Boston Harbor Islands
National Recreation Area
One of the newest national parks -- legislation was signed November 12, 1996 -- the Boston Harbor Islands NRA includes 30 islands, ranging in size from less than one to over 200 acres. They are situated within the large "C" shape of the Greater Boston shoreline. Most are within two to four miles of points on the mainland. From the City of Boston, the islands are within four and ten miles. Six islands will be staffed and have public programs for the 1999 season: George's, Grape, Lovell's, Bumpkin, Gallop's and Peddock's and there is frequent ferry and water taxi service to them. The schedules are clearly posted so trip planning is easy. Private boaters can anchor around any of the 30 islands. Each island has different physical characteristics and getting onto them will vary from island to island.
The Partnership is engaged in a major planning effort to produce a master plan by November 1999. This plan will describe a vision for the park and will spell out what kinds of visitor facilities will be built and how they will be used. It will also address transportation access to the islands, development, education, and much, much more. The National Park Service will be reporting on progress of the plan in this site. Check out "NewsWave" and latest information for background.
SUMMER EVENTS (Click here to see what we did in summer '98.) Stay tuned for '99.
All during the summer, there will be walks on George's Island; park rangers give regular tours corresponding to the ferry schedule on other islands. There are also self-guided walking tours so you can go off on your own. On Grape Island, watch for the multi-colored outcropping of "Cambridge Argillite", the type of slate that makes up the bedrock of the harbor.
Almost every weekend there are special programs that are fun and educational. You can learn more about the history Civil War -- from life at Fort Warren to how the fort itself was constructed from granite blocks to the songs sung during that era; you can take a sunset cruise, study marine ecology, explore salt marshes ---- there is literally something special for every member of your family...whether you want an organized activity or simply want to enjoy the views!
VISITATION:
Highest in July and August on weekends.
LOCATION:
All islands are in Massachusetts and are within Boston harbor, with access from downtown Boston; Hingham (south shore), and Lynn (north shore). Close to Logan International Airport; in fact, if you fly into/out of Boston over the water, you'll get an excellent view.
See our
specific directions.
ADDRESS:
Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area
National Park Service
Office of the Project Manager
408 Atlantic Avenue
Boston MA 02210-3350
TELEPHONES:
Visitor information:617-223-8666
National Park Service Project Manager: 617-223-8667
NPS visitor center for NPS sites in Boston other than the Islands: 617-242-5642
Ferry and water taxi schedules: 617-227-4321 (Boston Harbor Cruises)
For general tourism information for Massachusetts: 617-727-3201; 800-447-MASS
OPERATING DAYS, SEASONS:
As of June 20, 1998, the summer season starts and six islands are open for the general public daily. During the spring and fall the islands are open during the weekends. Special arrangements for school groups are possible for weekdays in spring, summer and fall seasons; please call (617) 727-7676. Free overnight camping is available; call (617) 223-8666 for a full schedule and to obtain a permit.
Ferries, which leave from downtown Boston every hour from 10 am until 5 pm during the summer, take visitors to George's Island, where water taxis stop on continuous circuits of the islands that are staffed. Also during the summer, three ferries depart and return daily from the South Shore (Hingham), and one daily ferry travels to and from the North Shore (Lynn).
Private boats may anchor offshore any of the harbor islands and may use the float docks (on the staffed islands) for unloading and loading; dinghies are available for getting back and forth to boats.
The islands are open from 9 a.m. until sunset, and the 1998 seasons are: Spring: May 2 - June 19 open weekdays: George's; open weekends: George's, Gallop's, Grape, Lovell's & Peddock's (camping on Grape, Lovell's & Peddock's) Summer: June 20 - September 7 open daily: George's, Bumpkin, Gallop's, Grape, Lovell's & Peddock's (camping on Bumpkin, Grape, Lovell's & Peddock's); Fall: September 8 - October 11, the islands are open the same as spring; School programs: by reservation through the end of October.
CLIMATE, RECOMMENDED CLOTHING:
Weather in New England is variable, from clear, crisp days to stormy, chilly days. Summers are often hot and humid (high 80s) with occasional showers. Spring and fall temperatures can also range broadly, but 60s is typical. Water breezes make for cooler ferry rides, requiring jackets or windbreakers. Walking shoes, hats, sunscreen are essential. Hats, sunscreen and other sundries may be purchased on George's Island.
