Crowell-Bourne Farm, Falmouth

The Crowell-Bourne Farm is a historic 1775 farmhouse located on West Falmouth Highway (Route 28A) in West Falmouth. A rare survivor of 18th-century agrarian life in an area increasingly developed with modern residences, the farm has been owned and operated by Salt Pond Areas Bird Sanctuaries since 1979. It offers 49 acres of fields and woods, complete with walking trails open to the public.

The property features the Shining Sea Bikeway, which crosses through the farm on a paved former railroad bed, and an old cattle tunnel once used for herding livestock under the tracks. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980 and included in the West Falmouth Village Historic District in 1998, the farm holds historical and ecological significance.

Originally established by Joseph Crowell around 1775, the farm was later owned by various families, with Lester Bourne Sr. and Eulinda Bowman Bourne being the last private owners before it was acquired by Salt Pond Areas Bird Sanctuaries. Over time, additional land was purchased to expand the property, ensuring its preservation.

Today, Bourne Farm serves as a cherished community space. Visitors can enjoy scenic strolls by the pond, wooded nature trails, and seasonal events such as the popular Pumpkin Day festival, held every Columbus Day weekend. The farm also hosts nature classes, photography sessions, and private events, including weddings and family gatherings. Plans are in place to make the 18th-century farmhouse available for intimate gatherings, further enhancing the farm’s role as a community hub.

Through its continued preservation and public use, Crowell-Bourne Farm stands as a testament to Falmouth’s rural heritage, offering both historical charm and natural beauty for future generations to appreciate.