Public tours of the MSC

Join us for a guided tour of the Marine Science Center (MSC) to learn about some of the current marine and environmental research taking place here, tour the facilities and grounds, and hear about the natural and cultural histories of East Point.

Tours are open to individuals and families. All organizations (e.g., schools, scouts, clubs) and any other parties of 6 or more interested in visiting the MSC should instead sign up for a guided program. More information about guided programs can also be obtained by emailing mscoutreach@northeastern.edu. Persons interested in academic programs at Northeastern should contact David Dawson at d.dawson@northeastern.edu for further information.

Tours will begin at 2:30pm and last approximately 75 minutes. Participants should be prepared to walk and/or stand for the duration of the tour, occasionally along unpaved and uneven terrain.  Tours for persons with limited mobility may be arranged by request. All tours are free of charge.

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2018 TOUR DATES

April 26

May 24

June 21

July 26

August 30

September 20

October 25

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Is registration required, or can I just show up?

Yes, registration is required. Please note that a limited number of spots are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Persons not signed up will be regrettably turned away on the day of the tour if no further space is available.

Is there an age limit to take a public tour?

While we aren’t placing a restriction on age, the tour will appeal to children 6 and over. Also, the tour does involve walking on unpaved and uneven surfaces, viewing laboratories, and listening to historical and scientific information, so please consider whether these activities are well matched to a participant’s age/interests before registering. We will do our best to adapt to the age groups/interests present on the day of the tour.

I walk my dog all the time at East Point. Are pets welcome?

With the exception of service animals, no other animals will be allowed inside the buildings. Better to leave Fido at home and take a walk with her another time.

Will any additional paperwork be required for the event?

A Consent to Participate and Release Form (click here to access) will be required for each member of a party and will be emailed to participants upon registration. Persons under 18 will be required to present a form signed by a parent/guardian.

Where can I contact the organizer with any questions?

Please email mscoutreach@northeastern.edu with any questions or contact our front office at 781.581.7370, x0.

Can I update my registration information?

You may make changes to an existing reservation at least 24 hours before the start of the tour, but you may not be able to add additional people. Please be aware that space is limited and spots are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Do I have to bring my printed ticket to the event?

We will accept printed tickets or tickets on smartphones at the start of the tour.  Every person attending must have a ticket for themselves.

The name on the registration/ticket doesn’t match the attendee. Is that okay?

Yes, as long as everyone attending has his/her own ticket.

What are my transport/parking options getting to the event?

Parking is available onsite while you are on official business only, including a tour for which you are registered. Upon arrival, please drive through the gate and park in the area to the right. Upon completion of the tour participants will be required to vacate the parking lot as the gate is closed and locked at the end of business hours.

The MSC is accessible via MBTA Bus #439 followed by a 10-minute walk from the Wharf Street stop on an extremely limited basis. Persons planning to access this are advised to research travel times and transfer points very carefully well in advance before committing to this method of transit.

What can/can’t I bring to the event?

We recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes and dressing for the weather. Bringing an extra layer is advisable, as it is often colder/windier in Nahant than on the “mainland”. A hat and/or sunscreen is advised, as is a water bottle, especially on hot days. We also recommend bring a camera and/or binoculars, as wildlife can often be viewed along the tour path.  

The following items are prohibited on a tour: firearms, drugs/alcohol, hazardous materials, and clothing containing inappropriate/obscene words or symbols. 

If you have any further questions, please email mscoutreach@northeastern.edu or call 781.581.7370, x0.