Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area

Contact Information:
Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area
Boston Harbor Islands Partnership
408 Atlantic Avenue Suite 228
Boston, MA 02110
617-223-8666
(National Park Service)
(Boston Harbor Islands Partnership)

Size: 1,482 acres

Location: Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area is an urban archipelago of 34 islands scattered across 50 square miles of the Boston Harbor; all the islands are located within four to ten miles of Boston. Passenger ferries link the islands to the mainland at several locations, including downtown Boston, Hingham (South Shore), and Lynn (North Shore). George's Island serves as the Park's central point of arrival and departure; from there, water shuttles take visitors to other islands. Private boats may anchor off-shore.

Description: The park is rich in natural and cultural resources, and includes the only drumlin field in the United States that intersects a coast, formed by the glaciers some 15,000 years ago. For the most part, the individual islands appear in a natural, semi-wilderness condition, with each distinguished by its own variation of rocky shore, salt marsh, and vegetation. Wildlife that inhabit the island environment may include catbirds, cormorants, gulls, hawks, herons, owls, pheasant, quail, rabbits, reptiles, various songbirds, terns, small rodents, and various forms of intertidal life. George's Island is home to Fort Warren, a historic Civil War site and National Historic Landmark.

Activities: Camping, hiking, fishing, beachcombing, kayaking, wildlife viewing, guided and self-guided walks. Ranger-led tours are available on many of the islands. Activities such as concerts, theater, children's activities and boat cruises are offered throughout the season.

Operating Hours: During the summer season, the islands are open daily from 9:00 a.m. until sunset. During the spring and fall the islands are open on the weekends. Special arrangements for school groups are possible for weekdays in spring, summer, and fall seasons. Some sites have additional hours.

History: Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area was established on November 12, 1996. The 34 islands are managed by a unique, 13-member partnership that includes the National Park Service and other public and private organizations.

Other Useful Resources:

Other useful resources:

Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau - Boston's official visitor website.

Massachusetts Forest and Parks Div - Provides alphabetical and regional listings of state parks.

Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism - includes information on accommodations, attractions, a travel planner, and an events calendar.

Metropolitan District Commission - an online guide to the oldest regional park system in the country.

See other National Recreation Areas
See other Massachusetts National Parks