Whitney Wharf Park, -99, 53 Summer St, Hingham, MA 02043, USA
Owned By: Town of Hingham
This small town-owned park is situated on and beside Whitney Wharf in Hingham Harbor. One side features a grassy drumlin hill, a recently-updated (2023) launch ramp for boats, a dredged basin for moorings, and a 0.1-mile walkway along the shore. The other side features the POW-MIA Veteran’s Park, with a crushed stone walking path, benches, and stunning views. In between are the Hingham Town Landing, Bare Cove Marina, and a pedestrian bridge. Swimming is prohibited here, but is permitted next door, at Bathing Beach.
Features
The park takes its name from the “Victory” statue, also known locally as “the Iron Horse,” located atop the drumlin hill. Made of bronze, not iron, it was created in 1929 by artist Theo Alice Ruggles Kitson and her daughter, also Theo. It honors Hingham residents who served in the Armed Forces.
Whitney Wharf served the commercial shipping industry for many years. More recently a car dealership and a Mobil gas station, the land here was acquired by the town in 1989 and 2009, partially with Community Preservation funds.
Interpretive signage on site offers information about Hingham’s lumber trade, its steamboat wharves, and the history of the downtown area.
This land is within the region of the Massachuseuk (or Massachusett) Native American tribe.
Trail Description
On one side, a 0.1-mile paved walkway extends along the shore. On the other side, a wide, 0.1-mile crushed stone walkway with guard rails extends around the perimeter of the veterans park. Both overlook Hingham Harbor. In between there is a pedestrian bridge. There is an additional, even shorter trail, on the far side of the veterans park that leads to a bench with a view of the harbor.
Habitats and Wildlife
Grassy park located directly on Hingham’s Inner Harbor.
Historic Site: Yes
Park: Yes
Beach: No
Boat Launch: No
Lifeguards: No
Size: 5.8 acres
Hours: Dawn to Dusk
Parking: Two parking spaces directly adjacent to the veterans park. Additional, more ample, parking in the park's center, at Hingham Town Landing (2-hour maximum for non-recreational vehicles). Longer-term parking at Bathing Beach, next door.
Cost: Free
Trail Difficulty: Easy
Facilities:
Boat launch ramp, numerous benches, trash receptacles, interpretive signage, flagpole, memorials. Pedestrian bridge.
Dogs: Dogs are not permitted on the waterfront from June to September.
Boat Ramp: Yes
ADA Access: Yes
Scenic Views: Yes
Waterbody/Watershed: Hingham Harbor (Hingham Bay)