Park Alert: Phone Line Disruption

We are working to resolve an issue with our main office phone line. Please call our Welcome Center number at (617) 819-3587 during operating hours: Friday – Sunday, 9:30am – 4:00pm. You may also contact us via our email address: boha_information@nps.gov

Rainsford Island

Featuring plentiful wildflowers and historic foundations, Rainsford Island holds a diverse and interesting history.

Grassy meadows and sumac groves extend along the island while a rocky shoreline meets the water. Rainsford Island served diverse purposes beginning during the colonial period, when it was used for farming and grazing. For nearly 200 years, it held a quarantine hospital, almshouse, veterans hospital, and boys reform school.

Rainsford Island offers views of the surrounding islands and unimproved walking trails.

Outer Brewster Island

Amenities

  • None
Bumpkin Kayaking by Kerry Hawkins

Recreation & Activities

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What you should know before you go to the parks.

Know Before You Go

  • Rainsford Island is not served by park ferries. Access is not recommended.

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