One of my favorite ways to spend a summer’s day in Boston is to take the ferry to Georges Island.  Georges Island is one of the 34 islands of the Boston Harbor Islands National and State Park. Not all of the islands are open to the public, and there are only a handful that include ferry service; of those, Georges Island is the most popular. Located on Georges Island is the historic Fort Warren. Built during the Civil War (between 1833-1860), Fort Warren became a prison for Confederate officers and government officials.  After the Civil War, it remained active as a defense stronghold until it was decommissioned in 1947.

The Boston Harbor Islands Ferry leaves from the Long Wharf in Boston and runs during the weekends on the shoulder seasons and everyday in the summer. The 45 minute ride provides great views of the city and the other harbor islands.  Some of the ferry rides I’ve been on also have narration which gives the history of the other islands and Boston Harbor.  Watching the planes fly in and out of nearby Logan airport, the large ships dock at the Seaport district, and the several sailboats and motorboats cruise around the harbor, the ferry ride itself is part of the fun of this day trip. 

Right off the dock at Georges Island is the visitor center and a cafe. The visitor center includes historic information about the fort as well as a collection of artifacts. The visitor center offers ranger led tours and self-guided tours throughout the day.  I’ve always just explored on my own, but since the last time I went, it looks like they’ve created “choose your own adventure” style guides, which I think sound pretty cool. 

Be sure to bring good shoes and a flashlight because there are a lot of dark, damp corners to explore throughout the fort. The ability to navigate through the maze of rooms to access the dark spaces is one of the reasons I love coming here.  I feel like an adventurer who could come across a new discovery at any moment.  I also enjoy the architecture of the space: from the arched entryways to the slitted windows and the angled walls. I usually give myself a few hours to walk around the grounds, eat a picnic lunch, and take in the fresh air.

If you’re looking for more Boston Harbor Islands adventure, jump on one of the smaller water shuttles that go from Georges Island to the other accessible islands: Lovells, Paddock, Grape, and Bumpkin Islands.  Some of these islands offer camping, but you’ll need to make a reservation ahead of time. 

After you return from the island, take a little bit of time to explore a few other interesting sights around the Long Wharf area. First, outside the New England Aquarium, say hello to the harbor seals swimming around in their tank. Then walk the Harbor Walk around Long Wharf to the other side of the Boston Marriott to see a cute little duck house on its own floating dock before arriving at Christopher Columbus Park. 

Here, watch – or ride – the Greenway Carousel, which is made up of animals native to Massachusetts; smell the roses at the Rose Kennedy Rose Garden, which honors those who lost children in WWII; and walk through the arched ivy of the Columbus Park Trellis.