Five Islands and Glen Island Park

Glen Island Park is a 105-acre (0.42 km2) park, located on Glen Island, on the Long Island Sound. In 1879 former U.S. Congressman John H. Starin bought Glen Island and four nearby islands. He gave Glen Island its name and converted the islands into a summer resort for city dwellers that has been called "the first theme park". The islands were connected by causeways and piers and each island featured a different international theme. Steamships transported visitors from New York City to the park.The park, which opened in 1881, attracted thousands of people daily, included among its attractions a bathing beach, a natural history museum, a zoo, A German beer garden and castle, musical entertainment, and a Chinese pagoda.

Today both Islands are wonderful side trips from Pelham Bay to Rye Beach.