Nut Island

A paved path with benches on the left and flowering bushes to the right.

NPS Photo/K. Woods

Beautiful harbor vistas are found on this peninsula which houses a wastewater pumping station and landscaped park.

Easily accessible through Quincy, Nut Island offers an array of activities. Visitors can walk on paved footpaths, fish on the pier, or enjoy a picnic.

 

General Information

This island of Boston Harbor Islands National and State Park is managed by Massachusetts Water Resources Authority.

 

Visitor Facilities & Services

Hours:
Piers/Docks:
 No
Visitor season:
 0
Boat slips:
 0
Visitor staff:
 No
Moorings:
 0
Guided tours:
 No
Park boats:
 None
Lifeguards:
 No
Car access:
 No
Flush toilets:
 No
Campsites:
 0 (capacity ea: 0)
Composting toilets:
 No
Group campsites:
 0 (capacity ea: 0)
Picnic areas:
 No
Camping capacity:
 0
Refreshments:
 No
Cooking grills:
 0
Drinking water:
 No
Walking trails:
 Yes

On-island Circulation: A 2,500-foot loop road connects with the mainland (Quincy). Paved trails traverse the site.

 

Short History

Prior to European settle colonization, Indigenous peoples likely accessed the island seasonally. Colonists used the island for grazing their cattle. It has a long history of use for sewage treatment. It is now part of the Boston Project with the new facility at Deer Island.

 

Natural History Overview

Vegetation

Many new trees and shrubs have been planted as part of the new public park area.

Wildlife

Please see Animals page for more information.

Geology

The island rises approximately 10 feet in elevation and is surrounded by a rip-rap retaining wall.

Water Features

The new pump facility at Nut Island is part of one of the largest, most elaborate constructed water features in the country. A 4.8-mile tunnel from Nut Island pumps sewage from 21 South Shore communities to Deer Island for primary treatment.

Views and Vistas

Nut Island is visible from the islands in Quincy Bay. Islands most visible from Nut Island include Peddocks, Hangman, Rainsford, Moon and Long Islands.

 

Structures

  • MWRA sewage treatment plant
  • Guard house

  • None

  • Pier
  • Entry gate
  • Alger Foundry monument
  • MWRA tunnel with silver ventilation ducts are prominent features in the landscape
  • Benches
  • Fences
  • Stone retaining walls

Last updated: November 30, 2023

Contact Info

Mailing Address:

15 State Street
4th Floor
Boston, MA 02109

Phone:

617 223-8666

Contact Us

Tools

Stay Connected