Sites to Visit on Block Island
But there are a few sights you’ll want to be sure to see. Some you may already know about, such as the lighthouses and the Mohegan Bluffs. Others are a little harder to find and lesser known except to residents and previous visitors, like the Labyrinth and the Ocean View Pavilion.
Situated at the northern tip and the the southeast tip of Block Island are two lighthouses. The Southeast Lighthouse is a red-brick structure that is easily accessible and open to the public most days. The Southeast Lighthouse sits only a few hundred feet away from he Mohegan Bluffs, which afford visitors a remarkable view of the ocean and the shoreline of Block Island.
Traveling just a bit further down the road from the Southeast Lighthouse, you’ll find the Mohegan Trail which leads to a much better vantage point from which to view the majesty of the high cliffs, known as the Payne Overlook. From here, a very long staircase leads down to the beach. But be warned, the climb down is relatively easy, but going back up can be quite a different story, even for hardier travelers. You may need to stop and rest a few moments on the return trip.
To view the North Lighthouse, which is closed to the public but can still be approached, you will need to travel all the way to the northern tip of Block Island, park at the parking area, and then walk the rest of the way along the shoreline. The walk itself is a small hike, but the scenery here is just as beautiful.
After your visit to the northern lighthouse, you’ll want to keep an eye out on the right side of the road for a small wooden staircase that seems to lead into some undergrowth. It is easily missed if traveling quickly. This roadside stop leads to a remarkably tranquil area called The Sacred Labyrinth. The Labyrinth consists of a pathway bordered by very short hedges. Walking along the path of The Sacred Labyrinth is intended to be a spiritual journey, and as you enter the center, you are invited to sit for a minute, reflect upon your thoughts and surroundings, and leave something in the center if you desire, such as a written wish or prayer.
The small meadow-like area about the labyrinth is peaceful and serene, as well as providing a great view of the northern shore and the lighthouse. It is a great spot to relax and enjoy the scenery, or have a picnic if you desire.
If you are visiting Block Island with children, you’ll definitely want to stop at Abrams’ Animal Farm, just a short walk from the town. The farm houses llamas, goats, emus, a camel, a kangaroo, a score of ducks and chickens, a pair of donkeys, and other domestic farm animals.
Other areas of note are the Rustic Rides Horse Farm, where you can go on a guided tour on horseback through the woods and along the shores of Block Island, and Rodman’s Hollow, a large ravine with winding trails leading through light woods and out toward the shore, banked by cliffs.
Of course there is still much more to see, such as the historical island cemetery, the victorian style houses and bed and breakfast’s, the Hodge Preserve, and many other sites of interest and fascination. Be sure to seek a out the free Block Island Guidebooks when you arrive on the island.
