📍 Location & Geography
Dennis is a charming town situated in Barnstable County, Massachusetts, United States. The town is located on Cape Cod, a popular tourist destination known for its beautiful beaches and quaint New England charm. Dennis is divided into five villages, each with its unique character and attractions. These include Dennis Village, East Dennis, West Dennis, Dennis Port, and South Dennis. The town is bounded by Cape Cod Bay to the north, the Atlantic Ocean to the east, Nantucket Sound to the south, and the town of Yarmouth to the west.
🌎 Coordinates
The geographic coordinates of Dennis, Massachusetts are approximately 41.7354° N latitude and 70.1939° W longitude.
🗺️ Region & Area
Dennis covers a total area of about 22.0 square miles (57 km2), of which 20.1 square miles (52 km2) is land and 1.9 square miles (4.9 km2) is water. It is part of the Barnstable County in the state of Massachusetts and is located in the northeastern region of the United States.
👥 Population & Demographics
As of the 2020 census, the population of Dennis was estimated to be around 14,207. The town’s population is predominantly White, with a small percentage of African American, Native American, Asian, and other races. The median age in Dennis is approximately 58.7 years, indicating a significant number of retirees in the town.
🏛️ History
Dennis was first settled by Europeans in 1639 and was incorporated as a town in 1793. It was named after resident minister Josiah Dennis and was originally part of the town of Yarmouth. The town quickly became a center for maritime and agricultural activities. During the 19th century, it was also a prominent hub for the cranberry farming industry.
🏞️ Nature & Environment
Dennis is known for its scenic beauty, boasting over 16 beaches on the Nantucket Sound and Cape Cod Bay. The town is home to several nature trails and conservation lands, including the Cape Cod Rail Trail and Crowe’s Pasture Conservation Area. The town’s coastal location also provides habitats for a variety of wildlife species.
🏫 Education
Education in Dennis is managed by the Dennis-Yarmouth Regional School District. The town has several public schools, including Ezra H. Baker Innovation School, Nathaniel H. Wixon Innovation School, and Dennis-Yarmouth Regional High School. The town also has a public library, the Jacob Sears Memorial Library.
🚧 Transportation
Dennis is served by Route 6 (the Mid-Cape Highway), which is the town’s main highway. Other significant roads include Routes 134, 28, and 6A. The town is also accessible by the Cape Cod Regional Transit Authority, which provides bus service throughout Cape Cod. The nearest airport is Barnstable Municipal Airport, located in Hyannis.
📜 Trivia & Events
Dennis is home to the Cape Playhouse, one of the oldest summer theaters in the United States. The town also hosts several annual events, including the Festival of the Arts in Dennis Village and the Summer Concert Series at the bandstand in Dennis Port. Dennis is also known for its antique shops and art galleries, particularly in Dennis Village.