Block Island
Sixteen families seeking religious and political freedom bought the 11-square-mile island in 1661 and established it as a democratic settlement.
Block Island is ringed by public beaches; the largest is Crescent Beach which encompasses a 5-mile stretch of the east side of the island. Many nature, bicycling and hiking trails as well as wildlife sanctuaries are available. Popular nature trails include the Clayhead Trails, 2 miles north off Corn Neck Road, and the Greenway Trails, a half-mile west off Center Road. There are more than 40 rare and endangered wildlife species on the island; phone Block Island Nature Conservatory at (401) 466-2129.
Mohegan Bluffs, rising to 200 feet along the southeast shore, affords an excellent view of the southern coast of Rhode Island. Southeast Light, a restored lighthouse built in 1875, still stands. Its lantern, 240 feet above sea level, sends light 35 miles out to sea.
Passenger ferries run from downtown Newport mid-June through Labor Day; phone (401) 783-4613 or (866) 783-7996. A 1-hour crossing aboard an automobile ferry is offered all year from Point Judith; phone (401) 783-4613 or (866) 783-7996 in advance for reservations. Island Hi-Speed Ferry offers half-hour crossings between Port Judith and Block Island aboard high-speed catamarans mid-May to mid-October as well as a two-hour ferry from Fall River, MA, to Block Island, mid-June through Labor Day; for information or reservations phone (401) 783-4613 or (866) 783-7996. Another high-speed ferry runs from Orient Point, Long Island, N.Y., to Block Island; phone (860) 444-4624 or (855)256-2547 for reservations. Additional ferry service is available from Montauk, Long Island, N.Y. Crossing time is approximately 2 hours; phone (631) 668-5700.
Scheduled air transportation is available from Westerly, while charters are available from other points, including Providence. Phone New England Airlines at (401) 596-2460 or (800) 243-2460.
Visitor Centers
Block Island Tourism Council 40 Center Rd. Block Island, RI 02807. Phone:(401)466-2474
Shopping
The New Harbor and the Old Harbor areas contain restaurants, specialty shops and galleries.
Things to Do
The North Light
Recreational Activities