Mission Statement:
The Highlands Center fosters the unique cultural and natural heritage of Cape Cod by facilitating scientific research, the arts tradition, and educational programs atop the dramatic sea cliffs of
Cape Cod National Seashore.

The Park Setting
Dramatically situated on a high bluff overlooking the North Atlantic Ocean, the 110-acre Highlands Center at Cape Cod National Seashore occupies a point of singular beauty on the Outer Cape in Truro, Massachusetts. The converging land and sea habitats provide a fitting backdrop for the center, which is envisioned to be a place of learning, reflection and research.

Points of Interest

Woods Walk at Highlands Center

Art in Motion! Sculptures by Donald Gerola

Cold War History

Principles of Sustainability

Green Building at the Atlantic Research Center 

Meteorological (MET) Tower Wind Data Final Report (March 2006-April 2007)

Highlands Record Newsletter

July 2009

April 2009

April 2008

July 2008

Highlands Center: Past, Present, and Future

In 1994, Cape Cod National Seashore (CCNS) acquired the former North Truro Air Force Station. Since then, CCNS has made $1 million in infrastructure improvements, allowing for the potential renovation and occupation of several buildings. There are up to 45 potentially usable buildings (approximately 115,000 square feet) organized around a central quadrangle, which will require structural repair, renovation and/or modification. Included are buildings originally used for common space, housing, administrative functions, storage space, and maintenance facilities.

One of the goals for the Highlands Center is to create a community of artists, scientists and educators who will pursue their work in a national park setting. The core of the Highlands Center will be its program partners, enriching each other’s work through their distinctive activities and opportunities for interaction. These partner organizations will establish an active community of creative individuals and will help carry out the Center’s mission. The Highlands Center venue is a place to explore transformative work in the arts, educational retreats, and explore natural science research issues such as climate change, land and marine ecology, and habitat restoration.

Another ongoing goal for the Highlands Center is to adopt the National Park Service’s commitment that special emphasis be placed on park efforts to incorporate environmentally sound practices. Environmental impacts in terms of resource usage and performance will be taken into consideration and assessed during a project’s initial investment phase and throughout its lifetime. The Highlands Center will demonstrate environmental stewardship through the use of environmentally sustainable practices and technologies in its design, building rehabilitation, and through renewable energy and ongoing operations.

Highlands Center History Timeline

Public and Private Partners

Highlands Center programs will support the mission of Cape Cod National Seashore through public and private partnerships. Inquiries and proposals for cooperative ventures from non-profit organizations, government agencies, and educational institutions are welcomed. The National Park Service will provide basic infrastructure rehabilitation such as water, sewer, electric systems and will oversee design approvals, utility maintenance, leasing and site management activities. The Management Partner and Program Partners from the private sector will fulfill the remaining needs of the Center, such as custom building rehabilitation, utility hookups, facility maintenance, public programming and day-to-day activities.

Learn more about our partners

Site Information

Highlands Center Site Map

Site and Building Design and Rehabilitation Handbook (2005)

Appendix, Site and Building Design and Rehabilitation Handbook (2005)

Site Plan and Environmental Assessment (1999)

Landscape Site Plan Report (2003)

Request for Proposals for Program Partners and Request for Qualifications for a Management Partner (2003)

Appendix, Request for Proposals for Program Partners and Request for Qualifications for a Management Partner (2003)

Directions and Contact Information

The Highlands Center is located off of Route 6 at the Highland Light Exit in North Truro, MA.

From the south take Route 6 to Highland Light Exit in North Truro (about 12 miles north of park headquarters). Turn right off the exit onto Highland Road. At the the end of the road, turn right onto South Highland Road. After approximately 0.6 miles turn left onto Old Dewline Road. The Highlands Center is at the end of the road. 

Your participation in the Highlands Center is welcomed. The site is open to the public for special tours, events, and scheduled public programs. Please let us know if you want to be added to our newsletter mailing list through mail or e-mail.

For additional information please contact:

Lauren McKean
NPS Highlands Center Project Manager

Cape Cod National Seashore, 99 Marconi Site Road, Wellfleet, MA 02667
Phone: (508) 957-0731
Fax: (508) 349-9052
E-mail: Highlands_Center@nps.gov