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A Note on Day Visits

Star Island’s open season runs from mid-June until mid-September. You are welcome to visit the grounds through Labor Day, from 8 a.m. until sunset.

Over 100 years old, the Oceanic House is the largest structure on Star Island and its main lobby, writing room, Pink Parlor, and dining hall provide a glimpse into the life of the Grand Hotel Era when Star Island attracted such notable artists and writers as Childe Hassam and Nathaniel Hawthorne. One of Star Island’s most prominent features is the chapel, a simple stone meeting house built in 1800 on the highest point of land.

Can I come out for a day trip?
Day trips are available from mid-June until mid-September. In addition, the boat company Isles of Shoals Steamship Company (“Thomas Laighton”) offers day visits to Star Island from Portsmouth.

The Uncle Oscar travels from Rye Harbor to Star Island about four times a day, allowing you to tour the island, have a picnic or enjoy lunch in our dining room at your leisure. You can also bring your own boat, although moorings are limited. See our Day Guests page for details.

How do the conferences work?
If you want to stay on the island for more than just a day trip, the conferences are where it’s at. We offer conferences & retreats lasting from 2 to 7 days on a variety of subjects–from photography to international affairs to family conferences in the spirit of the United Church of Christ and Unitarian Universalism. Each conference is independent and self-administered. See the conference calendar page for more information, including contact information for each conference’s registrar.

How do I register for a conference?
All the details about how to register are published in our annual conference guide book, called the Blue Book. You can also email any conference registrar if you need help.