05/19/2026
It's turtle season at Jamestown! In the late spring, turtles of all types become more active and hatchlings begin to emerge. To protect them during this important time, the Loop Drive at Historic Jamestowne is temporarily closed to vehicles.
If you plan to explore the Loop Drive, bring your walking shoes or bike, but keep an eye out - baby turtles can be the size of a silver dollar and blend in to the color of the road 🐢 Thanks for your understanding!
🚧🐢 Caution: Turtles Crossing on Jamestown Island 🐢🚧
The Jamestown Island Loop Drive is temporarily closed to vehicles as park scientists continue a multi year migration study monitoring seasonal turtle movements across the island. This temporary closure gives us an opportunity to learn how turtles use the island’s wetlands, forests, and marshes — and to understand if reducing traffic can help protect them.
🚶♀️🚴 Visitors on foot or bike may continue to enjoy the loop, but please ⚠️use caution and stay alert⚠️- some turtles are as small as a quarter, and their coloring blends in with the pavement, making them hard to spot, even for walkers and bicyclists traveling at low speeds.
Why it’s important:
• Spring and fall are peak turtle activity seasons
• Early findings suggest fewer vehicles = fewer turtle fatalities
• Your cooperation helps us collect accurate, meaningful data
With your support, park staff can better understand seasonal turtle behavior and use this research to guide future conservation decisions.
📅 Loop Drive reopens to vehicles on June 11.
More info: https://www.nps.gov/articles/000/osip_colo.htm
