy signed the law to protect it. He had first suggested this idea when he was a Senator.

The CCNS includes many different natural spaces. You can find peaceful ponds, thick woods, and sandy beaches. These areas are part of the Atlantic coastal pine barrens ecoregion. The Seashore stretches for almost 40 miles along the Atlantic Ocean. It touches the towns of Provincetown, Truro, Wellfleet, Eastham, Orleans, and Chatham. The National Park Service takes care of this amazing place.

Exploring Cape Cod National Seashore
- What You Can See and Do
Protecting This Special Place
Gallery
See also

Exploring Cape Cod National Seashore

There are many interesting spots to visit and fun things to do at the Cape Cod National Seashore. It's a great place for learning about history and enjoying nature.

What You Can See and Do

The Seashore offers a mix of historical sites and natural beauty. You can explore old buildings or simply enjoy the outdoors.

Historic Spots and Natural Wonders

Marconi Station is a famous site. It was where the first two-way radio message crossed the Atlantic Ocean. Imagine sending a message across the sea with no wires!
The Highlands Center for the Arts used to be an Air Force station. Now it's a place for art and culture.
The Dune Shacks of Peaked Hill Bars Historic District is a large area. It has old dune shacks and a unique sandy environment. These shacks have been home to artists and writers for many years.
Doane Rock is a huge glacial erratic. This means it's a giant rock that was moved by a glacier long ago. It's a cool sight to see!
A former United States Coast Guard station in Truro is now a youth hostel. It has 42 beds and is run by Hostelling International USA. It's a fun place for young travelers to stay.

Fun Bike Trails

If you love to bike, the CCNS has several paved trails. They are perfect for exploring the area on two wheels.

Nauset Bike Trail is located in Eastham.
Head of the Meadow Trail can be found in Truro.
Province Lands Trails are in Provincetown.

Amazing Beaches

The coastline has many beautiful beaches. They offer public facilities during certain times of the year.

Race Point Beach in Provincetown is a popular spot.
Coast Guard Beach in Eastham is another favorite.

Both of these beaches have often been named among the "top beaches in the US." They are perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying the ocean.

Protecting This Special Place

The Cape Cod National Seashore is important to protect. Many efforts are made to keep it natural and beautiful for everyone.

Bringing Nature Back to Herring River

The Herring River estuary is being restored. An estuary is where a river meets the sea. Dikes and drains were built there in 1909. These changed the natural flow of the river. Now, these structures are being removed. This helps the river return to its natural state. This project is part of a big plan to celebrate the National Park Service's 100th birthday.

Saving Land for Everyone

In 2010, the North of Highland Campground was protected. This means the land cannot be developed. Groups like The Trust for Public Land worked together to buy the land. They used money from the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF). This fund helps protect important natural areas.

The Biddle Property was added to the Seashore in 2011. This was the home of Francis Biddle. He was a U.S. attorney general during World War II. The Trust for Public Land bought this property. Then they gave it to the National Park Service. This helped expand the protected area.

Making Areas Safer and Prettier

As part of the restoration work, some old and unsafe buildings are being removed. These buildings do not have historical value. The areas where they stood are being returned to their natural state. The Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA) provided over $8 million for this project. This work began in 2023. It helps make the Seashore safer and more beautiful for visitors.