A child points a bow to a target.
Let's Go Outside - Saturday June 3: 10am - 3pm

Join this FREE event to try fishing, archery, kayaking, meet tide pool critters, make art, and more! This is an open streets event - bike, walk, roll, or take a free shuttle down the refuge road. Please note: the refuge will delay opening to all vehicles until 10am. There will be NO beach access for swimming or sunbathing until the event ends. Parking provided at Lot 1 and the visitor center.

A small bird at the beach
BEACH CLOSURE IN EFFECT

Refuge beaches south of the Lot 1 boardwalk are now closed until further notice to protect nesting Piping Plovers and other shorebirds. Beach access from Lot 1 is open. If you would like to learn more about Piping Plovers and why these closures exist, please follow this link.

Located along the northeast coast of Massachusetts in an area of dense and expanding human development, Parker River National Wildlife Refuge has special significance and value to migratory birds, other wildlife, and people. The refuge also provides high-quality opportunities for nature-based recreation, including walking & biking, wildlife observation & photography, hunting, fishing, paddling, and beach use. We hope you visit us soon!

Visit Us

Come explore YOUR national wildlife refuge national wildlife refuge
A national wildlife refuge is typically a contiguous area of land and water managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service  for the conservation and, where appropriate, restoration of fish, wildlife and plant resources and their habitats for the benefit of present and future generations of Americans.

Learn more about national wildlife refuge
by visiting during open hours, or joining one of our programs!

The refuge supports a wide variety of wildlife-dependent recreational opportunities. You can learn more about how to enjoy some of our popular activities using the links below:

Pass Types & Fees

Paid Passes

Free Passes

If purchasing passes at the refuge, payment can be made by cash or check only. Please call ahead to ensure that someone will be able to sell you a pass when you wish to come. Alternatively, most passes can be purchased online through Rec Access or USGS

Location and Contact Information

      Tours

      To schedule a program, tour, or field trip of Parker River National Wildlife Refuge, contact us at 978-465-5753, or via email at parkerriver@fws.gov.

      Our Species

      Grey, white and black bird on sand in the foreground

      Size: 18 cm (7.25 in) in length. Color: Breeding season: Pale brown above, lighter below; black band across forehead; bill orange with black tip; legs orange; white rump. Male: Complete or incomplete black band encircles the body at the breast. Female: Paler head band; incomplete breast band....

      FWS Focus

      Our Library

      Alternative Beaches & Recreation Areas

      Parker River NWR periodically closes due to capacity and/or management requirements. But fear not! There are many local beaches and recreation areas to explore.