Block Island was formed during the last ice age when the receding glacier dumped a pile of dirt, about the geological equivalent of a seagulls bowl movement, where present day Block Island is. Block Island was not always an island, it was part of the continent of North America and the nearest beach-front property was hundreds of miles away! It was not until the water which melted off the glacier caused the oceans to rise that this highland became an Island.

BI is 7 miles long and 3 miles across at its widest point, and shaped like a pork chop. Biking and mopeds are by far the best way to get around.

BI was rated by Money Magazine as having the best beaches in the country

42% of BI is preserved forever by groups such as The Nature Conservancy and the Land Trust.

The 175’ Mohegan Bluffs got their name when the native Manissea Indians threw a group invading Mohegans (of Foxwoods Resort and Casino) off the bluffs to their deaths.

Some Less-expensive food is available on the Island, our courteous staff will point you in the right direction.

Only about 800 people live here all year round. The Summer population peaks at 25,000.

Many of the 365 natural ponds on BI were formed from chunks of ice which fell in front of the glacier and were pushed to their final resting place along with the material which currently makes up the Island.

The Best Beach is located near the shop at Ballards.

The South East Light is the highest lighthouse in New England, and its beam is the most visible on the East Coast.

Click here to read the Old Harbor Bike Shop FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS