Credit: USFWS Great Point Lighthouse on Nantucket National Wildlife Refuge Credit: USFWS Aerial view of Nantucket National Wildlife Refuge and Great Point Credit: USFWS Beach on Nantucket National Wildlife Refuge

Nantucket National Wildlife Refuge consists of the Northeast tip of Nantucket, known as Great Point. The 24-acre Nantucket Refuge was established in 1973 when the Service acquired the property under the Act Authorizing the Transfer of Certain Real Property for Wildlife or other purposes from the U.S. Coast Guard. The Refuge’s establishing purpose is "its particular value in carrying out the migratory bird act."

The refuge is open to the public for beach use, wildlife observation, fishing, environmental education and interpretation, and over-sand vehicle use. Dogs are not permitted on Nantucket NWR. Access to the refuge is difficult, as there are no roads and visitors must cross about 5 miles of sand beach. Over sand vehicle use requires a permit from The Trustees of Reservations (TTOR) since you must cross their property to reach the refuge.

The Refuge has been managed informally by TTOR for several decades. TTOR owns the land immediately adjacent to Great Point, known as the Coskata-Cotue Refuge. Great Point is known as one of the best surfcasting locations in New England because of the rip tide which brings bluefish and striped bass to the point. The Refuge is also a destination for hundreds of visitors each year seeking to enjoy a Nantucket beach or a tour of the Great Point Lighthouse. More information about the adjacent TTOR property is available on their website.

Part of a Complex

Nantucket NWR is one of eight refuges within the Eastern Massachusetts NWR Complex. The refuge management and administration office is located at the Complex Headquarters at 73 Weir Hill Road, Sudbury, Massachusetts, 01776. For more information about future management of Nantucket NWR, contact the Refuge Manager at (978) 443-4661 or check here for further updates.