Massachusetts Boston Harbor Islands National Park map and highlights

Boston Harbor Islands  National Park. Basic information for visitors to the Boston Harbor  Islands National Park Area in Boston Harbor.    

Boston Harbor Islands National Park Area In Boston Harbor on the map.    

The park encircles 34 islands that range in size from less than 1  acre to more than 200. As a system of islands, these glacial drumlins  are unique in the United States. Interactive videos, exhibit boards, and  the information kiosk at Long Wharf provide all the details. The area  was authorized in 1996.    

WHAT TO SEE & DO    

Beachcombing, boat riding, fishing, hiking, kayaking,  picnicking, sailing. Facilities: Fan Pier visitor center (U.S.  Courthouse) and Spectacle Island visitor center; information booth,  dock. Book-and-gift shop. Programs & Events: Nature walks,  living-history programs, marine ecology programs (May-Oct.). Family Fun  Days interactive performance, music, and historic activities on George s  Island (Sat. July and Aug.); Civil War Encampment (mid-July); Halloween  program (Oct.). Tips & Hints: Plan on 90-minute round-trip ferry  ride to Georges Island. Bring food and water for visit to park;  sustenance is available only on George s Island.    

LODGING    

i& Camping: Primitive camping on Bumpkin, Grape, Lovells,  and Ped-docks islands (44 sites; $8-$ 15; pit toilets; closed  mid-Oct.-Apr.; reservations and permit required, see below).    

FEES, HOURS & REGULATIONS    

Free. Ferry from Long Wharf: May-late June, every 2 hrs 10-4;  late June-Labor Day, hourly 10-5; Labor Day-Columbus Day, every 2 hrs  10-2. Permit required ($6) for island camping. Reservation fee ($8) for  camping on Bumpkin and Grape islands. No bikes except on Deer Island and  Worlds End. No motorized equipment, pets, or alcohol. Islands open  Mar-Memorial Day, weekends 9-sunset; Memorial Day-Labor Day, daily  9-sunset; Labor Day-Nov, weekends 9-sunset. Visitor centers open  Memorial Day-Columbus Day, weekends 10-5. Information kiosk open  Memorial Day-Labor Day, daily 9-4:30.    

HOW TO GET THERE    

Via ferry from Long Wharf. Closest airport: Boston.

CONTACTS    

Boston Harbor Islands National Park Area (408 Atlantic Ave.,  Suite 228, Boston, MA 02110-3350, tel. 617/223-8666, fax 617/223-8671).  Greater Boston Convention and Visitors Bureau (2 Copley Pi., Suite 105,  Boston, MA 02116, tel. 617/536-4100 or 888/733-2678, fax 617/424-7664).   

Boston Harbor Islands National Park.  Basic information for  visitors to the Boston Harbor Islands National Park Area In Boston  Harbor