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’s connected to the mainland thanks to beach erosion resulting from the legendary 1938 hurricane—to get here, take your car or Go Green and take public transit.