About Shelter Island - Chase Creek

Shelter Island is an island town in Suffolk County, New York near the Eastern end of Long Island.

Shelter Island is nestled between the North and South Forks of Long Island. It is surrounded on three sides by Shelter Island Sound and on the fourth side by Gardiners Bay. It can be reached via ferry from Greenport to the north (an approximately eight-minute trip) or from North Haven to the south (an approximately five-minute trip). The two ferry crossings are connected by New York State Route 114, which crosses the island.

Shelter Island is around 8,000 acres in size. Vast tracts are protected wetlands, a nature preserve marshland. Nearly one-third of the island is owned by The Nature Conservancy to be preserved in a wild state. The Preserve has four nature and bird-watching trails, varying in length from 1.5 miles to 11 miles, as well as a barrier-free Braille trail for the visually impaired. Shelter Island is a well known bicycling destination, people come from far away to enjoy the slow pace and minimal traffic of Shelter Island. There are vistas of nature and water at almost every turn.

Shelter Island is for those who seek respite from the noise and turmoil of city and suburban life. Careful zoning has preserved much of the Island’s rural character. The 35 mph speed limit plus the gentle pace of life bring our visitors back to a time many have thought was gone forever.

Guide to little-known historic places on Shelter Island!