Last updated: June 27, 2025
Thing to Do
Explore Fort Warren
BHN/C. Merfeld
Travel back in time and explore Fort Warren on Georges Island. Designed and built from the 1830s to the 1860s, Fort Warren is an extant example of a Third System-era fortification. The United States used Fort Warren as a prisoner-of-war camp for soldiers and officers of the Confederacy.
Stop by the Visitor Center to learn about the people who lived, worked, and were imprisoned on the island. Cross through the sally port, the main entrance of Fort Warren, to see the massive parade ground. Walk some sections of the top of the bastions for beautiful views of the harbor. There is something for everyone to enjoy!
Interested in a self-guided experience? Take the Georges Island Audio Tour, available via QR code on site or the "Georges Island Tour" page on the Boston Harbor Islands partnership website.
Georges Island is accessible via public ferry. To purchase ferry tickets, please visit the Ferry Information page on the Boston Harbor Islands partnership website.
Details
Activity
Self-Guided Tours - Walking
Pets Allowed
No
Service animals are allowed on island.
Activity Fee
No
Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.
Location
Fort Warren, Georges Island
Reservations
No
Season
Summer
Time of Day
Day
Accessibility Information
Georges Island features wide paved pathways around the exterior of Fort Warren and throughout island picnic areas. Inside the fort, a mix of paved and stone pathways provide access to much of the structure. The interior of this historic fort includes some narrow passageways, doorway thresholds and steep stone staircases.
Visitor Center, exhibits, and multi-stall restrooms are at ground level with no steps, as are single-stall Clivus (composting toilet) units in island picnic areas.