Snake Island

a shallow blue lagoon with some brown wild grass and reeds to the left.

NPS Photo

This island's mudflats and grassy clearings offer excellent off-shore birding opportunities.

Its name deriving from its winding landscape, Snake Island has been briefly inhabited by various groups over its history. Although a place for birding, visiting is strongly discouraged during nesting season.

 

General Information

This island of Boston Harbor Islands National and State Park is managed by the Town of Winthrop.

 

Visitor Facilities & Services

Hours:
Piers/Docks:
No
Visitor season:
0
Boat slips:
0
Visitor staff:
No
Moorings:
0
Guided tours:
No
Park boats:
None
Lifeguards:
No
Car access:
No
Flush toilets:
No
Campsites:
0 (capacity ea: 0
Composting toilets:
No
Group campsites:
0 (capacity ea: 0)
Picnic areas:
No
Camping capacity:
0
Refreshments:
No
Cooking grills:
No
Drinking water:
Yes
Walking trails:
No

On-island Circulation: Unimproved trails.

Visitor Cautions: Resident birds are very territorial during nesting: visitation is discouraged during this season.

 

Short History

The island is named for its serpentine shape. In the 1680s, it was known as "Bare Island." Some time in the 1700s, the island was owned by John Tenny. Livestock was grazed on the island. In the 1900s, a grounded steamer served as residence for the Treworgy brothers, lobstermen from Winthrop. Owned by the Tewksburys, Belchers, then Captain Samuel G. Irwin. Around 1900, O. E. Lewis purchased the island. Later squatters with cabins on the island were lobstermen and clammers, and included James Adams, Horton D. Fullerton, Bill Carey, John Green, and Judson G. Fullerton, and Hunt. Squatters were ordered to leave by the Winthrop Board of Health. The island has also been used as a recreational destination by Winthrop residents.

 

Natural History Overview

Wildlife

Please see Animals page for more information.

Water Features

No constructed features.

Views and Vistas

Logan International Airport; town of Winthrop; Deer Island.

 

Structures

Last updated: November 30, 2023

Park footer

Contact Info

Mailing Address:

Boston Harbor Islands National and State Park
21 Second Ave

Charlestown, MA 02129

Phone:

617 223-8666

Contact Us