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Bumpkin Island... also known as Round Island, Pumpkin, Bumpkin and Ward's Island is located just off the Hingham Bay in Massachusetts. With its rocky coast and renowned walking trails, the island has become one of Boston Harbor's best day trips. Between the hours of 9:00 am to sunset, visitors of the island are welcome to hike the 62 acres of various cleared trails, enjoy a family picnic with a view of the Hingham Islands or immerse themselves in the rich vegetation the island has to offer (white birch trees, pear, and apple to name a few), which includes trees dated to a hundred years old. In the Summer season, visitor's are also welcome to camp on the island, but expected to bring their own provisions.

Before one can experience all Bumpkin Island has to offer, it is important to learn a little history of the island that looms 70 ft. above sea level. The island was originally inhabited by Native Americans, which during the colonial period changed hands and was rented to farmers. The island became the center of a successful fish smelting and drying operation. In the early 1900's a Boston philanthropist, Albert Burrage, founded a hospital on the island dedicated to children with physical disabilities. The hospital ceased operations during WWI when the island was taken over by the military and used for a naval training camp. After the conclusion of the war, the hospital reopened specializing in treating polio patients, but again closed with the start of WWII. In 1945 the hospital burned, but its stone remains (as well as the rem ains of a single farmhouse) can still be viewed on the island.  Bumpkin Island is host to several visitors and functions during the Summer season. The Art Encampment Project is held annually on the island, where artist camp on the island for several days, utilizing the island's resources to create various works of art ( [|Art Encampment Info]  ). Tourists or visitors of the island are welcome to participate in the projects festivities for no charge. Access this destination via the shuttle boat that offers shuttles to as well as from the Georges Islands. These services are offered on a daily basis throughout the Summer (weather permitting) and year round on the weekends. Cost for such services range from 10-14 dollars depending on the day of travel, and location of departure.