Rattlesnake Island is the third largest island on Lake Winnipesauke and the largest non-bridged island. The island is two miles long and rises to a height of 390 feet above the lake level. From the summit, a panoramic view of the surrounding mountain ranges can be seen.
Rattlesnakes were actually found on the island years ago, as late as 1946. Rattlesnake skins and other artifacts from the area can be seen in the Libby Museum located on route 109 just north of Wolfeboro
· NH Electric Co-op – Installation of the new electric cable from the mainland to RSI has begun. Work started Monday, August 27th , including the installation of conduit and poles on the island. Digging is expected to begin at the landing on the mainland after Labor Day. To accommodate this process, we will be roping off sections of the lower parking lot to keep cars away from areas that will require digging. Please be aware that parking will be restricted as required.
· RSI Landing – If you are approached or harassed at the landing on the mainland, please call 911 or report it to the Alton Police Department. Please be advised that several members have been approached by a person wearing a security uniform. If you experience any issues, please notify the board using the form available under the “Mainland Services” tab.
Today, the island is governed by an association of its members.
The Rattlesnake Island Association (“RIA”) was incorporated in the state of New Hampshire on May 12, 1969.
Its Articles of Incorporation were restated March 15, 1994.
All Rattlesnake Island property owners belong to the RIA. There are 186 individually owned lots on the perimeter of the island. There are two lots on the interior of the island’s northwest side that are privately owned. The remaining interior property on the northwest side is owed by the RIA. The interior property on the southeast side of the island is owned by the Lakes Region Conservation Trust.
- Copeland’s Cove
- Washington View
- Broadview
- Longview
- Mountain View
- Major View
- Buckskin
- Raccoon Point
- Pow Wow
- Young’s Cove
The land owned by the Lakes Region Conservation Trust is accessible through one designated waterfront lot and dock on the southeast end of the island. This island access is limited to Trust members and their accompanied guests.
In addition to the interior northwest land and the 8 waterfront island lots, the RIA owns one lot on its neighboring Sleeper Island. This lot is used to bring power to Rattlesnake Island from the mainland.
Upon request, all members of the RIA are provided with keys to the launch ramp and trailer storage area and parking passes for the upper and lower parking lots.