TAKE A WALK THROUGH HISTORY

Take a self-guided walking tour through downtown Hyannis, Cape Cod while exploring famous sites of historic significance to the Kennedy family.

The Kennedys in Hyannis

In 1928, Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy & Joseph P. Kennedy, Sr. purchased their Hyannis Port summer home. Later, sons Robert (RFK) & John (JFK) purchased homes next door and it then became known as the Kennedy Compound. Today more a dozen homes located nearby are homes to the large Kennedy family in the small village.

On the shore, less than three miles from Main Street Hyannis, the "compound"  served as a getaway for the Kennedy family, including U.S. President John F. Kennedy, U.S. Senator Robert F. Kennedy, and U.S. Senator Edward M. “Ted” Kennedy.

Because of the Kennedy Compound’s proximity to Main Street, many significant Kennedy events occurred in downtown Hyannis. The 1.6-mile Kennedy Legacy Trail explores the family’s rich history on Cape Cod, with stops at ten important Kennedy sites in Hyannis.

Tour The Kennedy Legacy Trail

At each of the ten sites, an informational sign uncovers stories & history about the Kennedys on Cape Cod.

The walking trail is 1.6 miles long and may be visited in any order. Download a map of the site here, and download a full map of downtown Hyannis including the trail here.

Explore Hyannis

While you are in Hyannis, plan some extra time to explore Main Street and its shops, restaurants and extensive arts and cultural offerings!  For a list of current events and things to do in Hyannis:

Click to View The Full Map

A Special Thank You to Our Contributors

The Kennedy Legacy Trail is brought to you by  The John F. Kennedy Hyannis Museum, in partnership with the following contibutors: