SUMMER
VISITING HOURS
Ride the Jamestown-Newport Ferry
July 1 to Labor Day
10 AM - 4 PM Daily

It's painted white, but this is a "GREEN" lighthouse that conserves
with renewable wind-powered electricity and rainwater cisterns.

Since no tax dollars support the operation or maintenance of the Lighthouse, Fort Hamilton, or Rose Island Wildlife Refuge, we rely on our visitors to be as respectful and self-sufficient as the keepers.  Bring a picnic - Pack it in, pack it out rules (leave no trace).
See Rose Island Map.

Rose Island is divided into two distinct areas as follows:

1. Rose Island Light Station & Fort Hamilton - Open daily starting in July to Labor Day between 10 AM - 4 PM. Check in with our guides and keepers for a tour of the self-sufficient, operating Lighthouse and parts of Fort Hamilton (built between 1798-1800). Access to the Lighthouse tower is not guaranteed, but can be arranged, depending on our restoration progress. Picnic tables and public toilets are available. Other activities include beachcombing, fishing, bird-watching and swimming (no lifeguard, though).

2. Rose Island Wildlife Refuge - Starting August 15 the refuge is open from 10 AM to 4 PM when you may walk around the perimeter of the island on the beaches. Closed from April 1 to August 15 during bird nesting season.  Stay away from the Torpedo Station buildings which are dangerous. Pay attention to the signs.

INFORMATION, FEES & HOW TO GET HERE

• Ferry transportation: General public may purchase round trip tickets on the ferry. Cost: $16.50 per person age 6 and up. (RILF members may call 847-4242 to purchase round trip tickets to Rose Island for $13.50 each. It pays to join!) Daytime parking is available in Jamestown Village between the Fire Station and Town Hall.
• Rose Island Landing Fee: General public $5 adults; $4 children ages 6-12 and seniors 65 and older. FREE for RILF members and children 5 yrs and under. Includes any or all of the following: Lighthouse and Fort tours, use of our picnic tables, toilets, beach and the grounds (to the extent they are open depending on the time of year). Honor system payment upon arrival at Rose Island.
• Ferry Discount - Take $1 discount off each landing fee at Rose Island if you ride the Jamestown-Newport Ferry. (We encourage public transportation since we have no dockage for private boats.)
• Kayaks and small boats are welcome if you pull them up on the beaches either side of the lighthouse landing. LANDING FEE $5 PER BOAT.
• Group Discount - If your group is 12 people or more we can save you some money and dedicate a guide to you if you make prior arrangements. Click here for rates and information Group Tours
• Closing Time - At 4:00 PM the Lighthouse and Island are turned over to "keepers" for the night who receive their orientation at this time.  We ask all daytime visitors to leave the island by 4:00 PM.
• Nature Notes: Walking around the perimeter of Rose Island is prohibited between April 1 and August 15.  Restricted areas are marked with signs and are strictly enforced ... by our guides, our keepers, and by the "attack gulls" that will swoop and POOP all over you if you get too close to their babies!
• No Deer Ticks - Rose Island doesn't have deer ticks, so you don't have to worry about bringing bug spray with DEET.

Box lunch recommendations you can pick up yourself.