Eagle Island State Historic Site

beachcombing beachcombing boating (motorized) fishing hiking (trails) sea kayaking watching wildlife picnic area

Description

Nestled a few miles off the coast of Maine, Eagle Island State Historic Site receives about 6,000 visitors each season who tour the summer home of North Pole Explorer Admiral Robert Peary. Purchased in 1881 for $200, the island provides a perfect perch for Peary's summer home that overlooks Casco Bay and surrounding islands.

Panoramic views of ocean scenery, squawking seagulls, and fragrant flowers offer guests a unique opportunity to live a day in the life of the famous 1900s explorer. The island is void of any mechanical devices and from the moment visitors arrive, one gets the sense that Admiral Peary and his wife, Josephine could be sitting atop the library's roof watching people explore corners of their island getaway. Josephine cultivated beautiful gardens that featured foxgloves among other colorful flowers. Bureau of Parks and Lands staff tend those same gardens today.

While in the area, make it a point to also visit the Peary-McMillan Arctic Museum At Bowdoin College in Brunswick. Admrial Peary was a graduate of Bowdoin.

Learn more about the Peary Family and Eagle Island

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Activities

• beachcombing
• beachcombing
• boating (motorized)
• fishing
• hiking (trails)
• sea kayaking
• watching wildlife

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Rules

• See Rules for State Parks and Historic Sites

Consider lending a hand. Contact us if you would like to help with stewardship or maintenance work.

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Services and Facilities

• picnic area
• See Visitor Accessibility

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