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Saint Croix Island International Historic Site

The winter of 1604-1605 on Saint Croix Island was a cruel one for Pierre Dugua's French expedition. Iced in by freezing temperatures and cut off from fresh water and game, 35 of 79 men died. As spring arrived and native people traded game for bread, the health of those remaining improved. Although the expedition moved on by summer, the European presence in northern North America had begun.

The Basics

Hours:

The site is open daily from sunrise to sunset. During the winter, however, the displays and bronze statues along the interpretive trail are covered to prevent damage from inclement weather.

Address:

PO Box 177
Bar Harbor, ME 04609-0177

Phone:

207-288-3338

Phone:

207-288-8800

Fax:

207-288-8813

Map

Saint Croix Island International Historic Site, Maine Map

Directions

Saint Croix Island International Historic Site is best reached by private vehicle. The site is located eight miles south of Calais, Maine, on U.S. Route 1, and can be reached either by Route 9 from Bangor or U.S. Route 1, the coastal route from Portland and points south. The parking lot is located on the left after entering the mainland site.

Climate

Halfway between the Equator and the North Pole, the site is exposed to weather conditions typical of the eastern Maine coast. Summer onshore breezes often make the area seem cooler than a temperature reading in the 70s and 80s Fahrenheit (21-27° Celsius) might indicate.

Link to our Ellsworth / Bar Harbor Weather coverage for more information.

Fees

No admission fees.

Things To Do

The site is focused on establishing a quiet atmosphere of respect meant to promote contemplation of the heroism and suffering of the French colonists in 1604–05.

Wander along the short, accessible interpretive trail at the mainland site. The trail features bronze figures of the French and Passamaquoddy, as well as wayside exhibits that discuss historical events and the interaction of the two cultures. A model of the 1604 French settlement sits under a shelter overlooking the island.

Visits to the island itself are not encouraged due to its fragile nature. The mainland site provides scenic views of the island and the Saint Croix River.

Guided Tours

During certain times of the year, park rangers are available at the mainland site to answer your questions.

* Mid-June through August 31 - A bilingual park ranger is stationed at the site seven days a week.
* September 1 through October 10 - A park ranger or park volunteer is available by chance.
* Mid-October through mid-June - On-site staff at the mainland and island sites are not regularly scheduled.

Nearby Attractions

Related Sites

Saint Croix Island International Historic Site (Parks Canada), 20 miles

Located on Route 127 at Bayside, New Brunswick, between St. Andrews and St. Stephen, this site offers a walking trail with exhibits discussing the French settlement on Saint Croix Island in 1604.

Port Royal National Historic Site (Parks Canada), 250 miles

Located near Annapolis Royal, Nova Scotia, Port-Royal features reconstructed buildings modeled after the Port Royal settlement map drawn by Samuel Champlain.

Museums

Downeast Heritage Museum, 8 miles

This museum preserve the cultural and natural history of Downeast Maine. Exhibits include People of the Dawn (Native Americans), Saint Croix Island, Living with the Sea, and Living with the Land.

Parks And Other Areas

Acadia National Park, 125 miles

Located along the coast of Maine, Acadia National Park protects more than 47,000 acres of mountains, woodlands, lakes, and ocean shoreline. Hiking, biking, and ranger-led programs are popular activities.

Moosehorn National Wildlife Refuge, 14 miles

Created to protect migrating waterfowl, wading birds, shorebirds, upland game birds, songbirds, and birds of prey, Moosehorn NWR is the easternmost refuge in the Atlantic Flyway.

Roosevelt Campobello International Park, 45 miles

This 2,800-acre park preserves the cottage where President Franklin Delano Roosevelt summered. Operated by a joint U.S.-Canadian commission, the park is located on Campobello Island in New Brunswick, Canada.

Saint Andrews Blockhouse National Historic Site (Parks Canada), 30 miles

This site, located in St. Andrews, New Brunswick, contains a blockhouse built to military specifications by townspeople during the War of 1812.

Link to our Ellsworth / Bar Harbor Attractions coverage for more information.

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