Scargo Tower
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Scargo Tower

4.5
·490 reviews·Dennis, United States

A historic 30-foot cobblestone tower offering breathtaking panoramic views of Cape Cod Bay and Scargo Lake.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Clear mornings

Best visibility, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
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Scargo Tower

Scargo Tower

Best Time

Clear mornings

Best visibility, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A historic 30-foot cobblestone tower offering breathtaking panoramic views of Cape Cod Bay and Scargo Lake.

4.5
(490 reviews)

"The view on top of this tower is quite stunning on clear days."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Check the Weather First!

Views are stunning on clear days. Don't climb if it's foggy or overcast!

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

The spiral staircase is manageable, but good footwear helps for the climb.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Panoramic Cape Cod Views

Panoramic Cape Cod Views

Top of the tower

Ascend the spiral staircase for breathtaking 360-degree views of Cape Cod Bay, Scargo Lake, and beyond.

Historic Cobblestone Tower

Historic Cobblestone Tower

Base of the tower

Admire the unique 30-foot cobblestone structure, built in 1901, offering a glimpse into local history.

Scargo Lake Vista

Scargo Lake Vista

From the tower

Enjoy picturesque views of the serene Scargo Lake, a beautiful contrast to the expansive bay.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Everything for Views

Scargo Tower offers stunning panoramic views, but they're best on clear days. Check the weather forecast before you go, as cloudy or foggy conditions can significantly obscure the scenery. Early mornings or late afternoons often provide softer light and fewer crowds.

A Quick, Rewarding Stop

This 30-foot tower is a fantastic, free stop for a quick visit. While there isn't much to do besides climb the spiral staircase and enjoy the vista, it's a memorable experience, especially for families. Plan for about 30-60 minutes here.

Best Times

When
Clear mornings
Why
Best visibility, fewer crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Clear late afternoons
Why
Golden hour light, great views
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Scargo Tower in Dennis, Massachusetts
historiccapecod
170 likes • 6K views

🎯 Check the Weather First!

Views are stunning on clear days. Don't climb if it's foggy or overcast! Reddit

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

The spiral staircase is manageable, but good footwear helps for the climb. Instagram

Scargo Tower in Dennis, Massachusetts will give you an excellent view of inner curve of Massachusetts Bay #igersnewengland #roadtripnewengland #scargotower #dennisma #capecod
roadtrip_newengland
814 likes • 31K views
BEAUTIFUL SCENERY FROM SCARGO TOWER! #drone #djiflip #djinumberone
lori7244
1 likes • 17 views

👨‍👩‍👧 Kid-Friendly Fun

A fun stop for kids, sparking imagination like a 'princess tower'. Instagram

🚗 Easy Parking Available

Ample parking makes this a convenient stop on your Cape Cod journey. Reddit

👑Rapunzel’s Tower aka Scargo Tower in Dennis, MA💫 More of a fun stop if you’re in the area than a destination, Scargo Tower is a nice spot to visit on a non-beachy day - particularly if you have a princess lover in your life! The tower definitely got our 5yo’s imagination going. 🫅 🌟Tips: find the tower atop Scargo Hill at 162 Scargo Hill Road in East Dennis 🌟Parking lot is small but it’s not us...
funthingstodowithkidz
30 likes • 2.1K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Check the Weather First!

Views are stunning on clear days. Don't climb if it's foggy or overcast! Reddit

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

The spiral staircase is manageable, but good footwear helps for the climb. Instagram

👨‍👩‍👧 Kid-Friendly Fun

A fun stop for kids, sparking imagination like a 'princess tower'. Instagram

🚗 Easy Parking Available

Ample parking makes this a convenient stop on your Cape Cod journey. Reddit

💰 It's Free!

Enjoy incredible views without spending a dime. InstagramReddit

What Travellers Say

4.5
(490 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Scargo Tower for its stunning, panoramic views of Cape Cod Bay and the surrounding landscape, especially on clear days. It's highlighted as a free, easily accessible, and quick stop, making it a gem for day-trippers and families. While some note there isn't much to do besides climb the tower, the breathtaking vistas are considered well worth the short visit.

"The view on top of this tower is quite stunning on clear days. You can see the area of the Sagamore bridge to the NW. Due North, about 20 miles, is Provincetown across Cape Cod Bay with the Pilgrim Monument in view. You can the beaches of the arm of the cape well. It truly is a great spot. One of the highest points on the Cape."

Jason Camp

"Went there sometime in July of this year. I haven't been there in years and the last time I was there I think was in elementary or middle school for field trip? It's always nice when visiting places you haven't been to in years. Didn't realize you could see the Smoke Stack and part of the bridge from standing up there but it's awesome! Glad I got to revisit finally 💛"

Brynn Fay

"Great views! We've been going to the cape for decades & it took a road detour on 6a for us to stumble on this gem. An interior spiral staircase to the top & WOW, great views!"

