The Atlas Obscura Guide To Rockport

2 Cool, Hidden, and Unusual Things to Do in Rockport, Massachusetts

Updated October 19, 2025

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Unusual Attractions in Rockport

Rockport, Massachusetts

Paper House

An 80-year-old house built out of newspapers.

Rockport, Massachusetts

Motif No. 1

This replica of a historic fishing shack long dubbed the most painted building in America.

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Gloucester, Massachusetts

Dogtown & Babson Boulder Trail

A New England ghost town features a trail of boulders etched with intriguing life lessons.

2 miles from Rockport

Gloucester, Massachusetts

Gloucester Sea Serpent Statue

This sculpture is dedicated to a famed cryptid and local icon allegedly witnessed in the early 19th century.

3 miles from Rockport

A man attempts to reach the flag during the courtesy round of the Greasy Pole

Gloucester, Massachusetts

The Greasy Pole at Saint Peter's Fiesta

In Gloucester, Massachussets, fishermen celebrate a successful year at sea by charging a lubed pole to capture an Italian flag.

4 miles from Rockport

Gloucester, Massachusetts

Hammond Castle Museum

An eccentric inventor's castle home with its own indoor weather system.

6 miles from Rockport

Gryphon sculpture by Paul Manship

Ipswich, Massachusetts

Crane Mansion on Castle Hill

Palatial mansion estate used in films including "Flowers in the Attic" and "The Witches of Eastwick."

8 miles from Rockport

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