Frequently Asked Questions About Block Island

Q: What’s the best way to get to Block Island?

A: We recommend that you board your own yacht and tell the captain to get you to Block Island. If for some reason that’s not possible (the yacht’s hull needs cleaning, for instance), you can take a ferry from the Port of Galilee in Rhode Island any day of the year. The car-carrying ferries leave from here. High speed ferries run seasonally, out of Galilee and New London, Conn (). You can also take a 15-minute flight to BI any day of the year from Westerly, Rhode Island.

Q: How many people live here during the winter?

A: An island head count taken annually on Groundhog Day typically finds 900 to 1,000 people “on-island.” Block Island, Rhode Island is unique in one special way: it is the smallest town (in both population and land area) in the smallest state.

Q: How many children attend the Block Island School?

A: Approximately 150, kindergarten to 12th grade. The Block Island School, on High Street, was recently updated and expanded.

Q: Where are the public restrooms?

A: Just off the ferry, straight ahead, you’ll find restrooms at the Visitor’s Center. You’ll also find public toilets at the harbormaster’s shack in Old Harbor, the Fire/Police Station, the Island Free Library, the Hog Pen marina in New Harbor, and the Town Beach pavilion. Port-a-johns are set up at the Southeast Lighthouse and Mansion Beach.

Q: Where does Block Island get its electricity?

A: The Block Island Power Company operates diesel generators on Ocean Avenue. You’ll hear them whirling away as you walk or bike past.

Q: What’s a fire number?

A: All Block Island buildings are assigned fire numbers. Emergency services use these numbers when responding to calls. The numbers are meaningless as street addresses. Mail is not delivered to homes here; this is a primary reason there are no street addresses for homes and businesses.

Q: Are there squirrels on the island?

A: No. Ditto for chipmunks, skunks, possum and raccoon. Critters common on Block Island include deer, muskrat, mice, rats, turtles and the occasional snake.