Historic Salem & the Scenic North Shore: A Day Tour from Portland

Proctor's Ledge Memorial

10 min

The actual site of the gallows used during the Salem witch trials is known as **Proctor's Ledge**. This small, rocky area is located between Proctor Street and Pope Street in Salem, Massachusetts. In 2016, after extensive research, historians confirmed Proctor's Ledge as the execution site where 19 accused witches were hanged in 1692. The area now has a memorial honoring the victims.

Salem Witch Trials Memorial

1 hour

Located just off Charter Street, on Liberty Street, is Salem’s simple yet dramatic memorial to the 20 victims of the witch trials of 1692. Four foot high granite walls surround three sides, with granite benches representing each victim cantilevered inward from the wall. Etched on each bench is a name, means of execution, and execution date. One can read, on the stone threshold of the memorial, words of the accused taken directly from court transcripts.

The Witch House at Salem

25 min

This is the only surviving house in Salem that was a part of the Witchcraft Trials of 1692. It belonged to Judge Corwin, one of the magistrates in the witch trials. Witch House has been preserved in its original appearance. There are guided tours to see the house and learn more about what happened.

Salem Witch Museum

5 min

The Salem Witch Museum is housed in a historic Gothic Revival-style church building, which adds to the museum's dramatic atmosphere. The imposing stone structure, with its pointed arches and tall, narrow windows, evokes the solemn and eerie mood fitting for a museum dedicated to the infamous Salem witch trials of 1692. The building's dark, castle-like appearance creates an immersive experience for visitors as they step inside to explore one of the most haunting chapters in American history. This stop is an outdoor stop only. Due to guest feed back we are adding The Peabody Essex Museum. If guest wish to seethe Salem witch museum tickets can only be purchased the day of the tour. Your guide will explain this if you still wish to see it.

Bewitched Statue of Elizabeth Montgomery

5 min

See the famous statue of Televisions most famous witch.

Old Burying Point Cemetery

10 min

Salem's spookiest cemetery.

The House of the Seven Gables

10 min

The House of the Seven Gables, located in Salem, Massachusetts, is a striking example of Colonial American architecture, dating back to 1668. This historic mansion is best known as the inspiration for Nathaniel Hawthorne's famous novel of the same name. The house features a distinctive, dark wooden exterior with steeply pitched gables, hence its name. Visitors can explore its many rooms, including hidden staircases, large hearths, and period furnishings that reflect life in the 17th century.
The property also boasts beautifully landscaped gardens overlooking Salem Harbor, adding to its charm. The house's interior is filled with historical artifacts, providing a rich narrative of the families who lived there over the centuries. The site also includes Hawthorne’s birthplace, which was moved to the property in the 20th century, offering a comprehensive glimpse into both architectural history and literary heritage.

Castle Hill on the Crane Estate

1 hour

At the Castle Hill on the Crane Estate in Ipswich, visitors will experience a stunning 59-room mansion set atop a hill with sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean. The estate features beautifully landscaped gardens, intricate architecture inspired by Italian Renaissance villas, and the grand "Grande Allée," a nearly half-mile-long lawn leading down to the sea. Inside, the mansion showcases opulent interiors with period furnishings, fine art, and elegant details reflecting the grandeur of the early 20th century. The estate's history and breathtaking surroundings make it a highlight of any tour.