Polpis

Explore Polpis, Nantucket – Rural Charm, Sailing, and Artistic Inspiration

The rural character of Polpis speaks to its proud farming past — working cranberry bogs keep agrarian traditions alive. Protected Polpis Harbor is a haven for sailing or quiet contemplation. Its picturesque, rustic qualities have made Polpis a favored spot for Nantucket artists for centuries. The rolling moors and larger parcels of land offer privacy and lots of spaces to explore. Conveniently located yet rural and peaceful, Polpis is under five miles from the Milestone rotary and easily accessible by the Polpis bike path.

One of the highest elevations on Nantucket is Altar Rock, which can be accessed via a dirt path in Polpis.

Polpis Attractions

Nantucket's Life-Saving Museum is located in Polpis at 158 Polpis Road. An affiliate of Egan Maritime Institute, the museum is dedicated to honoring Nantucket's history of shipwrecks, lifesaving, and rescuers. Tip: For a free shuttle to the museum, take the Shipwreck Shuttle from Visitors Services, 25 Federal Street, Monday through Saturday from May 30 through October 10.

In Polpis, you can also easily access the Windswept Cranberry Bog, a 205-acre conservation property home to miles of trails and bird species. The bog is especially colorful in mid-October when the cranberries are harvested.

One of the Nantucket Conservation Foundation's most recent acquisitions is The Norwood Farm, an iconic property in the Middle Moors, surrounded by over 3,200 acres of conservation land. This serene location is a beautiful place for a walk, to go birdwatching, or to simply enjoy the outdoors.

A GPP favorite to explore is Reyes Pond, located at 231 Polpis Road. A Nantucket Land Bank property, this 16-acre parcel is a beautiful hike through wetlands and elevated marshes and offers views of Altar Rock, the observatory, and cranberry bogs.

Want to vacation in this beautiful part of the island? Browse Polpis vacation rental homes.

Distance to Town: 2-4 miles

Distance to the Beach: 0 miles