Each week I feature a special destination in New England, and this week’s post focuses on the Boston Harbor Islands.

This group of 34 islands is only minutes away from one of the busiest and most dynamic cities in North America – Boston, Massachusetts – but most Bostonians and visitors don’t even know they exist as a recreation area for their enjoyment.

But I’m going to change all that for you today…

The Boston Harbor Islands State Park was developed in the 1970s and included 13 of the islands in the harbor: Bumpkin Island, Calf Island, Gallops Island, Grape Island, Great Brewster Island, Green island, Hangman Island, Little Calf Island, Middle Brewster Island, Outer Brewster Island, Raccoon Island, Sheep Island, and Slate Island.

In 1996 the state park islands were included with many others to form the Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area which currently has 34 islands and peninsulas in its system. As a fact aside from all this, and to the dismay of conservationists, Boston’s Logan International Airport was built on two of the original islands in the harbor – Apple Island and Governors Island – try and do that today and you’d be “run out of town” or at the very least sacrifice any political aspirations you may have in the state.

But I digress…

The recreation area is run as a partnership which is way too complicated (and a tad boring) to explain in detail here. Suffice to say there are a lot of members on the governing committee from all manner of agencies and public concerns making sure the best long-term interests of the islands remain in focus.

The islands remain rich and diverse in history, wildlife and recreational opportunities, and all a short hop from the “Hub” of downtown Boston.

Once the ferry boat leaves Boston’s Long Wharf or Fan Pier you quickly enter a different world of forts, lighthouses, tide pools, hking trails, camping, fishing, picnicking, swimming, and the excitement and joy of exploring and discovery.

In the spring, summer, and flal months ferries head out to Georges and Spectacle Islands, and Lovells Island, most from Boston, but some of the boats leave from Quincy. Many of the other islands are served by shuttle boats from Georges Island.

It’s a good idea to limit your visit to no more than two or three isands in a day so you can spend quality time exploring the environment at each. Here are sample highlights from just a few of the islands you can visit…

The oldest operating lighthouse in America is the Boston Light on Little Brewster Island, and you can take a guided tour through its history and walls during the season. Georges Island is home to Fort Warren, a national historic landmark. Guided tours of the Fort are offered and its worth taking time out to learn about this civil-war era building and parade ground. The island also has picnic grounds, paved walkways and a gravel beach.

If walking and views is your desire then head for Spectacle Island, where you’ll discover 5-miles of easy walking trails and a hilltop view of the surrounding harbor area including downtown Boston.

Thompson Island is home to Thompson Island Outward Bound that provides a learning and growing experience for all ages. The island provides summer camps for kids, and offers its facilities for company outings, parties, and weddings. Thompson is the closest of the islands to Boston making it a popular venue for a sponsored evening out. It supports many animals, and natural habitats such as a pond, a 5-acre salt marsh, and open fileds of wild flowers. Saturday’s in June, July and August are reserved for general public access.

For details on each of the 34 islands along with more things to see and do check out the national parks service site at www.nps.gov/boha/

More suggestions on attractions in the area can be found by visiting my special Boston vacations page here.

Have a fun and event-filled week,

Cliff Calderwood
Executive Director
Destination Guide to New England

Related posts:

1. Boston Harbor Islands – Baseball Georges Island Style…
2. Blue Hills Reservation – the Outdoor Playground on Boston’s Doorstep
3. Darwin at the Museum of Science in Boston
4. Just a Few Days Until the Boston Harborfest 2005
5. Canobie Lake Park – The 100-Year-Old Theme Park