Shelter Island, Island town in Suffolk County, United States.
Shelter Island sits between the North and South Forks of Long Island and is surrounded by water on all sides. The land covers approximately 8,000 acres, with Shelter Island Sound and Gardiners Bay forming its natural borders.
The island was originally home to the Manhanset people before Nathaniel Sylvester founded a European settlement in 1651. This early colonization by Sylvester established the foundation for what would eventually become the modern town.
The Shelter Island Heights Historic District features buildings from when the island served as a Methodist gathering place in the 1870s. Visitors can see how this heritage shaped the local architectural style.
Two ferry services connect the island to the mainland, departing from Greenport and North Haven and operating throughout the year. These ferries are essential for reaching the island, as they provide the only direct access from the surrounding areas.
One-third of the island is protected by The Nature Conservancy, preserving natural trails and wetland areas throughout the territory. This protected land allows visitors to walk through diverse ecosystems that remain largely undisturbed.
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