Upton: Military History, Research and Nature

Upton between Military History and Research

Upton offers discoveries that go far beyond any single subject: the history of Camp Upton spans both world wars, while Brookhaven National Laboratory stands for research and unique insights into science. The Peconic River and a protected habitat in the Pine Barrens area round out the picture. If you’re looking for a vacation rental in Upton, these different interests may help you decide: Would you like to focus mainly on history, learn about science, or experience nature by the water?

Camp Upton and a Significant Transformation

Camp Upton was an active U.S. Army base from 1917 to 1920 and again from 1940 to 1946. During both world wars, it served as a training site for soldiers. In World War I, the camp was also a mobilization site; those trained there included Irving Berlin. This chapter connects the site’s history with a well-known figure without losing sight of the camp’s military purpose.

In January 1947, the former Camp Upton was converted into a research center for the peaceful use of atomic energy. Brookhaven National Laboratory was established that same month. The shift from military training to scientific research is a defining part of the area’s history. The World War I trenches on the laboratory grounds are also part of this historical context: they are eligible for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places.

Tours and Science to Explore

Brookhaven National Laboratory offers various ways to explore science from different perspectives. The National Synchrotron Light Source II offers monthly tours. Visitors can learn about how a synchrotron light source operates and the research conducted there, as well as tour the experimental hall. Those interested in research and its technical work environments will find a different perspective here than in the military history of Camp Upton.

The Science Learning Center offers students discovery-based, hands-on learning experiences covering a range of scientific principles. Two time slots are available for in-person field trips, Tuesday through Friday: 10:00–11:30 a.m. and 12:30–2:00 p.m. Reservations are required, and spots are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. Brookhaven National Laboratory also offers summer Sunday open-house tours on selected dates in June, July and August.

Group tours are intended for groups of 10 to 20 guests from colleges and universities, professional organizations, and adult community groups. They can be arranged on selected weekdays, but not on weekends or holidays. These different formats suit a range of visits, from a field trip for students to a tour for an adult community group. The dates and conditions listed vary by offering.

The Peconic River and Pine Barrens

Nature adds its own distinctive touch. The Peconic River flows through Brookhaven National Laboratory and is a recreational waterway for anglers, paddlers and nature photographers. Those interested in these activities will find a different focus here than on the tours and the history of the former camp.

The Pine Barrens area in the Upton Ecological and Research Reserve provides habitat for approximately 27 endangered, threatened or otherwise at-risk species. Under an agreement with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the reserve is designated as a protected habitat. The approximate number of species and their protection status give the nature theme a concrete dimension, alongside the historical and scientific stories that also shape Upton.

These facts appeal to a range of interests, without requiring you to limit your stay to just one of them.

Discover More Places

Other places to discover include Wainscott, Montauk, Cutchogue, Saltaire, Medford, Melville, Shelter Island and Islandia.

For the broader travel overview: Suffolk.