Sheffield Island is the second largest among the Norwalk Islands, with a total land area of more than 50 acres. The island is located within the Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge, and is under the management of the US Fish and Wildlife Service.
The island is a wonderful place to visit, especially for outdoor lovers of all ages. Here are a few great activities you can enjoy in Sheffield Island:
Ferry cruises
Visitors can take a scenic cruise by taking the Seaport ferry located at the Sheffield Island dock.
The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk also provides regular boat trips that circle the islands, including cruises that highlight the spectacular fall foliage and a special winter cruise where visitors may get the chance to spot waterfowl and harbor seals.
Photo courtesy of seaport.org
Lighthouse tour
Visitors can enjoy a tour of the historic 1868 lighthouse, which marks the entrance of the Norwalk River. The lighthouse offers picturesque views of Long Island Sound as well as the New York City skyline on clear days. Inside the ten-room lighthouse, tourists will be able to see interesting period furniture, giving them a glimpse of what life was like as a 19th century light keeper.
Thursday Clambake
Every summer, the Sheffield Island Lighthouse hosts the popular Thursday Clambake, which is organized by the Norwalk Seaport Association. Visitors will be treated to an unforgettable New England dining adventure, where they get a chance to dine at a tented pavilion right on the lighthouse lawn. Roundtrip cruises for the clambake also include a tour of the lighthouse, which makes it ideal for first-time visitors.
Bird watching tours
The Norwalk Seaport Association offers bird watching cruises around the Norwalk Islands during the summer. Visitors get to enjoy a fun, educational tour of nesting sites and colonies of a variety of bird species, including egrets, ospreys, gulls, herons, terns, American oystercatchers, and so much more.
If you’d like to know more about the lovely town of Norwalk, visit this page.
