Cape Cod brims with one-of-a-kind adventures, and exploring cranberry bogs is a prime example. Surprisingly, Massachusetts holds the title of the second-largest cranberry producer in the U.S., with more than 12,000 acres of cranberry bogs scattered across Southeastern Massachusetts. Dive into the rich history and vibrant culture of cranberry farming as we uncover the intriguing world of cranberry bog tours on Cape Cod!
About Cranberries & Cranberry Bogs on Cape Cod
The wild cranberry is one of only three fruit species indigenous to North America and was initially cultivated on Cape Cod. The term “cranberry” originates from “crane berry,” a nod to the cranberry flower’s likeness to the Sandhill crane’s head, a bird that historically populated cranberry bogs.
History of Cranberry Bogs
For millennia, the Wampanoag People extensively utilized wild cranberries, known as sasumuneash, not only as a food source but also as a dye and medicinal remedy. When English settlers arrived in 1620, the Wampanoag shared their knowledge of this versatile fruit.
Commercial cultivation of cranberries began in 1816 when Revolutionary War veteran Captain Henry Hall observed that wild cranberries thrived better when sand was blown over them. He began transplanting the vines and applying sand, a practice that others soon adopted, leading to a steady increase in cranberry growers.
By the early 1900s, the cranberry harvest had become crucial to the Massachusetts economy. The importance of the industry was such that children were often excused from school to help with the harvest. Today, the cranberry industry continues to adapt and grow to meet the ongoing demand for this unique fruit.
How Cranberries Grow & Thrive
Cranberries require a unique blend of conditions to flourish, including an ample supply of fresh water and acidic peat soil. These berries grow on low-lying vines in bogs or marshes, which are composed of layers of clay, gravel, peat, and sand.
Originally, these bogs were formed by glacial activity. Today, however, new cranberry bogs are often created from kettle ponds. These ponds are filled with clay, debris, and sand to replicate the ideal environment, allowing cranberry vines to spread and thrive.
The Cranberry Season by Month
The cranberry season on Cape Cod spans from April to November. After lying dormant through winter, cranberry vines start to awaken in April, with their leaves turning green. By May, buds begin to break, and new growth emerges.
Around mid-June, the vines produce flowers, which are pollinated by native and migratory bees. These blossoms develop into tiny pinheads that grow larger throughout July and August, with the berries beginning to turn red by late August.
Early-season cranberry varieties are ready for harvest by mid-September, but the prime time for harvesting most varieties is in October. By the end of October, about 95% of the berries have been collected. As November arrives and the harvest season concludes, the cranberry vines start to enter dormancy once again.
TOUR TIP: The ideal time to embark on a Cape Cod Cranberry Bog Tour is during the harvest season, from mid-September to mid-December. The sight of vibrant red berries floating on the water provides a stunning backdrop of fall colors, making it a picturesque experience.
Learn More at the Harwich Historical Society Museum
For those eager to delve into the world of cranberry bogs before embarking on a tour, the Harwich Historical Society Museum at Brooks Academy is an excellent starting point. The museum boasts a permanent Cranberry Culture exhibit, the most extensive display dedicated to the history of cranberries on Cape Cod. In addition to this exhibit, the museum features various temporary exhibits worth exploring.
Once you’ve absorbed the rich history and fascinating details about cranberries at the museum, the next step is to experience it firsthand. Cape Cod offers three outstanding locations for cranberry bog tours, where you can witness the process up close and deepen your understanding of this unique agricultural tradition.
Cape Cod Cranberry Bog Tours in Orleans
Based in Orleans, Cape Cod Cranberry Bog Tours has been growing cranberries for more than 35 years. It has multiple bog locations and offers educational tours at all of them. The specific bog that you visit will depend on bog activity when you reserve a tour.
No matter which bog you visit, you’ll learn about the history and cultivation from a cranberry grower with more than 35 years of experience and knowledge. Depending on the time of year, you’ll see the cranberries blooming, growing, or being harvested.
Since the cranberry bog tours are available throughout the growing and harvesting seasons, the weather will vary. Make sure that you dress appropriately, and wear comfortable walking shoes because you’ll be on your feet a lot. And, don’t forget your camera to capture your experience!
Orleans Restaurants Near Cape Cod Cranberry Bog Tours
With all that walking around with Cape Cod Cranberry Bog Tours, you might be hungry for a snack or full meal. Check out these awesome restaurants in Orleans.
Cibo Italian Kitchen & Market
For handmade and authentic Italian cuisine, the Cibo Italian Kitchen & Market is the best place to dine. The brother-and-sister team hails from Italy, and they use fresh, simple ingredients in every dish. The restaurant menu features hot and cold plates, panini, soups, and multicourse family meals.
