Things to Do in Historic Harwich Center

Harwich Center is a historic census-designated place with a population of about 1,800 in the town of Harwich. Much of the village's central area is on the National Register of Historic Places, thanks to the abundance of old buildings that have great importance to Harwich and Cape Cod as a whole.

The land that is now Harwich Center was first given to John Mecoy by Chief Sachemus of the Nobscussett Tribe in 1667. By 1670, the area was inhabited by European settlers, and in 1694, the town of Harwich was incorporated.

In 1813, Sidney Brooks, whose name remains on many attractions in Harwich Center, was born. He later received an education at Amherst College, and in 1844, he opened Pine Grover Seminary, the first high school in Harwich.

Living in Harwich Center puts you in a historic location with attractions that you can interact with every day, making it an extraordinary place to spend your time.

Brooks Academy Museum

The aforementioned Pine Grove Seminary is now called the Brooks Academy Museum, named after its founder.

Today, the museum features hundreds of years worth of Harwich history, including Cape Cod's largest exhibit on the cranberry industry.

The building is also home to the Harwich Historical Society, an organization dedicated to preserving historical documents and artifacts for future generations to enjoy.

This museum is located just off Main Street and is easy to spot thanks to its striking Greek Revival architecture.

Brooks Park

Another landmark featuring the name of Sidney Brooks is Brooks Park, which also just off Main Street on the east end of the historic district. Although Brooks isn't responsible for building the park, its purpose is to show respect for his contributions to the town.

Once at the park, you can access its baseball diamond, tennis courts, pickleball courts, basketball court, and playground. There are picnic tables, too, should you want to pack a lunch and spend an entire day in outdoors. 

There's also a gazebo that hosts concerts, craft fairs, and other festivals throughout the year, making it a central part of living in Harwich Center.

Old Colony Rail Trail

The Old Colony Rail Trail is a bike path that runs between Harwich and Chatham, extending nearly to the Cape Cod National Seashore. The trail connects to the Cape Cod Rail Trail, as well, which runs from South Dennis to Wellfleet, and is perhaps the most prominent place to ride on the Cape.

The great thing about riding the Old Colony Rail Trail is that it's eight miles in length, so you can ride for a few miles before returning home or take it to the end. The path also takes you by some ponds, giving you plenty of places to stop and relax on your journey.

There's a parking lot for the Old Colony Rail Trail in the heart of Harwich Center, and you'll even find a bike rental shop right across the street if you don't have a bike of your own.

Cranberry Valley Golf Course

Not everything in Harwich Center is historical, as proven by the Cranberry Valley Golf Course. This course opened in 1974, so it's not exactly new, but it remains in excellent shape while providing excellent value for the residents of Cape Cod.

The course is an 18-hole, par 72 with 6,761 yards of length from the golds and 6,290 yards from the whites. CVGC also features a championship layout, having been designed by William Robinson and Geoffrey Cornish, and has won numerous awards throughout the years, including being named the Cape's top golf course in 2011.

In addition to the course, you'll find a driving range and practice area, and there is a pro shop and restaurant on-site, as well.

Harwich Mariners

In the summer, many Harwich residents make it a priority to get to a Mariners' baseball game. This team, which is part of the Cape Cod Baseball League, has games in July and August at Whitehouse Field, which is just north of Monomoy Regional High School.

Notable players like Josh Donaldson, Tim Lincecum, Charles Nagy, and Kyler Murray have played for the Harwich Mariners over the years, as the league attracts future Major League stars to Cape Cod during the summer.

All games at Whitehouse Field are free, but it's recommended that you bring your own seating to the park because there's limited space in the bleachers.

There's Always an Activity in Harwich Center

Although Harwich Port gets much of the attention around these parts, those who buy a home in Harwich Center appreciate everything that it has to offer.

This part of town doesn't have beaches or high-end restaurants but maintains the quintessential Cape Cod way of life for which the region is known.

Living in Harwich Center puts you close to historic venues, but with the chance to escape to your quiet neighborhood away from Cape Cod's busier locations.

Overall, this location is great for raising a family or retirement, as it has everything you need on a day-to-day basis.