Boston Harbor Islands Pavilion
Stop by the pavilion, which is the gateway to the Boston Harbor Islands National Park. Designed by Reed Hilderbrand (landscape architects) and Utile (architects), the canopies protect the kiosks. A large map of the islands is in the pavement, and an exhibit shows the history and ecological diversity of the archipelago. Rainwater drains from the upper canopy into a catch basin, providing irrigation for the surrounding planted area. The pavilion was honored with a 2011 award for design excellence from the Boston Society of Architects.
Image: Rose Kennedy Greenway Conservancy
Boston Skyline from the Ferry
The experience begins with a high-speed ferry ride from the Long Wharf -- North Ferry Center in Boston. Watch the Boston skyline fade into the background and enjoy the cool ocean breeze as you sail into the harbor.
Image: Grace Ng
Georges Island Visitor Center
The historic Mine Storage Building was adaptively reused as the island’s visitor center. It contains a museum of the island’s 300 years as a major military element in Boston Harbor. Brown, Richardson + Rowe (landscape architects), with McGinley Kalsow & Associates (architects) incorporated historical elements for interpretive purposes, including concrete rail tracks, historically appropriate plantings, and new educational signage. The design was honored with a 2011 preservation achievement award from the Boston Preservation Alliance.
Image: Brown Richardson + Rowe
Summer Shack
Enjoy the view of the harbor from under the shade shelter constructed on the foundation of the former wooden Cable Tank Building, which was demolished after the fort was decommissioned, and was an integral component of the mining operation along with the pier facilities.
Image: Grace Ng
Through the Sally Port
A pathway from the dock leads past the fort’s guardhouse and a wooden bridge crosses a dry moat. Visitors enter through the fort’s original oak doors in the sally port to the expansive parade ground that once provided space for infantry training, as well as off-duty activities such as baseball games.
Image: Grace Ng
Grassy Parade Ground
The fort and its grassy parade ground are a popular place for a scenic low-stress walk. The horse-chestnut, elm, and maple trees inside the fort are approximately 100 years old.
Image: Grace Ng
Military Advantage
Climb to the top of Fort Warren to experience open views to the surrounding islands and the Boston Light, and to understand the strategic positioning of the fort between Boston’s main shipping channels.
Image: Grace Ng
Peaceful Views
Stroll along the undulating grassy knolls at the top of the fort and look out on the blue waters of the Boston Harbor, punctuated by the distinctive drowned drumlins.
Image: Grace Ng
Stroll Along the Rocky Beach
Enjoy a walk along the shoreline as you watch the boats sail by. In the distance, a wind turbine at the tip of hull harnesses energy from the ocean breeze.
Image: Grace Ng