TRANSPORTATION TO AND AMONG THE ISLANDS:
Ferries (for passengers only, no cars) operate from Long Wharf, Boston to George's Island, about a 45 minute ride. From there, visitors can take water taxis to four or five other islands. On George's Island, you can talk with the park rangers to plan your trip other islands. At a minimum, plan to visit at least two islands: George's and one other island.
Whale watch cruises, the Provincetown ferry, the commuter boats and other private cruises pass through the Boston Harbor Islands.
DIRECTIONS TO FERRY DEPARTURE POINTS:
Directions departure points from downtown Boston, Logan Airport and points north and south of Boston
FEES, COSTS, RATES:
The round-trip ferry costs $8.00 for adults, $6.00 for children under 12, and $7.00 for seniors. Water taxis and the islands themselves are free. Group rates for the ferry are available; for information, call (617) 227-4321.
FACILITIES AND OPPORTUNITIES:
There is an information kiosk open on Long Wharf and each island has a welcoming facility staffed by rangers and volunteers. General island information is available at each of the ferry departure points and by calling the visitor information line, (617)223-8666. Accessibility for disabled visitors: Ferry vessels are accessible by wheelchair with staff assistance, but getting off the boat onto the islands may be difficult because of the ramps. George's Island has some areas that are suitable for wheelchair use.
NONE of the islands have drinking water and only George's Islands has a concessions stand. So please come with enough provisions and BRING PLENTY OF WATER!! All the islands have toilet facilities and boat piers
RECOMMENDED ACTIVITIES
You can explore several islands in one day or take the ferry on a beautiful day for a cruise among the islands. If you are in a private boat, you can anchor off the shore of many islands and use a dinghy to get ashore and explore on the trails and beaches. The only thing we ask is that you don't remove artifacts from the islands.
The islands are undeveloped -- and you can enjoy them as you would any other natural area -- hiking the gentle trails, beachcombing, enjoying the spectacular views, picnicking, keeping an eye out for birds and other wildlife, identifying the plants and trying to figure out just how the islands were formed by a retreating glacier! In addition, you can enjoy spectacular views towards Boston or out over the vast Atlantic Ocean. Since Boston is an active, working port city, you can frequently see huge transport and cruise ships, military vessels, tugs, sail boats and even a tall ship every now and then.
For school groups, the islands are a rich resource for teachers and children learning about marine ecology and the history of the islands and their relationship to Boston and surrounding towns. There are a full set of activities from May through October. The staff can also help educators find just what they need for curriculum development. Call (617) 223-8666.
RESERVATIONS, PERMITS
The passenger ferries are unreserved but are large and rarely filled to capacity. Reservations are required for groups of more than 25 people. Permits are needed for camping; call (617) 223-8666 for exact information.
Commercial uses such as filming require permits. Call 727-7676.
BASIC VISIT RECOMMENDATIONS
See our suggestions
for half and full-day visits plus pointers for a great trip.
VISITOR IMPACTS
On rare occasions, ferry service may be interrupted because of poor weather. Generally activities continue rain or shine, but you should always be prepared for a sudden rain squall or wind and cool temperatures. There is limited shelter and protection from the elements on the islands.
ADJACENT VISITOR ATTRACTIONS
Boston is a major tourist destination city and there are many, many visitor attractions, restaurants and hotels nearby. Call the Greater Boston Visitor and Convention Bureau for up-to-date information, (617) 536-4100.
The National Park Service operates several other local sites, including Boston National Historical Park, the Freedom Trail, Fanueil Hall, Old State House, Old North Church, and the Charlestown Navy Yard with USS Constitution. The NPS visitor center is located at the corners of Washington and Devonshire Streets at the State Street subway station and a short walk from Quincy Market (617-242-5642). It is about one-half mile from Long Wharf, where the ferry departs.
Other nearby sites include Quincy Market, the New England Aquarium, and three of the historic neighborhoods of Boston: Beacon Hill, the North End, and Charlestown.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism 800-447-MASS
Greater Boston Convention and Visitor Bureau 617-536-4100
Friends of the Boston Harbor Islands
Metropolitan District Commission
The Department of Environmental Management
Thompson Island Outward Bound Education Center
Massachusetts Water Resources Authority
Last Updated:Wednesday, 17-Feb-99 11:03:53
http://www.nps.gov/boha/
Author: NPS, Boston Support Office