Chances are you’ve heard of the breathtaking archipelago in the Long Island Sound called the Thimble Islands. You may have even hopped aboard one of the three tour boats that will take you on a cruise around the scenic islands while giving you a short history lesson. Granted, the islands are beautiful from a perch aboard a boat, but all you can see is the shorelines. If you are looking to land on one of these beauties and do some exploring, then make Outer Island your next destination.
Outer Island is the outermost island of the Thimble Islands. It is part of the Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge and is a gorgeous gem open to the public.
You can only get to Outer Island by boat. Many take the ferry out to the island. Do not make the mistake of taking one of the tour boats; you need to hop aboard the Thimble Island Ferry Service located on the opposite side of the dock. This is the same ferry that takes residents back and forth to their homes and can make stops at the docks of the islands.
Only In Your State/Natalie Clunan
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You can also get to the island under your own steam. Take a scenic paddle through the waterway and leave your kayak on the beach. If you have your own small motorized craft, you can tie up at the dock along the sides so you don't block the ferry landing.
Outer Island has been traditionally a summertime spot like most of the other Thimble Islands. The Mattabesic Native Americans occupied the small island during the warmer months for fishing. In 1889, the first Professor of Zoology at Yale, Addison Verrill, purchased the island as a summer retreat for him and his family. Elizabeth Hird with her husband, Basil Rauch, Professor of History at Columbia University, purchased the island in 1964 as a summer escape.
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Outer Island became a part of Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge in 1995 when Elizabeth Hird donated the island in memory of her deceased husband. Elizabeth continued to summer on the island until 2002 when she passed away at age 87. Her wishes for the preservation of the island are being carried out by the Refuge and the State University System.
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Visit Outer Island between 8 a.m. and sunset daily from May 30th through September 25th. After arriving at the dock, make your way to the covered pavilion where you'll be met by an intern. Take a guided tour or explore on your own.
Stroll along the winding stone wall path for the most expansive views. You'll be able to take in the neighboring islands along with the water that stretches for miles to the horizon.
Only In Your State/Natalie Clunan
Much of the island is granite outcropping and boulder and cobble beaches. This little oasis is unusually breathtaking in its natural state.
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Explore the tidal pools for small creatures or use the enormous rocks as the perfect spot to enjoy a picnic.
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While you'll love the scenery on the edges of the island, the interior provides winding whimsical paths. Walk the trails for an experience of wonder and discovery. Flowering plants and migratory birds are an important part of this refuge.
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Discover the seaside window. Peer through it and see the magical scenery unlike any other place on Earth.
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Travel by boat to visit this island treasure lying just offshore of the Branford coast. It's an experience that the whole family will love!
Only In Your State/Natalie Clunan
For more information on Outer Island, visit their website. The ferry dock can be found at 4 Indian Point Rd., Branford, CT 06405. For more information on the ferry to the island, click here.
Have you ever been to visit Outer Island? For another great day trip, visit this offshore island that is also part of the Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge.
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