About Nomans Land Island National Wildlife Refuge
Nomans Land Island is located in Dukes County, Massachusetts, three miles southwest of Martha’s Vineyard. This island has a unique history. Historically, the Cape and Islands were home to the Wampanoag Tribe. Ancestors of the federally recognized Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah) used the island perhaps as early as the Late Archaic Period (5,000 years before present). The island also had sheep grazing when the island was privately owned in the 1800’s, to then being used as a bombing range by the U.S. Navy starting during World War II. Portions of the island have been managed by the Service since 1970, while the island was still owned by the U.S. Navy. The Navy transferred ownership of the island to the Service in 1998. therefore, establishing the refuge. This refuge is closed to all public uses.Nomans Land Island provides diverse habitats including intertidal, freshwater wetland, grassland, and shrubland habitats. It serves an important role for nesting colonial waterbirds, and as a stopover for migratory birds. Species that inhabit the 628-acre island include, seabirds such as double crested cormorants and common terns, waterfowl, marsh bird, shorebirds, songbirds, raptors, reptiles such as the spotted turtle, mammals, including the New England cottontail and insects, such as the monarch butterfly.
How to Get There
Due to the potential safety risks associated with unexploded ordnance, and the value of this Island as a relatively natural Island habitat, the Refuge is closed to all public uses. Information about the Refuge can be obtained by contacting the headquarters office in Sudbury, MA at 978-443-4661.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →Plan Your Visit to Nomans Land Island National Wildlife Refuge
Heading to Nomans Land Island National Wildlife Refuge? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for Nomans Land Island National Wildlife Refuge?
No central reservation system listed for Nomans Land Island National Wildlife Refuge. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/recarea/4060) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to Nomans Land Island National Wildlife Refuge?
Due to the potential safety risks associated with unexploded ordnance, and the value of this Island as a relatively natural Island habitat, the Refuge is closed to all public uses. Information about the Refuge can be obtained by contacting the headquarters office in Sudbury, MA at 978-443-4661.
How do I contact Nomans Land Island National Wildlife Refuge?
You can reach the park at phone: 978-443-4661 or email: fw5rw_emnwr@fws.gov.
References & Official Resources
