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5 Lesser-Known U.S. Islands for Family Nature Adventures

The views at these national park islands may boost happiness

Aerial view of New York harbor with Manhattan and Governors Island in view
An aerial view of New York Harbor shows Governors Island and the Manhattan skyline. Governors Island is a 10-minute ferry ride from Lower Manhattan and Brooklyn.
Getty Images
By

Cheryl Maguire,

 
AARP
Published June 20, 2024

My family always feels happy after visiting an island, and it turns out that we’re not alone. “The World Happiness Report” found that of the 60 happiest countries listed, 10 were islands. Islands provide beautiful natural surroundings. A research study from Scientific Reports found that people who spend time in scenic settings experience a boost in happiness.

Visiting an island is not only fun but also can be good for your health. A 2023 study from researchers at Penn State and two universities in Taiwan shows that people 65 and older who spent time in nature may experience more social connections and an improved quality of life. National parks are a popular way to interact with the outdoors. A bonus is that people 62 and older can buy a lifetime pass for $80 that covers the admission to many recreational sites. The five national parks listed below are all islands that you might not have heard of but are worth visiting.

An aerial view of Boston Light
Boston Light, the country’s first lighthouse, is located on Little Brewster Island in the Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area.
Getty Images

Boston Harbor Islands National and State Park

Location: Boston

How to get there: Public ferry or private boat

Island highlights: The Boston Harbor Islands comprise 34 islands and peninsulas. Our family has made regular visits to the various islands since my three kids were toddlers — they are now 19 (twins) and 16. During our trips we always see different types of wildlife such as turkeys, deer and crabs.

If this is your first visit to the islands, Rebecca Smerling, Boston Harbor Now’s director of programming, suggests you start your day before catching the ferry to the islands by going to the Welcome Center on the Rose Kennedy Greenway in Boston. “The Rangers can help you understand what programming is available to you that day,” she says. They can also answer any questions about the ferries or islands. “Different islands have different kinds of personalities,” she says.

Once you select an island to visit, Smerling says, “Don’t miss the Ranger tours.” During the free tours, the guides will explain the history of the island and point out the natural resources, fauna and flora.

You could explore the islands during a day trip or use the available campgrounds for overnight stays on select islands that require reservations. If you prefer a ready-made option you could rent a yurt — a canvas dome — on Peddocks Island. The yurts have bunk beds for six people and electricity.

“All the islands have paths that are graded for wheelchairs and other mobility devices,” Smerling says.

people fishing in a canoe at Isle Royale National Park
Going moose-spotting in a boat can be done while at Isle Royale National Park.
Theresa Russell

Isle Royale National Park

Location: Houghton, Michigan, in the middle of Lake Superior

How to get there: Public ferry, sea plane or private boat

Island highlights: Isle Royale National Park is a group of more than 400 islands, but most people go to the main island of Isle Royale. It’s one of the least traveled to national parks, which means you’ll be able to explore and appreciate nature without anyone obstructing your view.

One of the most iconic mammals of the island is a moose. Typically, you can see them feeding in the lakes or beaver ponds, but be sure to keep a safe distance. The island also is known for having wolves, which can be seen along lake shores. However, you are unlikely to see one since they are wary of people.

Theresa Russell, 70, a travel writer, visited the island for a meeting with other professionals. They stayed two nights at the Rock Harbor Lodge, the only full-service accommodation on Isle Royale. You also can stay at Windigo Camper Cabins or bring your own tent to stay at one of the campgrounds. Bring food, bug spray, water and other supplies. Russell says, “there’s just a tiny store on the island so bring everything you’ll need.”

While there she saw a moose exhibit, hiked on an easy trail and kayaked. “I think it’s good for families,” she says, since there are options for long or short walks and ranger-guided nature hikes.

The view right as you step off the ferry at beautiful Cumberland Island, Georgia.
This is the view when you step off the ferry at Cumberland Island National Seashore in Georgia.
Getty Images

Cumberland Island National Seashore

Location: St. Marys, Georgia

How to get there: Public ferry or private boat

Island highlights: Cumberland Island offers over 50 miles of trails and roads, allowing you to hike or bike while visiting. Since most of the roads are not paved, you may experience rough terrain. There are 22 different trails you can explore and downloadable maps for each one. Besides hiking, biking or swimming, the other popular activities on the island are beachcombing and birdwatching. Overnight stays are available on five different campgrounds.

Before your trip, stop by the visitor center located in St. Marys for ranger assistance with planning. There’s also a museum providing information about the island’s history. If you are traveling with kids, grab a Junior Ranger activity booklet that offers fun things to do while exploring. The island has three main ecosystems — salt marsh, maritime forest and beaches — that support an array of wildlife such as sea turtles, feral horses, alligators and armadillos.

If you want to immerse yourself in history, there’s a free ranger-guided tour of Dungeness Ruins, a former mansion that caught fire in 1959. Or, you also can go on a free ranger-guided tour of Plum Orchard Mansion, a 22,000-square-foot mansion.

English Camp, San Juan National Historical Park, San Juan Island, Washington
There are 172 named islands and reefs as part of San Juan Island National Historic Park. This is San Juan Island.
Alamy

San Juan Island National Historic Park

Location: Friday Harbor, Washington

How to get there: Public ferry, sea plane or private boat

Island highlights: San Juan Island is one of the 172 named islands and reefs. Lopez, Orcas, San Juan and Shaw, the most popular islands to visit, also have ferry services. On San Juan Island, common activities include biking, hiking, kayaking and exploring tide pools.

There are 25 hiking trails that range from easy to more challenging. If you want to explore the tide pools, the best spot is on Granny’s Cove, where you might find sea anemones, mussels, tide pool sculpin and shore crabs.

The San Juan Islands is one of the top places in the world to see whales because of the location in the Salish Sea. Five different types of whales can be found here including Bigg’s orcas, Southern Resident killer whales, humpbacks, minkes and grays.

A variety of options exist for overnight stays, including hotels, inns, farm stays, camping or glamping.

a view of Governors Island
Governors Island served as U.S. Army headquarters during World War II.
Courtesy Trust for Governors Island

Governors Island National Monument

Location: New York City

How to get there: Public ferry

Island highlights: Governors Island is a great way to escape the New York City life and experience nature, yet still see incredible views of the NYC skyline or the Statue of Liberty. A 10-minute ferry ride from Lower Manhattan or Brooklyn will lead you to the Welcome Center where you can learn about the day’s events and receive free guided tours.

The island has served various purposes over the years, including serving as U.S. Army headquarters during World War II to the Coast Guard’s largest installation. Then in 2001, the island was transferred to the National Park Service.

Art is an important focus on the island. “Check out the rotating and permanent public art displays that are scattered across the Island, such as Cabin by Rachel Whiteread, Yankee Hanger by Mark Handforth and Open Orchard by Sam Van Aken,” says Sarah Krautheim, senior vice president of public affairs at Trust for Governors Island.

A tree map will help you locate the different types of trees on the island. There also is a Spring Scavenger Hunt where you can find specific types of plants. Glamping is available for overnight stays.

Cheryl Maguire is a freelance writer whose work has been published in The New York Times, National Geographic, The Washington Post, The Boston Globe, Parents Magazine, Healthline and many other publications. She is a member of the American Society of Journalists and Authors. 

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