Wellfleet
Overview
- Beaches - Points
of Interest - Schools - Chamber
of Commerce - Wellfleet Lodging
Overview
Wellfleet
was once a large seaport. A testament to this nautical
heritage is the First Congregational Church clock, which still keeps
ships time. None exist like it anywhere else in the world.
Perhaps equally as well known are the towns 20 art galleries.
Through the years, Wellfleet has gained a reputation as the Capes
"art gallery town" with this large concentration of artistic
exhibits and talent.
The Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary, with 1,000 acres of moors, salt
marshes, sandy beaches and woods, is a popular nature area protected by
the Massachusetts Audubon Society.
Just east of Route 6 on the Atlantic side is Marconi Beach, part of
the Cape Cod National Seashore. It also hosts Marconi Wireless Station,
the first trans-Atlantic wireless station in the U.S. (est. 1903). Other
local beaches include Cahoon Hollow and White Crest Beach.
Beaches
Points
of Interest
- Marconi
Wireless Station
- Communications history was made here less
than a century ago. A memorial honors Guglielmo Marconi and his
wireless telegraph invention. In 1901, he tried unsuccessfully to
transmit a wireless message across the Atlantic. Finally succeeding
on January 18, 1903, he sent the results of the America's Cup to
Wales, England. Located on Lecount Hollow Road off Route 6.
-
Samuel Rider House - This 18th Century farmhouse
was built by Samuel Rider, a church deacon, in the mid-1700s. Now
operated by the Wellfleet Historical Society, it has been completely
restored as a historical landmark. The homestead also features
seasonal exhibits. Located on Gull Pond Road off Route 6.
- Uncle Tim's Bridge - Surrounded by natural
scenery, this wooden boardwalk follows a marsh before opening up to
a small tree-covered hill. A hidden treasure - perfect for picnics or
for a quiet getaway. Located on Commercial Street.
- Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary -
Consisting of pine groves and salt marshes, this 650-acre reserve is
home to many indigenous Cape Cod birds. The Massachusetts Audubon
Society offers guided tours of the area. Located just off Route 6.
- Historical Society Museum - Antique maps,
flags, firearms, documents, photographs and clothing comprise this
museums exhibits. Also featured here are vintage quarterboards
and miscellaneous marine apparatus. Here visitors can gain real
insight into 18th Century Wellfleet life. Exhibits change monthly.
Located on Main Street off Route 6.
- Wellfleet Pier - This pier has various shops
and ice cream parlors next to its parking lot. Numerous boats and
fishing vessels line the wooden structures moorings. Many evening
events are held here, including town band concerts. Take Main Street
to Commercial Street to Kendrick Avenue to Chequessett Knolls Dr.
and follow to the end.
- First Congregational Church - The perfect
church for a traditional wedding. Mahogany wood accents its
interior, and a Tiffany stained-glass window illuminates Sunday
morning services. The church clock is the only one in the world
keeping ships time. Located on Main Street off Route 6.
Schools
- Wellfleet Elementary School
Lawrence Road, Wellfleet
- Wellfleet Pre-School Playgroup
Co-op
Lawrence Road, Wellfleet
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