Local Attractions Announcing Closures Due to Hurricane Lee

Saturday might be perfect for a quiet day at home around the SouthCoast, at least the early part of it, and especially since several local attractions will be completely closed.

Though the SouthCoast isn't expected to see much of Hurricane Lee, many local parks and businesses are still preparing to keep guests and staff safe. For most, that means staying closed all together.

With high winds and surge warnings for much of Plymouth County, it's no surprise many events along the Cape and Islands have been postponed, but some of the closures on this list may be unexpected.

For much of our area, the biggest threat from Hurricane Lee is the high winds taking down trees and potentially wires and telephone lines with them.

The soft ground after a week of humidity and rain makes huge trees with all of their leaves still on much more susceptible to coming completely out of the ground. That may be the cause behind some of these closures.

What Attractions Are Closed on Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023?

1. King Richard's Faire

The seasonal favorite is shutting down Saturday for the safety of staff and guests. Located in Carver, in the midst of Savery Historic District woodlands, it's no wonder they have chosen to stay closed during the worst of the high winds.

2. Buttonwood Park Zoo

Perhaps more of a head-scratcher here, the New Bedford zoo has opted to close for the day on Saturday out of an abundance of caution. It will reopen on Sunday however, so you still have time this weekend to see the new baby bears.

3. Roger Williams Park Zoo

Even farther from the highest wind warnings, Roger Williams Park Zoo has also chosen to close on Saturday, rescheduling its Breakfast with the Elephants event as well.

Clearly, animal and guest safety is highly important to both of our nearby zoos.

4. Whydah Pirate Museum

Young pirates will have to wait an extra day to check out the huge pirate collection at the West Yarmouth museum. It, too, will shut the doors for Sept. 16.

5. Cape Cod Whale Watching Companies

Dolphin Fleet Whale Watch, 7 Seas Whale Watch and Hyannis Whale Watcher Cruises have all posted to their socials about staying docked Friday, Saturday and even Sunday. Between the wind and the waves, who can blame them for not wanting to be out on the seas?

6. Cape Cod National Seashore

Is the entire seashore shutting down? Yes, it basically is. The national park has already closed the Oversand Route, Marconi Beach stairs, walkways to Nauset Light Beach and Head of the Meadow Beach.

They have also canceled the Dark Sky Festival planned for this weekend, canceled all fire permits, and are closing all park fee booths and the permit office for Saturday, Sept. 16.

Outdoor park ranger programs are also canceled, though indoor programs will still run.

Though these attractions will be closed, many local businesses will still be open. Just be safe as you travel across the area this weekend.

Of course, some things are hard to cancel. Take weddings, for instance, including this one a Mattapoisett bride-to-be had to scramble to reconfigure.