The Beauty of Ellisview Harbor State Park
Our tour of Massachusetts state parks continues with a visit to Ellisville Harbor. Located in Plymouth, Ma (more specifically the village of Ellisville), Ellisville Harbor State Park is a nature preserve and recreational area. It is approximately 100 acres and is on the western shore of Cape Cod Bay. Ellisville State Park consists of red pine forests, rolling meadows, a salt marsh, and a barrier beach.
Ellisville Harbor has a rich history. It has been reported approximately 2,500-5,000 years prehistoric Native Americans fished and hunted on these grounds. Back in the 1500s, it was a farm owned by the Ellis and Harlow families. The inlet is said to have been formed in the 1700s, presumably broken open by a storm. Henry David Thoreau wrote all about the salt marsh in his journal on June 15, 1857. The harbor was once a busy loading spot for ships taking timber to Boston and for local fishing. At 600 acres, the area had two Native American sites, and in 1980 the area was declared an Area of Critical Environmental Concern. (ACEC) In 1991 the Commonwealth of Massachusetts purchased 100 acres of the ACEC and created the Ellisville Harbor State Park.
The park is open sunrise to sunset, and parking is free. There is a mile-long trail that leads down to the beach. Along the route, we were surrounded by the red pine forest. As we got closer to the ocean, we could see the salt marsh.
Once to the shore, we saw a beautiful view of Cape Cod Bay. The beach was rocky, but perfect for finding sea animals and other interesting things.
We had fun walking the beach, finding crabs, driftwood, lobster traps with rope, and more. We even saw a seal!
If ever in the area make sure to stop by Ellis Harbor State Park. You will not be disappointed.
About The Author
Heather
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Leave A Comment
Taquia | 8th Oct 20
This looks like a nice place to visit and take a walk with the family..and beautiful views!
Heather | 8th Oct 20
Thanks. It was a great afternoon.
Casandra | 8th Oct 20
I am envious that your State Parks have beaches! It looks absolutely beautiful and I would love to spend a day exploring there.
Heather | 8th Oct 20
Yes, we are pretty lucky.
Michele | 8th Oct 20
I have a question, does the water there get really warm in the summer or is it always pretty cool? Just curious. We haven’t visited any of the New England states and I was just curious about water temps in the summer months.
Heather | 8th Oct 20
Depending on where you go, the temps can differ. In Massachusetts, the bayside tends to be warmer than the ocean side. With that said, it does get to 70.
Lisa Manderino | 8th Oct 20
I love that little seal popping his head out of the water. What a special treat to see him!
Heather | 8th Oct 20
We have seen so many seals this summer. It has been crazy.
Barbara | 8th Oct 20
Looks like a peaceful, relaxing location!
Heather | 8th Oct 20
It was a great location and we enjoyed our day.
kmf | 8th Oct 20
I would love to hike around this state park. So many interesting finds…and such a beautiful location! Loving your Mass state park series!
Heather | 11th Oct 20
Thanks so much. You were my inspiration!
Donna Garrison | 9th Oct 20
I always get so excited at the views from the path as you head towards the beach. It’s always a surprise what you will find. And that first photo is fantastic. The kindness rocks are such a beautiful idea. We have a teenager in our small town who paints rocks vibrant colours with loving messages and leaves them for people to find.
Heather | 11th Oct 20
Thanks for your kind words. 🙂 The kindness rocks have really taken off. My sister does them a lot with the group home she runs.
Adrian Pottinger | 9th Oct 20
Gorgeous water
Heather | 11th Oct 20
Thanks!
Cindy | 11th Oct 20
Looks like a beautiful place to walk!
Heather | 11th Oct 20
Thank you. It was great.
Missy | 11th Oct 20
I loved the Kindness Rock Garden!
Heather | 12th Oct 20
Aren’t they great?
Cindy Mailhot | 12th Oct 20
Beautiful place. I have seen some of the hope rocks in our state parks as well…never a garden though. So cool.
Heather | 12th Oct 20
We have quite a few around here.
Hera | 12th Oct 20
Looks like a great place to hike and see the beach. Fall must be a gorgeous time to visit
Heather | 12th Oct 20
Fall in New England is pretty special.
Alexis Farmer | 12th Oct 20
Ellis Harbor State Park looks gorgeous! The crab you found is awesome.
Heather | 13th Oct 20
We found a ton of them!
Tricia Snow | 12th Oct 20
Ellisview is really beautiful! I love how you get pics of the seals. Great photos!
Heather | 13th Oct 20
Thanks! I love capturing their little faces.
Kendra | 13th Oct 20
Ellisview Harbor State Park looks like a great place to hang out! We actually got to go to the coast this weekend in Northern California and saw lots of crab shells on the shore and even got to watch a seagull catch a live crab and bring it on shore. I love the kindness garden you found! That is really neat!
Heather | 13th Oct 20
I hope you had an amazing time in California!
Charlene | 19th Oct 20
I love Massachusetts! I was born there & lived there until I was 9. Every time I go back I try to find a new place to explore. This is a spot I haven’t been to yet. I’ll add it to my next trip!
Cindy Mailhot | 19th Oct 20
That seal is just too cute! I love seeing them off the shore. The rock garden was awesome. I might spend hte summer making some for our adventures next year!
Katelyn | 19th Oct 20
What beautiful photos! Makes me want to visit ASAP.
Holly | 19th Oct 20
What a beautiful park! Beaches, trees and amazing views! Your pictures are fantastic! I would love to see this in person!!
Sabrina DeWalt | 19th Oct 20
This sounds like a beautiful park to visit.
Beth Shields | 20th Oct 20
Looks like an amazing trip and love the walking along the beach for sure. You could smell the ocean! Thanks for sharing.
Emily Ackerman | 20th Oct 20
WOw That pic of the houses on the hill overlooking the ocean is awesome!
KK | 20th Oct 20
What a beautiful state park! I love rocky, cool beaches like this. I’ll have to put Ellis Harbor State Park on my list to visit when I get out that way again.
Angela | 20th Oct 20
What a great trail and fun wildlife to encounter.
Karie | 20th Oct 20
So beautiful! That was my first thought about that house falling in the water as well. That looks scary. lol
Barbara | 20th Oct 20
Looks like a great place to explore and relax in nature!
Lisa S | 21st Oct 20
What a beautiful place! The crab was neat looking!
Peter Newey | 29th Mar 21
Nice post about and a lovely place to visit. The Ellis’s owned land here in the middle to late 1600’s not 1500’s. Remember the pilgrims came in 1620 🙂 English didn’t really have permanent dwellings here until after King Philips war around 1677. Wasn’t safe I presume. The Harlow’s moved to Ellisville in 1798.