Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area
The Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area offers easy access to America’s natural and cultural history—all a stone’s throw from downtown Boston. The area is comprised of 34 islands and peninsulas, many of which are open for public recreation; some of which are very small and best suited for wildlife. Attractions include hiking trails, beaches, civil war-era Fort Warren on Georges Island and Boston Light on Little Brewster Island, one of the oldest lighthouses in the nation. Georges Island and Spectacle Island are served seasonally by ferries to and from Boston and Quincy, connecting on weekends and summer weekdays with a shuttle boat to many other islands.
At A Glance
In The Park
Superintendent: Bruce JacobsonPhone Number: 617-223-8666
Entrance Fees: Free
Sights: Fort Warren; Fort Andews; Boston Light; Long Wharf; Graves Light; Long Island Head Light; Little Brewster
Endangered Species: Least Tern; Northern Harrier; Common Tern; Barn Owl; Sea-beach Dock; American Sea Blite
Important Dates
Established as Park: November 12, 1996By The Numbers
Acres: 245.00Highest Point: (18 feet)
Annual Visitation: 1,944,386 (2006)
Location
Latitude / Longitude :42.319970 / -70.966870 (map it)
State: MA
Nearby Big City: Boston, MA
Gateway Communities: Hull, MA; Hingham, MA; Cohasset, MA; Quincy, MA; Weymouth, MA
Nearby Airports: General Edward Lawrence Logan International Airport (BOS)
Green Features
Has Recycling? : YesHas Shuttle System? : No
Has Volunteer Program? : Yes
In Detail
Animals Birds Field surveys have identified more than 100 bird species including gulls, terns, herons, ducks, geese, hawks, plovers, sandpipers, doves, owls, woodpeckers, and perching birds. During migration ... read more.
At A Glance Contact Information Park Information: 617-223-8666 Boston Harbor Islands Partnership 408 Atlantic Avenue, Suite 225 Boston MA 02110Our Staff & Offices Management of the Boston Harbor Islands is coord ... read more.
Geology Education Themes: Geology Island Formation Boston Harbor is part of the Boston Basin, a topographic lowland underlain by sedimentary layers deposited at the end of the Precambrian time. Wher ... read more.
History History & Culture Each of the 34 Boston Harbor Islands has a rich human history. The islands vividly illustrate the regionâs complex past and the continual effect of natural and human processes ... read more.
In A Nutshell Frequently Asked Questions Please feel free to call a ranger with detailed questions at 617-223-8666, or refer to www.bostonislands.com Q: Where are the bathrooms? All the boats have adequate bathroo ... read more.
Just For Kids Be A Junior Ranger What is a junior ranger? A junior ranger attends ranger programs, completes activities in a workbook, and promises to take care of Boston Harbor Islands. It is a great way to learn ... read more.
Natural World Intertidal and Subtidal Zones Boston Harbor Islands national park area, encompasses about 60 km of shoreline on more than 30 islands. The intertidal zone, or the area between the reaches of high tide ... read more.
Park Regulations & Safety Plan A Field Trip: Permit Applications Permits are required to bring groups to the islands. The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) requires all groups with more than 25 mem ... read more.
Plants Marine Plants / Algae The once-plentiful eelgrass is the only type of seagrass now present in Boston Harbor; it is now confined to only four isolated areas, the largest of which is near the south coa ... read more.
Preservation Education Themes: Science & Technology Water Quality In the 1980s, Boston Harbor was considered one of the most polluted in the country. Since then, however, the Deer Island water treatment plan ... read more.
Sights to See Buildings & Structures Not all structures in the park are available for park use. An important structure that is available is the partially restored Fort Warren, an impressive granite Third System fo ... read more.
Things To Do Native American Youth Summer Institute Honoring Our Past ~ Envisioning Our Future 2007 Native American Youth Summer Institute Northeast Native American communities have a long and rich connection to ... read more.
Recent News
- Waterfront Banners Reveal a Hidden Treasure, the Boston Harbor Islands, Where Visitors and Locals Can Escape and Breathe November 17, 2008, 10:07 am
- Squantum Ferry Service to Link Parks and Tourist Sites September 18, 2008, 3:51 pm
- In Boston Harbor, but a World Away July 24, 2008, 3:31 pm
Boston Harbor Islands In Depth
News from the Parks
Frommer's Top 5 Parks for Cozy Camping
November 21, 2008 - 10:01am
I always look forward to getting my Frommer's newsletter every week. Not only are they budget travel saavy, they inspire me to get out there no matter the weather! Here are their top five picks for cozy camping.
November 21, 2008 - 10:01am
I always look forward to getting my Frommer's newsletter every week. Not only are they budget travel saavy, they inspire me to get out there no matter the weather! Here are their top five picks for cozy camping.
Park to Reopen Today after Crews Repair Road, Channel Kautz Creek
November 21, 2008 - 9:56am
The Nisqually Road in Mount Rainier National Park will reopen today, a day earlier than expected. The road, and the park, have been closed since Nov. 12 when Kautz Creek jumped its banks and flooded the main road into the park.
November 21, 2008 - 9:56am
The Nisqually Road in Mount Rainier National Park will reopen today, a day earlier than expected. The road, and the park, have been closed since Nov. 12 when Kautz Creek jumped its banks and flooded the main road into the park.
Jenna Otter Returns to Scene of Grizzly Bear Attack
November 21, 2008 - 9:55am
Reporting from Glacier National Park -- No one knew what to expect on the trail to Grinnell Glacier one late summer morning, but a second bull moose less than an hour out was hardly a good sign. During September and October -- mating season -- it's always best to give the spindly-legged animals plenty of room.
November 21, 2008 - 9:55am
Reporting from Glacier National Park -- No one knew what to expect on the trail to Grinnell Glacier one late summer morning, but a second bull moose less than an hour out was hardly a good sign. During September and October -- mating season -- it's always best to give the spindly-legged animals plenty of room.
Expected Rule Change Would Benefit Bicycling in National Parks
November 21, 2008 - 9:07am
An upcoming National Park Service (NPS) rule change could greatly benefit mountain bicycling by improving the administrative process for opening trails to bicycles. IMBA has been asking the agency to revise its policies since 1992, because the current "special regulations" process is needlessly cumbersome and treats bicycles like motorized vehicles.
November 21, 2008 - 9:07am
An upcoming National Park Service (NPS) rule change could greatly benefit mountain bicycling by improving the administrative process for opening trails to bicycles. IMBA has been asking the agency to revise its policies since 1992, because the current "special regulations" process is needlessly cumbersome and treats bicycles like motorized vehicles.
Things Slow At Hawaii's National Parks
November 21, 2008 - 8:55am
On our recent trip to Hawaii we had a feeling that things were less busy than usual. Now there are some numbers to back up our hunch: The national parks in the state saw a drop in attendance of more than 50,000 visitors during the month of October.
November 21, 2008 - 8:55am
On our recent trip to Hawaii we had a feeling that things were less busy than usual. Now there are some numbers to back up our hunch: The national parks in the state saw a drop in attendance of more than 50,000 visitors during the month of October.
