Muskeget

Muskeget is a low sandy island to the west of Tuckernuck Island and Nantucket, in the town of Nantucket, Massachusetts. The Muskeget Island group contains Dry Shoal, Skiff Island, Tombolo Point, and Adams Island. Much of Muskeget is owned by the town of Nantucket.

Muskeget has a high elevation of fourteen feet. Its northern shore is mostly sand dunes, while its southern shore is mainly marshes. A sandy point protects the lagoon.

The island is home to an indigenous species of rodent known as the Muskeget Vole. It is also the southernmost place where Grey Seals nest. There are currently two buildings on the island both of which are unoccupied.

Access

Muskeget is inaccessible to most boats because of shoals and sandbars. Kayaking there can be very dangerous because of rip currents, swells, whirlpools, and lobster pots. Specialized boats designed to navigate the difficult waters around the Island depart from Nantucket Harbor.

History

It was part of Dukes County until the 1870s. The island was designated a National Natural Landmark by the National Park Service in April 1980.