The history of Camp Upton led to the creation of Brookhaven National Laboratory: in January 1947, the former military camp was converted into a research center for the peaceful use of atomic energy. Alongside this, tours offer insights into scientific work, while a protected natural area reveals another side of Upton. When planning your visit, consider whether you want to focus on historical context, research offerings or nature—and which scheduling and audience requirements suit your visit.
Camp Upton and the Laboratory’s History
Camp Upton was a U.S. Army post, active from 1917 to 1920 and again from 1940 to 1946. During both World Wars, the camp was used to train soldiers. In World War I, Camp Upton was also a mobilization camp; Irving Berlin trained there.
In January 1947, the former camp was converted into a research center for the peaceful use of atomic energy. Brookhaven National Laboratory was established that same month. The World War I trenches on the laboratory grounds are eligible for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places. The site’s history thus follows a clear timeline, from military use to its subsequent transition to research.
Tours and Scientific Programs
The National Synchrotron Light Source II offers monthly tours. Visitors learn about how a synchrotron light source operates and the research conducted there, and tour the experimental hall. The program combines an explanation of scientific work with a look at where the experiments take place.
The Science Learning Center is for students: it offers discovery-based, hands-on learning experiences focused on various scientific principles. For in-person field trips, two time slots are available Tuesday through Friday: 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 to 2:00 p.m. Appointments are required, and bookings are accepted on a “first come, first served” basis. Since these are specific times, it is advisable to check them before planning your visit.
Another option is the summer Sunday Open House tour program, held on select dates in June, July and August. The specific dates vary by year. Group tours can be arranged for groups of 10 to 20 guests from colleges, professional organizations and adult community groups. They take place on selected weekdays, not on weekends or holidays. These programs differ in both audience and scheduling, so check in advance which format suits your visit and when it takes place.
Pine Barrens and the Peconic River
The Upton Ecological and Research Reserve is designated as protected habitat under an agreement with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The Pine Barrens area within the reserve provides habitat for approximately 27 endangered, threatened or otherwise at-risk species. This figure is explicitly an estimate and includes several conservation categories.
The Peconic River flows through Brookhaven National Laboratory and is a recreational waterway for anglers, paddlers and nature photographers. Access and conditions may vary. If you plan any of these activities, check the applicable conditions before your visit.
Choose the Right Focus
For a science-focused visit, it is helpful to distinguish between the monthly tours at the National Synchrotron Light Source II and the Science Learning Center programs: the former cover synchrotron operations, research and the experimental hall, while the latter offer hands-on learning for students. The seasonal Sunday program and group tours, which require advance arrangements, have their own scheduling and audience requirements. Those interested in history can follow the story of the site’s development from military post to research center; nature enthusiasts can focus on the reserve’s protected status and the Peconic River uses described here.
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