Deer Island Public Access

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Deer Island features five miles of public walkways and trails for walking, jogging, sightseeing, picnicking, fishing and bicycling. The public access area is open to the public year-round, from sunrise to sunset. At Deer Island you'll also find:

• 60 acres of open space, including 2.6 miles of paved handicapped accessible perimeter path
• A new handicapped accessible fishing pier
• 10 landscaped overlooks with interpretive signage
• Memorials and dedicated benches
• Dramatic views of the Boston skyline and Harbor Islands
• Spectacular closeups of airport landings and takeoffs
• Elevated look-in locations to learn about the treatment plant
• Low maintenance, native plant species similar to those of other Harbor Islands

How To Get To Deer Island

Deer Island, which connects to the town of Winthrop, Massachusetts, is accessible by car and public transportation.

By Car (updated 08/21/20):

• For GPS, the address to use is 190 Tafts Avenue, Winthrop, MA 02152
• From Boston, the Callahan or the Ted Williams Tunnel, follow Route 1A North, McClellan Highway, until first traffic light
• Take right on Boardman Street to rotary, go half way around and continue on Saratoga Street
• After passing “Entering Winthrop” sign take first right onto Pleasant Street (Route 145)
• Discontinue following Route 145
• At “Stop” sign take a right on Shirley Street
• Follow Shirley Street to Elliot Street take a right and follow Elliot Street around to the left
• Take a right on to Tafts Avenue and follow to the end. (Please note the speed limit is 20 MPH)
• Parking for public walkways are offered at the head of the island. Please obey all parking restrictions and do not park within the Winthrop neighborhoods
• For visitors of the Treatment Plant, please proceed past the visitor's parking lot and check in at the staffed Security Gate. 

• All guests must be pre-registered to gain entrance to the plant

Printer-Friendly Driving Directions (PDF)

Boston Harbor Islands National Park Area

MWRA’s Deer Island and Nut Island public access areas are part Boston Harbor Islands National Park Area, a diverse collection of 34 islands. More details on the park can be found on the Boston Harbor Islands website.