Pack a picnic and bring the kids for a one-of-a-kind day on Choate Island filled with history, hikes, and hands-on fun.

The Trustees invite the public to spend a day celebrating Choate Island, the crown jewel of the Crane Wildlife Refuge. Deer and foxes roam fields that once held sheep, while osprey soar above the sweeping views of Essex Bay. The island’s history stretches from its earliest days as home to Indigenous farmers and fishers, through generations of the Choate family, and later as a beloved retreat for Cornelius and Miné Crane, who chose to be buried at the summit.

This year’s event offers both Self-Guided and Guided experiences. The Guided option begins with a 90-minute interpretive walk across the island led by a trained guide, concluding at the Choate Island summit before visitors make their own way back to the dock. Self-guided visitors will also enjoy exploration across the island, with staff and volunteers stationed throughout to provide interpretation.

Guests will park at Crane Beach at the end of Argilla Road, where free parking and shuttle service will be provided. The shuttle ride is less than five minutes to the boat dock, where tickets may be checked in or purchased if available. A short boat trip of under ten minutes will bring visitors to Choate Island. Shuttles will run continuously between 10AM and 3PM, with the last boat returning at 3PM.

Highlights of the day will include:

• Talks on Choate Island life, human and natural history

• Proctor Barn open house

• Self-guided tours of Choate House

• Hikes to the Crane Burial Site

• A self-guided walking tour

• Kids’ scavenger hunt

• Shoreline walk and beachcombing

Light refreshments will be available, and guests are welcome to bring a picnic lunch, with the reminder to carry out all belongings and note that alcohol is not permitted.

See website for full ticket options.