It's illegal for the public to set foot on North Brother Island and its smaller companion, South Brother Island, without permission from the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation. Even then, access is only granted in rare cases.

Yes, it is illegal for the general public to visit North Brother Island without explicit, written permission from the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation. Located in the East River between the Bronx and Rikers Island, the 20-acre island has been abandoned since 1963 and is currently designated as a protected bird sanctuary, primarily for Black-crowned Night Herons. The city strictly prohibits trespassing to protect the fragile ecosystem and because the remaining structures—which once served as a quarantine hospital (where "Typhoid Mary" was famously held) and a rehab center—are in a state of severe, dangerous decay. Unauthorized entry can result in arrest and significant fines. In 2026, the only legal way to visit is through a rare, pre-arranged tour for educational or scientific purposes, which requires a rigorous application process. The island is monitored by the NYPD and Parks Department security, and because it is only accessible by boat, any unauthorized vessel approaching the shore is quickly intercepted. For most people, the island remains a "forbidden" piece of NYC history that is best viewed from a distance.