Nantucket National Wildlife Refuge

The 24-acre refuge encompasses barrier beach dunes and intertidal zones at the northeastern tip of Nantucket Island where the Sound meets the Atlantic Ocean.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service established the refuge in 1973 after acquiring the land from the U.S. Coast Guard to protect migratory bird populations.

The Great Point area maintains fishing traditions as one of New England's primary surfcasting locations, drawing anglers in pursuit of bluefish and striped bass.

Visitors can reach the refuge through a five-mile drive over sand, requiring a beach permit and four-wheel drive vehicle for safe transportation.

Gray seals and harbor seals regularly gather on the shoreline, while endangered roseate terns and piping plovers nest within the protected coastal habitat.

Location: Nantucket

Inception: 1975

Website: https://fws.gov/refuge/nantucket

GPS coordinates: 41.33480,-70.03750

Latest update: March 3, 2025 01:45