Beyond the Cobblestones: A Self-Guided Walking Tour of Nantucket
Brant Point Lighthouse
About:
Uncover Nantucket's rich history and charm on this self-guided walking audio tour. Stroll down cobblestone-lined Main Street. Admire meticulously preserved 18th-century homes, each whispering tales of the island's whaling past. Explore iconic landmarks like Straight Wharf, a bustling hub since the 17th century. Along the way, captivating stories and insights bring Nantucket's vibrant heritage to life.
To take the tour, download our free app:
Open the app, tap on Nearby Walks, then tap on the Beyond the Cobblestones tour.
Once you activate the tour and start walking, content will automatically play as you approach each stop. Or, if you feel like exploring from the comfort of home, you can experience it virtually by paging through the content and manually playing the audio from each stop on the tour!
Nantucket Whaling Museum:
The tour begins at the Whaling Museum which is home to nine galleries of art and artifacts. Visitors can navigate 400 years of Nantucket’s history and reflect on the unexpected journey from a whaling capital to a vacation hotspot. While archiving the town’s development, the Whaling Museum stays true to its name and boasts a 46-foot sperm whale skeleton. The museum’s candle factory – restored from 1847 – offers a glimpse into the production and uses of whale oil products.
Nantucket Whaling Museum - Photo by KennethZirkel - CC BY SA 4.0
The next stop on the tour is the Town and County Building. Here you’ll discover the surprising connections between Nantucket and some of America’s most famous figures. From a Founding Father to a coffee tycoon, you’ll be amazed at the historical significance of this charming island.
Nantucket Town and County Building - Photo by Pvmoutside CC BY SA 3.0
Next up is the the Nantucket Atheneum, a historic landmark which has been a center of learning and culture since its founding in 1834. This beautiful Greek Revival building has hosted renowned figures like Frederick Douglass, William Lloyd Garrison, Ralph Waldo Emerson, and Henry David Thoreau. Today, it continues to serve the community as a public library, inviting visitors to explore its rich history and diverse collection.
Nantucket Atheneum - Photo by Doug Butchy CC BY 2.0
The tour continues taking you past Straight Wharf, Main Street, the Hadwen House, the Maria Mitchell Observatory, and more.
Main Street in Nantucket - Photo by Andre Carrotflower CC BY SA 4.0
What are you waiting for? Download the app and get your walking shoes on!
