Photo of the Day - Dune Shacks

A friend, Leslie R., went up to Provincetown today and hiked in the Provincelands, in the National Seashore. The 'famous' dune shacks are so picturesque. Check out Leslie's Facebook photo album. The photo below is cropped from one of her photos and shows the dune shacks in context.

Dune Shacks in the Provincelands

The Dune Shack Historic District

Dune Shack

When someone mentions the dune shacks, the response is often one of total ignorance. In what is known as the Provincelands, the wild sand dunes east of Pilgrim Lake between Truro and Provincetown, lie a few dozen tiny wooded shacks. They are nestled in the dunes and have minimal (if any) supporting utilities. They have been utilized over the years by writers, artists, students, and philosophers. The Dune Shack Historic District lies wholly within the Cape Cod National Seashore. Read about the history of these shacks and the District in an article from the Cape Codder....Here. 

Dune Shacks in the Provincelands

Scattered among the dunes in the Peaked Hill Bars Historic District spanning Truro and Provincetown are 19 dune shacks. These are small (dare I say 'tiny'?) dwellings that province basic protection from the elements, but not much more. These have historically been the place of solitude and creativity for artists and writers, who rent them by the week. You'll need to be ready to bring in everything you'll need for your stay. Water is available via hand-pumps. Toilet facilities are composting out-houses.

Getting to the shacks is a considerable hike, over soft sand. Plan on going on a cooler day and bring plenty of water. There is limited parking where Snail Rd turns off Route 6, then hike toward the Atlantic. There is a vague trail that will lead you past a few of the cottages. I took the photo during my last hike there. Also, there is an article (with photos) in the Cape Codder online edition that is a good read.