Calling all glass float lovers...the countdown has officially begun! With spring in full swing, and summer quickly on its way, orbivores are anxiously awaiting the journey to find their magical glass float on Block Island. June 1st marks the first weekend of 2024 floats being hidden, get your sneakers on and start exploring! 

If you didn't already know, there are 550 floats hidden on Block Island every season for people to find...or unknowingly stumble upon. They are all hand-made and unique in their own way, with 24 of them having a unique color to them, (24 for 2024). Eben Horton, the artist behind all of the magic, creates custom one of a kind pieces on an individual basis out of his studio that he calls ‘The Glass Station'. His studio is located in Wakefield, Rhode Island.

While you are exploring the nature on Block Island, keep in mind that there might be a glass float close by you, above you, or right next to you. Magic!

So, the famous question: where are the floats hidden? Floats are hidden along trails, beaches, and public spaces. It is very important to remember to respect Block Island and the environment while you are looking for a glass float. You would never have to deconstruct a stone wall to find a float, use your eyes to look from all angles but please leave stone walls and the land as you found them. It's important to remember that when hunting on trails you should never have to deviate more than a few feet off the side of a trail to collect a float. Do not create "new" trails by venturing off the main path. Yes, they can be hidden in trees...look up! 

orb on the beach

sunset orb

Photo via IG user: @daveking401 

float in tree

sharonc_1974

Photo via IG user: @sharonc_1974

jmcstearns IG user

Photo via IG user: @jmcstearns

Floats are put out almost daily through the season, some in the fall, some in the winter! If you don't find one right away, don't worry. There will be more opportunities, and there are always floats to be found, all year round. Sometimes, people even find them from years and years ago.

Registering your float is a very important step. This is how we know how many are found and where they are found. With The Block Island Tourism Council's new website, there are some fun new features when you register your float. Now, when you visit https://www.blockislandinfo.com/glass-float-project/register-floats/ to register your float... you not only select the year of the float, the number of the float, but now you can attach photos and the story of how you discovered your float! This is a fun way to see all of the magical glass float stories, and to keep track of how many are still out there.

If you happen to find two floats in the same year, you must re-hide one of them. Only one float per person, per year! 

Please see the guideline for more specific tips, tricks and etiquette below.

flyer glass flaot

To plan your trip or for more information on all things Block Island...be sure to visit https://www.blockislandinfo.com/!