Also in the building is a market where you can get handcrafted, prepackaged foods. Lavazza coffee, ice cream, and a range of desserts, breads, and pastries are available too.
Ten Yen
We highly recommend making reservations at Ten Yen if you want the best sushi on Cape Cod. The food menu includes sashimi-style appetizers, maki, nigiri, ramen, and handrolls. Pair your meal with Japanese beer, cold sake, wine, and craft cocktails.
Young’s Fish Market
For some of the freshest seafood in Orleans, head to Young’s Fish Market by the Rock Harbor docks. The family-owned and operated market has an array of fish and seafood that’s locally caught daily — including lobster and shellfish. It’s a great place to get a lobster roll after a cranberry bog tour.
Ice Cream Cafe
If you’re taking your cranberry bog tour in the summer, you might want to cool off at the Ice Cream Cafe. It has 38 homemade ice cream flavors, including soft serve, non-dairy, and vegan options. You can get frozen yogurt, sorbet and sherbet, ice cream sandwiches, frozen fresh fruit drinks, and coffee as well.
Hot Chocolate Sparrow
If it’s chilly out during your spring or fall cranberry bog tour, you can warm up at Hot Chocolate Sparrow. This espresso and dessert bar is known across Cape Cod for its hand-dipped chocolates, fudge, desserts, and specialty coffee drinks, including hot cocoa.
Harwich Cranberry Bog Tours on Cape Cod
Leo and Andrea Cakounes operate the largest organic cranberry bog on Cape Cod, offering a fascinating glimpse into the world of cranberry farming. At their farm in Harwich, they provide Cranberry Bog Tours throughout the spring, summer, and fall, giving visitors an in-depth look at the management and harvesting processes.
Tours run daily from April through October and last approximately 1.5 hours. During these tours, you’ll learn about the year-round operation of the bog and see the specialized equipment used in cranberry farming. The tours are family-friendly, making them suitable for children interested in learning about agriculture. Additionally, the farm features various animals that kids will enjoy seeing.
After the tour, visit the cranberry farm stand, where you can purchase fresh cranberries, sweetened dried cranberries, cranberry bog honey, and a variety of all-natural handcrafted soaps.
TIP: Given the popularity of these tours, we recommend contacting the farm in advance to secure your spot. Also, remember to bring cash for purchases at the farm stand, as it does not accept credit cards.
Harwich Restaurants Near Cranberry Bog Tours
Before you leave Harwich after your cranberry bog tour, consider grabbing a bite to eat at one of the town’s many delightful dining spots. From cozy cafes to upscale restaurants, there’s something to satisfy every palate and make your visit even more memorable.
Devil’s Purse Brewing Company
After exploring the cranberry bogs, unwinding at a Cape Cod brewery is a fantastic idea, and Devil’s Purse Brewing Co. in South Dennis stands out as one of the best. Known for crafting American-style beers with robust European influences, this brewery offers a cozy and relaxed atmosphere. You can enjoy a refreshing draft beer paired with snacks while lounging on outdoor picnic tables, making it the perfect spot to relax and soak in the local flavor.
Pleasant Lake Pizza Shark
Near Hinckleys Pond, Pleasant Lake Pizza Shark is a must-visit for some of the best pizza on Cape Cod. This lively spot is perfect for a quick and delicious lunch, offering a variety of options, including “Mako-Your-Own” pizzas, sandwiches, and salads. In addition to the savory menu, it serves ice cream by the pint and nostalgic penny candy by the quarter-pound, making it a fun and tasty destination for all ages.
The Seal Pub & Cafe
For classic American fare, visit The Seal Pub & Cafe. This inviting restaurant serves both lunch and dinner, offering a menu that includes pizza, sliders, and a variety of other entrees. In addition to hearty meals, you can enjoy cafe drinks and pastries, as well as a selection of draft beer, wine, and cocktails. Whether you’re in the mood for a casual meal or a relaxing drink, this restaurant has something to satisfy every craving.
Sweet Izzy
Do you or someone in your party have dietary restrictions? Look no further than Sweet Izzy, the only 100% dairy-free ice cream shop on Cape Cod. Specializing in delicious treats made from a blend of non-dairy milks, Sweet Izzy offers ice cream that is also soy-free, gluten-free, and vegan. Many of the toppings are vegan and gluten-free as well, ensuring that everyone can enjoy a sweet treat without worry.
TIP: Also, patrons love how friendly the shop owner is!
