MontaukOutdoor Escape Game & Treasure Hunt

From Montaukett Lands to Colonial Pasture

Before European settlers arrived, the eastern tip of Long Island was home to the Montaukett Tribe. The name Montauk comes from their language. Dutch explorers encountered the Montaukett in 1614, followed by English settlers from Connecticut and Massachusetts in the mid-1600s. In 1648, these settlers purchased land from the Montaukett, extending from Southampton's eastern boundary to Napeague beach.

By 1686, the Montaukett sold Montauk to a group of East Hampton settlers, known as the proprietors. They held the land in joint trust for nearly two centuries. This began Montauk's use as a summer pasture for cattle, sheep, and horses. Annual cattle drives took place on May 1st for grazing and November 1st for their return. Deep Hollow Ranch, established in 1658, is considered the oldest cattle ranch in America and continues to offer trail rides.

A Navigation Point and a Wartime Outpost

The Montauk Point Lighthouse was commissioned by President George Washington in 1792 and completed in 1796. It is the fourth oldest active lighthouse in the United States and the first in New York State. Its purpose was to guide ships navigating the waters between Block Island Sound and the Atlantic, particularly those approaching New York Harbor. The lighthouse was first lit in April 1797, using a whale oil lamp.

During World War II, Montauk became a military location with Camp Hero at Montauk Point. This coastal defense station included artillery bunkers and radar stations, designed to protect against potential German attacks. After the war, Camp Hero was decommissioned and became part of Montauk Point State Park. The Long Island Rail Road extension to Montauk in 1895 increased the area's accessibility, making it a fishing and tourist destination. Carl Fisher, an entrepreneur, purchased 10,000 acres of Montauk in 1926 with plans to develop it. This led to the construction of Tudor-style buildings like Montauk Manor, which opened in 1927.

• —Montauk Point Lighthouse — This landmark, commissioned by George Washington and completed in 1796, is the fourth oldest active lighthouse in the United States. The museum inside the keeper's house displays historical documents and offers information on its maritime past.
• —Camp Hero State Park — This park contains remnants of a former military base from World War II. The park features old artillery bunkers and a large radar tower, showing its past as a coastal defense station.
• —Montauk Point State Park — This park surrounds the lighthouse and offers coastal landscapes. It is a location for fishing and sightseeing. The park's bluffs are shaped by erosion, with less than 50 feet of land in front of the lighthouse in some areas.
• —Second House Museum — Built in 1797, this is one of the original three houses constructed to house keepers of pastured animals. It now operates as a museum, showing Montauk's early agricultural history.
• —Deep Hollow Ranch — Established in 1658, this is considered the oldest cattle ranch in America. Horseback riding is available on its trails.
• —Ditch Plains Beach — This beach is known for its Atlantic surf and is a location for surfing and bodyboarding.

Summer (June-August) is peak season, with warm weather and ocean temperatures reaching the mid-60s by August. Most businesses are open. This period also has significant crowds, higher prices, and traffic. For fewer crowds, late spring (May) and early fall (September-early October) are suitable. September offers warm ocean temperatures and fewer crowds after Labor Day. October is quieter, with less humidity. Winter (November-April) is quiet, with many seasonal businesses closed and cold temperatures. It offers solitude and empty beaches. Avoid visiting in July for a quiet trip.

Montauk is accessible by public transportation from New York City. The Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) offers year-round service from Penn Station or Grand Central Madison to Montauk. The Hampton Jitney also provides coach service from NYC and other parts of Long Island.

In Montauk, travel without a car is manageable in the village core. Walking is effective for downtown shops, restaurants, and town beaches. For longer distances, such as to Montauk Point Lighthouse or the docks, taxis, rideshares (Uber), or the seasonal Hampton Hopper shuttle service are available. Biking is an option, though some parts of town are hilly and night riding can be unsafe due to dark roads.

Parking can be difficult during peak summer months. Paid daily parking is available at Kirk Park Beach Parking Lot and some street spots, payable via the Park Mobile app or QR codes. Free parking lots are located near the center of the village, such as behind the Montauk Bike Shop or near the Montauk Post Office. Specific parking permits are required for certain beaches and county parks.