Explore Deer Island
Deer Island is steeped in a rich, tragic history. It served as an internment island for Native Americans (1675-76), a holding area for Irish immigrants fleeing the Great Famine (1800s), a major hospital (1847), a prison (c. 1882-1988), and much more. And now it’s a symbol of natural resource protection and environmental stewardship. Tour a state-of-the-art wastewater treatment facility that serves Greater Boston. Stroll along a 2.6-mile shoreline path and 2 miles of trails through the hills of the island. Deer Island’s 60 acres of parkland make it ideal for walking, jogging, biking, rollerblading, dog walking (on a leash), sightseeing, picnicking, and fishing.
Deer Island is connected to the mainland due to beach erosion resulting from the legendary 1938 hurricane. To get here, take your car via Route 1A and Winthrop.
This island of Boston Harbor Islands national recreation area managed by Massachusetts Water Resources Authority.