Cranberry Bog Tours at Annie’s Crannies in Dennis
You won’t come across advertisements for cranberry bog tours at Annie’s Crannies in Dennis. Owner Annie Walker prefers to keep the discovery of her farm an adventure.
Once you find it, the experience is well worth the effort. Annie’s tours are infused with her deep knowledge and passion for cranberry farming, bringing history to life in a way that captivates visitors. Her enthusiasm and dedication are evident in every aspect of the tour.
Situated on Molly’s Pasture, a site where Captain Hall once struggled to cultivate cranberries in the 1800s, Annie has transformed the bog into a thriving success, producing an impressive 457 barrels of cranberries. Tour participants often remark on the remarkable achievement.
In addition to cranberry cultivation, Annie’s Crannies leverages the local bee population to produce a variety of honey types, while the beeswax is used to craft an assortment of candles. Before you leave, visit the charming gift shop to purchase fresh cranberries, honey, candles, and other delightful products.
TIP: Annie’s lifelong friend Dean also lends a hand at the bog. He owns the original cranberry bog where Captain Hall began his cultivation efforts in the 1800s, adding another layer of historical significance to your visit.
Dennis Restaurants Near Annie’s Crannies
After your tour at Annie’s Crannies, you’ll likely be ready for a bite to eat. Fortunately, Dennis offers a variety of dining options to satisfy any craving.
Paradise Pizza
As a local favorite, Paradise Pizza is known for its delicious pizzas, crispy wings, and hearty pasta dishes. With a casual atmosphere and options for indoor and outdoor seating, it’s perfect for families and friends. Enjoy takeout or delivery for a convenient and tasty meal.
The Pheasant
At The Pheasant, diners can indulge in a thoughtfully crafted, made-from-scratch menu that highlights the freshest ingredients. The offerings change regularly, reflecting the best of what local farms and fishermen provide in terms of meat, produce, and seafood. Complement your meal with a selection of beer, cider, wine, or signature cocktails for a truly exceptional dining experience.
Scargo Cafe
Set in a charming Colonial ambiance, Scargo Cafe welcomes guests for both lunch and dinner. The diverse menu features an array of entrees, small plates, and sandwiches, catering to various tastes. Additionally, the restaurant offers a well-curated selection of beer, wine, and specialty cocktails, making it a delightful spot for any meal.
Cape Cod Creamery
For a delightful treat after your cranberry bog tour, visit Cape Cod Creamery. Renowned for its creamy, smooth, and flavorful ice cream, this local gem offers 26 unique flavors. Additionally, you can enjoy gelato, sorbet, yogurt, and sugar-free and vegan options, ensuring there’s something for everyone to savor.
Other Places to Buy Cape Cod Cranberries & Cranberry Products
Celebrated as a superfood, cranberries provide a host of unique health benefits. Packed with vitamins and dietary fiber, they also possess anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that support cardiovascular and urinary tract health.
To enjoy these benefits, you can purchase cranberries and cranberry products throughout Cape Cod. Many local grocers and markets stock cranberries sourced directly from the region’s bogs. You can get this fruit in a couple of other places too.
Harwich Historical Society Museum
When you visit the Harwich Historical Society Museum, stop by the gift shop to purchase a variety of cranberry products, including jellies and jams. The shop also offers related books and unique gifts.
Additionally, from June through October, the museum hosts a Farmers’ Market, featuring an array of locally grown produce, handcrafted items, baked goods, and more. This market provides an excellent opportunity to support local artisans and farmers while enjoying the best of Cape Cod’s seasonal offerings.
Cape Cod Cranberry Harvest
In Harwich, Cape Cod Cranberry Harvest is a premier producer of cranberry-based products, renowned for its high-quality jellies, jams, marmalades, and sauces. Sourcing cranberries from local Cape Cod bogs, it supports regional farmers and ensures the freshest ingredients, capturing the unique flavors and traditions of the area. Participating in various farmers’ markets and events, Cape Cod Cranberry Harvest provides an authentic taste of the region, making it a beloved name among locals and visitors alike.
Best Place to Stay Near Cranberry Bog Tours on Cape Cod
If you’re planning to explore the active cranberry bogs on Cape Cod, consider staying at Candleberry Inn. Located in Brewster, our charming bed and breakfast is just a 15-minute drive from the cranberry bog tours.
We offer comfortable rooms and suites equipped with luxurious amenities to enhance your stay. Our special packages are designed to provide an unforgettable experience. Plus, start your day with our daily gourmet breakfast before heading out on your cranberry bog adventure.
Check our availability, and book your next Cape Cod getaway today!
