Spectacle Island Visitor Center, Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area
OPERATING HOURS
The Spectacle Island Visitor Center is open when the public ferry service to Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area is operating (usually mid-June through Columbus Day). The first ferry of the day arrives around 11 AM. The Visitor Center remains open until 5 PM.
AMENITIES
- Information desk where you can pick up brochures on many of the islands within the park, including a Spectacle Island walking tour brochure
- Exhibits
- Restrooms
- Food Vendor
- Water cooler where you can fill up your water bottles
Information desk and exhibit area at the Spectacle Island Visitor Center, Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area
EXHIBITS
The history of Spectacle Island is presented on large information panels. Topics include Native American habitation of the island, the island’s ecology, living on the island in the late 1800s and early 1900s, the industries that once operated here, and how Spectacle Island was transformed from a landfill into the park it is today.
Exhibit on the ecology of Spectacle Island at the Spectacle Island Visitor Center, Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area
Most of the information is similar to what you learn if you hike the Interpretive Trail or take the Ranger-led walking tour to the top of the North Drumlin, but it doesn’t take long to read if you want to get more information and see more photos than what is provided along the trail. I read everything in fifteen minutes.
Spectacle Island Visitor Center exhibit area, Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area
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Last updated on January 21, 2024
