Highlands Center at Cape Cod National Seashore
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Located on the Atlantic coast in North Truro, the Highlands Center at Cape Cod National Seashore used to be the Truro Air Force Station, a radar site that operated during the Cold War from 1951 to 1985. Part of the property is still used as a radar station by the Federal Aviation Administration, while the rest of the site became part of the National Seashore in 1994. Some of the buildings that were once used for military housing and offices have been renovated for private use by arts, environmental, and scientific research groups.
FAA radar building on the former Truro Air Force Station at Cape Cod National Seashore
As of 2024, the Highlands Center is closed to the public other than during performances at the Payomet Performing Arts Center. Buildings inside are falling down and the cliff overlooking the sea is unstable, so the National Park Service no longer lets visitors roam freely. Twenty-five of the old Air Force station houses are scheduled to be torn down by the end of 2024, but it is unknown whether Highlands Center will be opened again outside of performances and other official business once the demolition is completed.
For a schedule of events held at Highlands Center, including the Payomet Performing Arts Center, check out the National Park Service’s Highlands Center Programs and Events web page.
Highlands Center’s Payomet Performing Arts Center occupies an old Truro Air Force Station baseball field, Cape Cod National Seashore
The following are photos of the buildings and structures from the former Truro Air Force Station.
Home of the National Park Service Atlantic Research Center at Highlands Center, Cape Cod National Seashore
Old helicopter landing pad at the former Truro Air Force Station at Cape Cod National Seashore
Old building at the former Truro Air Force Station at Cape Cod National Seashore
Old military family housing unit at the former Truro Air Force Station on Cape Cod
Former dormitory of the Truro Air Force Station on Cape Cod
Murals on former military buildings of the Truro Air Force Station on Cape Cod
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Last updated on February 27, 2024
