City Bumpkins
Sunset cruise heads to Bumpkin Island in Boston Harbor
This evening, pack a picnic and head off into the sunset on a cruise to Bumpkin Island in Boston Harbor. The three-hour trip, which departs Rowes Wharf at 6 p.m., is the third of five sunset cruises sponsored by the Friends of the Boston Harbor Islands on periodic Wednesdays over the summer.
Bumpkin Island is 30 acres of slate and shell beaches, open fields, and walking trails lined with wildflowers that lead to the remains of a stone farmhouse. Before Europeans arrived in Massachusetts, it was used as a fish camp by Native Americans. In colonial times, the island was leased to tenant farmers. It was also the site of fish drying and smelting facilities in the 19th century, and home to an early 20th century children’s hospital that was abandoned in World War II. Visitors can take a guided walking tour or explore on their own. And don’t worry about getting your feet wet; the boat drops you at the Bumpkin Island dock.
If you go, be sure to bring some dinner along, as there is no food and drink available for purchase on either the boat or the island. In addition, alcohol, pets, and bikes are not permitted on the island. Tickets for the cruise cost $20 for adults, $16 for children aged 3 to 12, and can be purchased in advance by check or day of by cash. More information on ticket sales can be found here or by calling 781-740-4290.
Chris Berdik can be reached at cberdik@bu.edu.
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