Historic site
Old Harbor U.S. Life Saving Station
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The Old Harbor U.S. Life Saving Station, originally built in 1897, is a meticulously restored building that tells the story of the brave surfmen who risked their lives to save sailors from shipwrecks along the treacherous Outer Cape. Now part of the Cape Cod National Seashore, the station offers interactive exhibits, including a replica of the original rescue equipment and a re-creation of the crew's living quarters. Visitors can watch a short film about the station's history and even participate in a simulated rescue drill. The building itself, with its distinctive cupola and weathered shingles, stands as a testament to Cape Cod's maritime heritage.
Don't miss
- Explore the restored crew quarters and see original rescue gear like the Lyle gun and breeches buoy.
- Watch the 20-minute film 'The Surfmen' about the station's heroic rescues.
- Participate in a hands-on rescue drill demonstration (seasonal).
Tickets & tours
Ways to visit Old Harbor U.S. Life Saving Station
You can usually visit on your own. A tour is worth it for transport, a guide, or combining nearby sights into one day.
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