Great Brewster Island

pebble shoreline with a shrub-covered bluff to the left and a hill in the distance.

NPS Photo/R. Vincent

This largest of the Brewster islands features eroding cliffs, a salt marsh, tidal pools, and a large gull colony.

Great Brewster Island is the largest island in Boston's outer harbor at 19 acres of upland and 49 acres of intertidal area. It offers spectacular views of Boston's inner harbor, Massachusetts Bay, and Boston Lighthouse, America's oldest light station. In fact, from Great Brewster's 100 feet high bluffs, one can see four lighthouses.

While walking the island's trails, a visitor will see a salt marsh, gull breeding grounds and nurseries, the remains of a military bunker and observation post, and the stone wall foundations of summer cottages. Along the shoreline one can investigate tidal pools and, on most days, one can see lobster boats working their traps and several private boats fishing the many rock outcroppings that ring Great Brewster and the other outer islands.

There is no dock at Great Brewster Island.

 

General Information

This island of Boston Harbor Islands National and State Park is managed by Massachusetts Department of Conservation & Recreation (DCR).

 

Visitor Facilities & Services

Hours:
 9:00am - sunset
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:
 0
Drinking water:
 No
Walking trails:

Yes

On-island Circulation: The island has one path that leads to the summit of the northern bluff and several spur paths along the remains of WWII era roads and paths.

 

Short History

Great Brewster Island was named for Elder William Brewster, the first preacher and teacher for the Plymouth Colony. Thousands of years before the English settlers named the island, Indigenous people used it as a summer residence and used its natural resources. In more recent times, the island has been home to summer cottages for local families and for U.S. soldiers who manned an observation post during World War II. The military post included 90mm rapid-fire guns, searchlight stations, and a command post that aided in controlling the harbor's minefield.

 

Natural History Overview

Vegetation

Apple trees, pear trees, sumac, beach roses, grasses, and phragmites can be found on the island.

Wildlife

Please see Animals page for more information.

Geology

The northern drumlin is the highest point in the outer harbor, rising to an elevation of 105 feet. Between this drumlin and the smaller drumlin to the south is a marsh area that is seasonally inundated at high tide. A sandspit, exposed at low tide, extends for nearly a mile from the southwest side of the island towards Georges Island. Mussel beds surround the island and connect Little Brewster at low tide.

Water Features

Further research required to determine whether the circa 1720s well or 1940s military water supply facilities remain.

Views and Vistas

The northern bluff offers spectacular views of the outer harbor and Boston skyline.

 

Structures

  • None

  • 90mm gun batteries
  • Bunkers (2)

  • Remnants for World War II era pier and 1970s pier
  • Visitor shelter
  • Granite seawall
  • Stone wall
  • Composting toilet

Last updated: November 30, 2023

Contact Info

Mailing Address:

15 State Street
4th Floor
Boston, MA 02109

Phone:

617 223-8666

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