Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary —
Your Complete Guide
Mass Audubon's working farm and wildlife sanctuary in Lincoln: barns full of farm animals, rescued hawks and owls, and four miles of trails over the drumlin.
What is Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary?
Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary is a 291-acre working farm and nature sanctuary in Lincoln, Massachusetts, run by Mass Audubon. It is open Tuesday to Sunday, plus Monday holidays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; admission is $9 for adults and $6 for seniors and children 2 to 12, and Mass Audubon members get in free. You can watch sheep, goats, pigs, cows and chickens in the barns, see rescued hawks, owls and a red fox, and walk 4 miles of trails. Dogs are not allowed.
Mass Audubon calls Drumlin Farm a working farm, a wildlife sanctuary and an environmental education center in one. It has been a Mass Audubon sanctuary since 1955, when its benefactor, Louise Ayer Hatheway, opened her farm so the public could learn where food comes from (history). The farm still grows crops and raises livestock, sells them through a CSA and a weekend farm stand, and runs a summer camp for ages 4 to 17.
Two things to plan for: the farm is closed on ordinary Mondays (hours), and GPS can send you to Mass Audubon's headquarters across Route 117, which shares the same address. The farm entrance is on the south side of the road at the Drumlin Farm sign (directions).
Drumlin Farm at a Glance
What to Do at Drumlin Farm
Mass Audubon's own summary: watch the farm animals, see how crops are grown, walk field, forest and wetland trails, and meet resident owls, hawks and foxes.
Farm Animals
Sheep, goats, pigs, cows and chickens in the barns, with lambs and goat kids born each March. No feeding.
Meet the Animals →Native Wildlife
Rehabilitated hawks, falcons, owls and vultures on Bird Hill, plus a red fox, and wild birds year-round.
Bird Hill & Birding →The Drumlin
An easy climb to one of the highest points in Greater Boston, with Mount Wachusett in view on a clear day.
Hike to the Top →Kids & Families
A nature play area, a giant hawk's nest and woodchuck tunnels, toddler mornings and vacation-week programs.
Play & Programs →
CSA & Farm Stand
Wednesday CSA pickup for members, and a weekend farm stand June to October with produce, meat, eggs and honey.
Shares & Stand →Summer Camp
Mass Audubon's day camp for ages 4 to 17, running every summer since 1956.
Drumlin Farm Camp →Trails at Drumlin Farm
4 miles of trails, foot travel only. Three to start with:
The main loop past the wildlife exhibits, barns and garden. Stroller-friendly, about 30 minutes.
Over the top of the drumlin for the view; reach it by the quarter-mile Beeline Trail.
Around the crop fields with signs on how Drumlin grows its food. Good for birding.
How to Get to Drumlin Farm
One entrance on Route 117, parking by the admission window.
By Car
208 South Great Road, Lincoln, MA 01773. Look for the Drumlin Farm sign on the south side of Route 117. Directions.
By Train
MBTA Fitchburg Line to Lincoln Station, then a short walk south on Lincoln Road. Walking route.
Front Desk
Mass Audubon, 781-259-2200. Pay admission at the window by the Nature Center. Prices.
Nearby in Lincoln
Lincoln packs a lot into a few miles. deCordova Sculpture Park shows more than 50 outdoor sculptures on 30 acres and welcomes leashed dogs. The Gropius House is Walter Gropius's 1938 modernist home, and the Codman Estate's grounds are free from dawn to dusk. Minute Man National Historical Park, free and open sunrise to sunset, preserves the battle sites of April 19, 1775.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to visit Drumlin Farm?
$9 for adults, $6 for seniors 65 and over and $6 for children 2 to 12. Children under 2 and Mass Audubon members are free.
What are Drumlin Farm's hours?
Tuesday to Sunday, plus Monday holidays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.. It is closed on ordinary Mondays.
Are dogs allowed at Drumlin Farm?
No. Mass Audubon prohibits dog walking and asks visitors to leave all pets at home. Service animals are welcome.
Where is Drumlin Farm?
At 208 South Great Road, Lincoln, MA 01773, on Route 117. The entrance is on the south side of the road; Mass Audubon's headquarters across the street shares the address.
What animals are at Drumlin Farm?
Sheep, goats, chickens, pigs and cows, plus rehabilitated hawks, falcons, owls, vultures, a red fox and other native wildlife.
Is Drumlin Farm a state park?
No. It is a 291-acre Mass Audubon wildlife sanctuary, run by the nonprofit since 1955.
Is Drumlin Farm good for toddlers?
Yes. The Farmyard Loop past the barns is paved or hard-packed and stroller-friendly, children under 2 are free, and Mass Audubon runs a Little Explorers program for ages 1 to 3.