Northeast

Crowninshield Island

Marblehead

5 acres

Navigate your way to this intimate outcropping that's reachable by boat—or, at low tide, on foot across the shallows—and amble along a short loop trail to a wooded hilltop.

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Plan Your Visit
  • Overview
  • Ideas for Your Visit
  • Admission & Hours
  • Directions & Contact Info
  • Regulations & Advisories

Overview

Explore a sandy beach, a small open field, and a wooded hilltop on this coastal island in picturesque Marblehead Harbor. Formerly called Brown’s Island, the property’s name honors Louise duPont Crowninshield, a pioneer in America’s historic preservation movement from 1925 until her death in 1958. She summered at Marblehead’s Peach Point on nearby Dolliber Cove.

Accessible by foot at low tide, this five-acre island packs an abundance of family-friendly experiences. If walking across the dry channel at low tide, arrive one hour before dead low tide and leave by one hour after to allow for maximum time on the island.

Ideas for Your Visit

Peek into tidal pools full of interesting shells and creatures, and wander along a short loop trail past rocky outcrops offering wondrous views of the harbor, other small islands, and 17th-century Fort Sewall. A south-facing lawn is a go-to spot for a mid-day picnic.

Admission & Hours

Admission
FREE to all.

When to Visit
Year-round, daily, sunrise to sunset. Allow a minimum of ½ hour. If walking across the dry channel at low tide, for maximum time on the island, arrive one hour before dead low tide and leave by one hour after.

 

Directions & Contact Info

Dolliber Cove
Marblehead, MA 01945
Telephone: 978.526.8687

Get directions on Google Maps.

There is no dedicated parking, and visitors are advised to seek legal street parking in the neighborhood. Roadside parking is limited and very restricted. Please respect all community signage.

From Rt. 128: Take Exit 26 onto Lowell St. (turns into Main St., then Boston St.). Turn left at Bridge St. Bear right onto Washington St. (turns into Rt. 114 East). Turn left onto West Shore Dr. (turns into Beacon St.). Follow 3 mi. to Harding Lane.

From Rt. 129 North: Turn right onto Atlantic Ave. (later turns into Essex St., then Washington St., then Orne St., then Beacon St.). Continue to Harding Ln. From the end of Harding Ln., access the island at low tide by foot.

Regulations & Advisories

  • There is no dedicated parking, and visitors are advised to seek legal street parking in the neighborhood.
  • If accessing the island by foot, for maximum time, plan to arrive one hour before dead low tide and leave by one hour after.
  • Dogs must be leashed at all times.
  • Always check for ticks: on yourself, your family members, and pets.
  • Water craft: Landing only.
  • Hunting is not permitted at this reservation. Learn more about hunting on Trustees properties.
  • Although work to eradicate poison ivy on the island continues, it does persist in some areas. Visitors are advised to tread carefully and/or wear closed toed shoes when visiting the island.
  • The possession of alcoholic beverages is prohibited.
  • Carry in – Carry out trash policy.
  • PHOTOGRAPHY: We ask that photographers or their clients become Contributing Level Members before conducting portrait sessions at this property. Click here for more information, and to request permission for any portrait sessions. The Trustees of Reservations reserves the right, and may give permission to its designated photographers and videographers, or to outside media, to photograph or video visitors and program participants at all its facilities and properties.
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