Muskeget Island, National Natural Landmark island in Nantucket County, Massachusetts.
Muskeget Island is a roughly 100-acre sandy island off Nantucket with a saltwater lagoon in the center, dunes along the northern edge, and marshes toward the south. The terrain is flat and exposed, offering little shelter from wind and ocean exposure.
The island changed administrative control from Dukes County to Nantucket County in 1887, after which it became used for waterfowl hunting. Since then it has developed into an important wildlife sanctuary.
The landing strip and two remaining unoccupied shacks represent the ongoing connection between aviation history and environmental conservation on the island.
Travel to the island requires specialized boats from Nantucket due to shallow underwater features and strong currents in the surrounding waters. Visitors should prepare for rough conditions and limited landing areas.
The island hosts the southernmost grey seal breeding ground in New England, with a substantial population that returns regularly to breed. These seals make their home here and have made it an important marine sanctuary.
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