Peddocks Island

Both serene and historic, Peddocks Island is known for its rich biodiversity and is home to Fort Andrews.

One of the largest islands, Peddocks Island is both beautiful, rich in history and off the beaten path. The island once was home to Native Americans, militiamen, prisoners of war, and farmers. Today some private residents still call the island home. Historic structures, such as Fort Andrews, built at the start of the 1900’s, along with the restored WWII-era Chapel, reside at this location. Peddocks Island is also rich in biodiversity and is home to wildlife such as deer and turkeys, making it a fun location to explore. Come enjoy a day of hiking, bird watching, or simply settle into one of multiple campsites.

Peddocks Island Welcome Center

Park Amenities

  • Visitor Center
  • Restrooms
  • Drinking Water
  • Hiking Trails
  • Charcoal Grills
  • Tent and Yurt Campgrounds
  • Charcoal Grills
Peddocks Island Activities

Recreation & Activities

  • Picnicking
  • Camping
  • Hiking
  • Fishing
  • Ranger-Guided Programs
  • Swimming (unsupervised)
Park Rangers

Know Before You Go

Many of the buildings are closed as a safety precaution. Please respect private homes and stay on trails. Pack a lunch – there is no food service on the island. Drinking water and restrooms are available on the East Side of the Island. Remember to carry out all trash.

Fort Andrews

Built in 1900, Fort Andrews is an example of a coastal fort from the Endicott Period.

What once served as an active Coast Artillery Post, Fort Andrews now is a quiet reminder of things past. The fort was a sub-post of Fort Strong on Long Island and was operated by hundreds of soldiers controlling the southern approaches to Boston and Quincy Bay. It once held 30 structures in the 1920s to house its many military residents and had one of the Army’s earliest radio transmitting stations. The WWII fort also held Italian prisoners of war who were later put to work as paid Italian Service Units. In 1946 Fort Andrews was decommissioned and was purchased with Peddocks Island by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in the 1970s.

Resources

Document Title Description Download
Peddocks Island Junior Ranger Booklet Explore the island, complete activities and earn an official Junior Ranger badge! Download

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