Directions to the Ipswich Historical Society Museum and Houses

The Heard House is located at 54 South Main Street (view map) and the Whipple House at 1 South Village Green (view map).

By Car

From the north, take I-95 South to Route 133 East toward Ipswich. Turn right on Route 1A when 133 and 1A become the same road. Proceed through the center of town and over the Choate Bridge where 1A becomes South Main Street. On your left, just past the Ipswich Visitor Center (located in the Hall-Haskell House), turn left into their parking lot. The Heard House is just up the hill on the left; the Whipple House is across the street on the right.

From the south, take I-95 North to Route 1 North. Follow Route 1 until you reach a traffic light at the bottom of a hill at the intersection of Topsfield Road. (Look for the sign for Bradley Palmer State Park.) Turn right, and follow for about six miles into downtown Ipswich where the road becomes Market Street. In the center of town (Stone Soup Café on your left, Choate Bridge Pub on your right), turn right on to Route 1A/South Main Street. Proceed across the Choate Bridge, and continue as above.

From Boston, you may also use Route 1 North and follow as above, or travel from I-93, to I-95, to Route 1.

From points closer to Ipswich, use Route 1A and follow as above.

Click on the Google map below for area directions.

View Larger Map

By Train

From Boston’s North Station, take the MBTA’s Newburyport/Rockport commuter rail line to Ipswich. Walk up Market Street through downtown Ipswich, and turn right on South Main Street. Cross the historic Choate Bridge (1764) and continue on past the Ipswich Visitor Center which is located in the historic Hall-Haskell House. The Heard House is just up the hill on the left; the Whipple House is across the street on the right. (This is a ten-minute walk.)

Beginning in Spring 2006, you may also walk up Market Street until you see signs for the new River Walk on your right. Use the footbridge to cross over the Ipswich River, which places you directly across the street from the Ipswich Visitor Center.

Summers only, bus service will be available from the Ipswich Train Depot. The Ipswich-Essex Explorer (http://www.ipswichessexexplorer.com) will take you directly to the Ipswich Visitor Center.