Cynthia Demmer

What People Like

Spectacular panoramic views
Free admission
Easy access and parking

What People Dislike

Limited activities beyond views
Views obscured on cloudy days

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Scargo Tower is located at 162 Scargo Hill Road in Dennis, Massachusetts. It's easily accessible by car, with parking available nearby. Many visitors find it during a scenic drive along Route 6A. InstagramReddit

Yes, there is plenty of parking available at the base of Scargo Hill, making it a convenient stop for visitors. Reddit

Public transportation options to Scargo Tower are limited. It's best accessed by car. Consider ride-sharing services if you are not driving. TikTok

Scargo Tower is centrally located in Dennis, making it a quick detour from many popular Cape Cod destinations. It's often described as being less than ten minutes from areas like The Merch House. Instagram

Many visitors discover Scargo Tower while driving along the scenic Route 6A, which offers beautiful coastal views and access to charming towns. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, admission to Scargo Tower is completely free! You can climb to the top and enjoy the views without any cost. InstagramReddit

Scargo Tower is generally accessible during daylight hours. While there are no official posted hours, visitors can typically access it from sunrise to sunset. Instagram

There is no entrance fee for Scargo Tower. It's a public space offering free access to its scenic views. Reddit

While the tower itself is accessible, visiting at night is not recommended due to safety concerns and lack of lighting. It's best enjoyed during daylight hours. TikTok

Scargo Tower is generally accessible year-round, weather permitting. However, extreme weather conditions might make access difficult or unsafe. Instagram

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The main attraction is climbing the 30-foot spiral staircase to the top of the tower for panoramic views of Cape Cod Bay, Scargo Lake, and the surrounding landscape. InstagramReddit

A visit to Scargo Tower is typically a quick one, usually taking between 30 to 60 minutes. It's a great spot for a brief stop and photo opportunity. Reddit

Restroom facilities are not available directly at Scargo Tower. You may need to find facilities in nearby towns or public areas. TikTok

The tower has a spiral staircase, making it inaccessible for individuals with significant mobility challenges. The views from the base are still pleasant, though. Reddit

On a clear day, you can see from the Sagamore Bridge area to Provincetown across Cape Cod Bay, as well as the beaches and landscape of the Cape. InstagramReddit

📸 📸 Photography

The panoramic views from the top are the primary photo opportunity. Capture the expansive Cape Cod Bay, Scargo Lake, and the coastline. The tower itself is also photogenic. Instagram+1

Yes, drone footage can capture the tower's unique position on the hill and the sweeping views of the surrounding landscape and bay. Instagram

Early mornings and late afternoons offer the best light for photography, with softer shadows and a more picturesque glow. Instagram

Absolutely! The views of Scargo Lake from the top of the tower are quite lovely and offer a different perspective than the bay views. Reddit

There are no specific restrictions on personal photography. However, commercial or professional shoots might require permits. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Scargo Tower is a fantastic, quick, and free stop for families. Kids often love the idea of climbing a 'princess tower' and the adventure of the spiral staircase. The views are engaging, and it's a great way to break up a day of beach-going or exploring other Cape Cod attractions. Instagram+1

Keep in mind that the spiral staircase might be challenging for very young children or those with mobility issues. However, the overall experience is generally positive and memorable for most families. The easy access and ample parking also make it a stress-free addition to your itinerary.

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

For photographers, Scargo Tower offers a unique perspective of Cape Cod. The panoramic views from the top are ideal for capturing sweeping landscapes, coastal scenes, and the vastness of Cape Cod Bay. The historic cobblestone tower itself also makes for interesting foreground or architectural shots. Instagram+1

Visiting during the 'golden hours' of sunrise or sunset can yield stunning results with dramatic lighting. Drone enthusiasts will find the elevated position and surrounding scenery perfect for aerial photography, showcasing the tower's setting and the expansive views. Remember to check weather conditions for optimal visibility and light.

🚗 Day-Trippers & Road-Trippers

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The History and Construction of Scargo Tower

Scargo Tower, a distinctive 30-foot cobblestone structure, was built in 1901. It stands atop Scargo Hill, one of the highest points on Cape Cod, offering a strategic vantage point. The tower was erected by the town of Dennis as a memorial and a scenic overlook, providing residents and visitors with unparalleled views of the surrounding landscape and Cape Cod Bay. Its construction from local cobblestones gives it a rustic and enduring charm that has captivated visitors for over a century. TikTokInstagram

The tower's location was chosen for its elevation, allowing for expansive vistas that were particularly valued before widespread aerial photography. It has since become a beloved landmark, often referred to as 'Rapunzel's Tower' by families, adding a touch of fairytale magic to its historical significance. The interior features a spiral staircase that leads to the observation deck, a journey that is as much a part of the experience as the view itself. InstagramReddit

Maximizing Your View from Scargo Tower

The primary draw of Scargo Tower is undoubtedly the breathtaking panoramic views it offers. On a clear day, the vista is truly expansive. Visitors can see across Cape Cod Bay, with landmarks like the Pilgrim Monument in Provincetown visible to the north, approximately 20 miles away. To the northwest, the Sagamore Bridge area can also be spotted. InstagramReddit

The views extend to the beaches along the 'arm' of the Cape, providing a sweeping perspective of the coastline. Scargo Lake itself is also a prominent feature from the tower's vantage point, offering a serene contrast to the vastness of the bay. To truly appreciate the scenery, it's crucial to visit on a day with excellent visibility. Cloudy or foggy conditions can significantly diminish the quality of the view, making a clear day essential for the full experience. InstagramReddit

For the best photographic opportunities and the clearest sightlines, aim for early morning or late afternoon. The 'golden hour' light can enhance the beauty of the landscape, making your visit even more memorable. Remember that the tower's appeal is its unobstructed views, so checking the weather forecast is a key part of planning your visit. Instagram+1

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