Shelter Island Heights: History and Architecture

Shelter Island Heights is distinguished by a combination of designed landscape, historic architecture, and religious camp-meeting heritage. Summer resort life was also part of the area's history. For travelers who want to plan their stay around history and architecture, there are several distinct points of interest: the Historic District, Union Chapel, and Camp Quinipet each represent different aspects of the area's history. The landscape design describes Shelter Island Heights as a whole; Union Chapel and Camp Quinipet, by contrast, draw attention to specific buildings and groups of buildings.

Historic Landscape and Architecture

Shelter Island Heights was laid out around 1872 and has remained essentially unchanged as a picturesque, naturalistic landscape. Historically, the area combined facilities for religious camp-meeting events with summer resort life. In 1993, Shelter Island Heights was listed in both the United States Register and the New York State Register of Historic Places, in recognition of its significance to American history and culture.

The Shelter Island Heights Historic District includes 141 buildings and one structure designated as contributing. The original cottages in the District feature elaborate and delicate woodwork on their porches, gables, windows, and doors. The number conveys the scale of the District, while the ornamentation also illustrates the level of detail found in individual cottages.

A walking tour of the Shelter Island Heights Historic District takes place annually. Check the date for your travel dates before making firm plans to attend.

Union Chapel and Camp Quinipet

Union Chapel was built in 1875 and stands in a natural amphitheater called The Grove. It features exceptional windows by Walter Brigham Cole. In 1984, the Chapel was listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The listings took place at different times: the Chapel was listed in the National Register in 1984, and Shelter Island Heights itself was listed in both registers in 1993.

Camp Quinipet in Shelter Island Heights was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 2005. Camp Quinipet now comprises 19 buildings dating from around 1830 to 1965, including a chapel, a nature center, and a dining hall. The focus is therefore on a historic collection with several types of buildings, not just a single structure. Camp Quinipet continues to offer day and overnight programs for boys and girls. Before your trip, check program availability if it is relevant to your plans.

Walking Tours and Sailing Options

The Shelter Island Yacht Club's Junior Sailing Program teaches more than 100 children each year. Club members take part in races and sail on Dering Harbor and Long Island Sound. The club's launch service is available to members and guests; as service conditions may change, check them before your trip.

Discover more destinations: Wainscott, Melville, Rocky Point, Fishers Island, Shelter Island, Cold Spring Harbor, Centereach, Water Mill.

For the overview of the wider travel region: Suffolk.