Learn about the Islands of Boston HarborExplore the map to learn the history of the Boston Harbor Islands. Choose an island below for details about each of the islands in the park. The Islands
Bumpkin IslandWalking trails and the remains of an old stone farmhouse make up the landscape of this picturesque island. 
Calf IslandTidal marshes, wildflowers, tall grasses, and wild fruit trees are some of the varying aspects of Calf Island. 
Deer IslandOn Deer Island, tour the “state of the art” wastewater treatment facility or stroll 60 acres on the shoreline path. 
Gallops IslandThis small island offers a rocky beach, salt spray roses, and vistas from atop grassy bluffs. 
Georges IslandExplore the Civil War-era Fort Warren, enjoy a picnic lunch, or relax under a shady tree on Georges Island. 
Grape IslandWander peaceful trails, explore the rocky beaches, and enjoy camping in wooded campsites. 
Great Brewster IslandThis largest of the Brewster islands features eroding cliffs, a salt marsh, tidal pools, and a large gull colony. 
Green IslandThis shrub-covered rocky outcropping serves as a nesting site for gulls and cormorants. 
Hangman IslandA barren rock outcrop with a small pebble beach serves as a resting-place for the gulls, ducks and other seabirds. 
Langlee IslandWith grassy patches under shaded maple, cedar, and birch trees, visitors can enjoy hiking on the island. 
Little Calf IslandThis tiny bedrock outcrop was never inhabited by people, but gulls and cormorants use it for nesting. 
Long IslandThis large island is home to Long Island Head Light and the now closed City of Boston social services facilities. 
Lovells IslandA rocky swimming beach, pine woods, and the remains of a fort characterize Lovells Island. 
Middle Brewster IslandThis rugged Island, once home to a colony of fishermen, now is a haven for wildlife. 
Nixes MatePirate lore surrounds this black and white marker which has guided boat traffic for a century. 
Nut IslandBeautiful harbor vistas are found on this peninsula which houses a wastewater pumping station and landscaped park. 
Outer Brewster IslandThis bedrock island supports the most diverse assemblage of breeding waterbirds in Boston Harbor. 
Peddocks IslandThis large island features military ruins, varied habitats, scenic hiking trails, and overnight camping. 
Sheep IslandOnce 25 acres, Sheep Island has been eroded away to less than 2 acres by wind and water. 
Slate IslandSlate Island in Hingham Bay has remained relatively inaccessible due to the dense thickets of poison ivy, raspberry, and barberry. 
Snake IslandThis island's mudflats and grassy clearings offer excellent off-shore birding opportunities. 
Spectacle IslandSpectacle Island offers several miles of hiking, a visitor center with exhibits, and a swimming beach. 
Thompson IslandThis island of diverse habitats is home to Thompson Island Outward Bound Education Center. 
Webb Memorial State ParkWalking trails lead through flowering trees and shaded picnic areas to excellent fishing locations at Webb Memorial State Park. 
World's EndThe landscape plantings and roads of this large peninsula were designed by Frederick Law Olmsted.
The sizes of the islands in the park change every hour, as the ocean tides ebb and flow on their shores. All totaled, the park islands change from 1,483 to 3,067 acres during the tidal cycle. Learn how island acreage was measured, considering daily tides.
The names of several islands have also changed over time. How we selected the spelling of island names, and alternate names for some islands, are described in, "What's in a name?" |
Last updated: September 6, 2024