Things to Do
ARMSTRONG-KELLY PARK
Armstrong-Kelley Park at 684 Main Street in Osterville is Cape Cod’s oldest and largest privately owned park. Best of all, its 8.5 acres is open and free to the public. For more than 80 years, Armstrong-Kelley has been a welcome greenspace for the residents of Osterville and the general public. Walk our trails, walkways, and specialty gardens owned and operated by the Cape Cod Horticultural Society (established way back in 1928). Discover 30 rare and unusual trees. Bring your leashed pet, too. The land was given to the society in 1930 by generous patrons.
JOSHUA'S POND
In the middle of Osterville (playfully hiding itself from the powerful ocean) is this peaceful freshwater pond. Located off Tower Hill Road, Joshua Pond has a resident-only beach that requires a beach pass sticker. Hike the trails that surround the pond. Take in the natural beauty. Parking and restrooms are available.
MICAH'S POND
Micah Pond is surrounded by a ring of trees. Soak up the pond’s pastoral charm that permeates its 100-acre parcel. Hike the trails, get in some fishing, or get your nerve up, clutch the 35-foot suspended rope, and swing 30 feet above the blue-green water before taking a plunge you won’t soon forget. Micah Pond is somewhat hidden, but found near Pond Street – and next to Joshua Pond.
DOWSE'S BEACH
Located at 348 East Bay Road, Dowses Beach is a pleasant beach that’s great to enjoy with the family. There’s a dock at the end of the parking lot. There are rock jetties, which also make this a nice spot to fish. Lifeguards are on duty in the summer. Restrooms and showers are available. A sticker is needed to park here.
SKUNKNETT RIVER WILDLIFE SANCTUARY – MASS AUDUBON
Head toward 345 Bumps River Road and you’ll come upon this marvel of nature. Explore a mile of trails, including the Overlook Trail where you’ll see views of West Pond and maybe catch sight of some Black-Crowned night Herons, Osprey, and migrating ducks. See rare Atlantic White Cedars as they continue to regenerate. Walk the Holly Trail, so named for the American hollies surrounding it. Look for a variety of amphibians, reptiles and invertebrates.
OSTERVILLE HISTORICAL SOCIETY MUSEUM
This museum is dedicated to preserving the history of the village of Osterville. Located near the charming seaside, the museum complex sits on lovely grounds which are highlighted by an 18th century herbal garden and a 19th century ornamental garden. The museum's permanent collection includes period decorative arts, furniture, ceramics, and a dozen full-sized wooden boats. The two-acre campus sits on a quiet street, and is a perfect spot to enjoy a picnic lunch or a cup of coffee with free Wi-Fi on a sunny day.
OSTERVILLE FARMERS MARKET
From 9 a.m.-1 p.m. every Friday through September 16. Enjoy breads, fruits, vegetables, flowers, jams, honey, butters, meats, cupcakes, cookies, salads, soaps, and so much more. It’s located on the grounds of the Osterville museum campus.
OSTERVILLE VILLAGE LIBRARY
The Osterville Village Library is considered by many to be the heart of our small, seaside village. The library is a free provider of education and information, and offers free materials, computer access, classes, exhibitions, concerts, programming, community meeting space, and more, to both residents and visitors of all ages. To offer this wide array of free programming, the Osterville Village Library relies on both public and private funding.
OSTERVILLE GARDEN CLUB
Established in 1949, the Osterville Garden Club workshops and programs are designed to stimulate an interest in gardening, to beautify the villages, and to provide education in general horticulture, conservation, and floral design. Garden tours, flower shows, and other club events fund our annual scholarship awards and community outreach projects. Our community efforts include the design and maintenance of the herb and colonial gardens at the Osterville Historical Museum and the annual planting of a tree in the Town of Barnstable for Arbor Day.
Phone: 508-957-2704