Block Island
New Shoreham, RI 02807
Plan Your Visit
The trip to Block Island will require a boat ride or an airplane flight. Passenger ferries run from Newport, RI and Montauk, Long Island, NY during the summer months and from Point Judith, RI all year. The refuge is about 4 miles from the ferry landing on Block Island.
Know Before You Go
Pets are not allowed on the refuge (Service Animals are allowed per the ADA).
To assist in preparing for a pleasant experience while visiting, we would like to share the following Helpful Health Hints:
- Dress for the weather.
- Insect repellent is recommended. We do have deer ticks but you will rarely be exposed to their habitat on the trail.
- Poison Ivy is common on the refuge. All parts of the plant can cause a rash during any season.
- Bring water and drink plenty of it while engaging in activities on the refuge.
- Be sure to use sun protection and to not over-exert yourself.
Block Island National Wildlife Refuge is composed of multiple fragmented units. There are no maintained trails, but visitors can walk along the shoreline at North Light for the best wildlife sightings.
Activities
Featured Species
Get Involved
Interested in getting involved with any of the five Rhode Island National Wildlife Refuges or the Providence Urban Wildlife Conservation Partnership? Opportunities include volunteering, internships, employment, and becoming a member of the Friends of the National Wildlife Refuges of Rhode Island.
About
Established in 1973 from a 28-acre U.S. Coast Guard transfer, Block Island National Wildlife Refuge has grown to 134 acres and is part of the Rhode Island National Wildlife Refuge Complex. The refuge is internationally recognized as a critical habitat for over 70 species of migratory songbirds and hosts Rhode Island's largest gull colony. It serves as a vital sanctuary for migratory birds and protected species like the American burying beetle and piping plover. Visitors are offered opportunities for wildlife-dependent recreation, including birding and nature appreciation, amidst unique coastal habitats.
