Discover Pembroke

Explore Pembroke through its waterways, natural areas, and local history. If you’re looking for a hotel in Pembroke, the town’s beaches, trails through former fields, and shipbuilding history along the North River offer different themes to consider when planning your trip.

Ponds, Beaches, and River Walks

Pembroke has four town beaches: at Little Sandy Bottom Pond, Stetson Pond, Oldham Pond (Town Landing), and Furnace Pond. If a beach visit is part of your plans, check the town’s latest advisories in advance.

The North River flows through Pembroke. There, adult herring, known as alewives, begin their migration to spawning grounds in Furnace Pond and Oldham Pond. This migration usually begins in April; young fish typically move downstream in August and September. The information distinguishes between two phases: the adult fish migration in spring and the young fish’s later journey downstream.

Another connection to the water is Tucker Preserve on the Indian Head River. It can be explored on foot or by canoe; check current conditions before visiting.

Nature and Landscape

At Willow Brook Farm, trails and old farm roads wind through former fields and dense woods with old trees. The contrast between the former fields and wooded stretches gives this landscape a different character from the ponds and river.

Willow Brook Farm provides habitat for numerous wetland and other wildlife species, including several bird species on the Partners in Flight “Watch List.” River otters, coyotes, beavers, American woodcocks, grouse, and several amphibian species have been observed in the preserve. Species sightings may change over time.

Shipbuilding on the North River

Between 1678 and 1871, 1,025 ships were built along the banks of the North River. Five shipyards were located on the river: Brick Kiln Yard, Seabury Point, Job’s Landing, Turner’s Yard, and Macy’s. The Beaver, one of the ships involved in the Boston Tea Party, was built at Brick Kiln Yard. This ship’s connection to one of the shipyards links a specific name to the broader story of shipbuilding in Pembroke.

Herring is also part of local tradition: the Pembroke Historical Society celebrates it each year at its “Grand Old Fashioned Fish Fry.”

Former Schoolhouses and Quaker Meeting House

The Pembroke Historical Society Museum consists of two former one-room schoolhouses. Bryantville School was built in 1847 and moved to its present location in 1952; the former Cedar Swamp School building was moved there in 1968. This distinguishes the year Bryantville School was built from the later moves of the two buildings.

Another historic landmark is the Friends Quaker Meeting House in Pembroke. It is one of the oldest Quaker sites in America and was deeded to the Historical Society in 1973.

Discover more destinations: Rockland, Hanover, Scituate, Brockton, Bridgewater, Wareham, Hull, West Bridgewater

For the broader travel overview: Plymouth.