50 Things to Do Before Memorial Day: Visit Camp Hero in Montauk
There are less than 50 days left until Memorial Day weekend, and while we at Dan’s Papers can’t wait, we also know there are many things we have to squeeze in during the next few weeks on the East End, lest we lose our chance with all that summer brings. We know that if we don’t get out and do these now, we’ll have to wait until after Labor Day before we try again…and so will you!
We continue our countdown of things to do before Memorial Day weekend on the East End with #46: Visit Camp Hero
It’s always surprising to discover a Hamptons local who has never visited Camp Hero in Montauk. For years this defunct Air Force base was closed off to all but the few brave, or dumb, enough to trespass and risk arrest or a summons, but the grounds have since been opened to the public as part of the New York State Parks Department. Called “Area 51 East” by many, Camp Hero is swathed in layers of legend and mystery, including rumors that it was once home to time travel and brainwashing experiments.
Unfortunately, the base and its massive SAGE radar tower are way out near the tip of Montauk Point, which can be quite a slog, even during the slower months. Now is the time to visit and see why this site has become world famous for paranormal investigators, UFOlogists and conspiracy theorists. Pick up a copy of The Montauk Project by Preston Nichols with Peter Moon before you go—it details a litany of crazy stories about the nefarious secret projects that occurred there—think subterranean laboratories, time travel, extraterrestrial contact and clandestine mind control programs, not to mention a sasquatch-like “beast.”
Incidentally, the grounds also make for a lovely hike.
Sound fun? You bet it does.
Come back tomorrow for 50 Things to Do Before Memorial Day #45.