Sipson Island Opens to the Public for the First Time in 300 Years
A 24-acre island off the coast of has opened to the public for the first time in 300 years. Sipson Island has been privately owned, without public access, since 1711, when 11 English colonists bought the island from Tom Sipson, a local Native American sachem.
Local residents, along with the Friends of Pleasant Bay and the Compact of Cape Cod Conservation Trusts, founded the nonprofit Sipson Island Trust. They successfully purchased the property for $5.3 million (€4.48 million) after it was listed on the market in 2018. The trust oversees the island, which is positioned in Pleasant Bay, aiming to promote public access while preserving its delicate habitats. While eight acres on the island remain outside the trust’s ownership, fundraising efforts are ongoing to acquire these additional lands.
Visitors can access the island from the eastern shore, although only shallow draft boats under 22 feet can land due to the sensitive ecosystem. Kayakers and paddleboarders can approach from the west, launching their vessels from one of the 15 public access points around Pleasant Bay. Once on the island, activities abound including hiking, snorkeling, lounging on sandy beaches, and picnicking at lookout decks that provide 360-degree views.
The trust plans to demolish three of the four existing buildings and fill in their septic systems. This transformation will cater to an open-air research and education center, thereby reducing maintenance concerns and supporting the objective of restoring the island to its natural state. Ultimately, the trust aims to foster outdoor recreation while contributing to the restoration of the island’s ecosystems and supporting both environmental and historical research.
“We are so excited about welcoming visitors to this extraordinary place,” says SIT president, Tasia Blough. “As we’ve been preparing the island for opening, I’ve been constantly amazed by the range of beauty we’re discovering. It’s like unlocking a secret garden. There are so many places to explore on the trail system and along the beaches — we can’t wait to share them with the community.”
Further information is available on the Sipson Island Trust website here.
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