Downeast & Acadia

If you like the water, whether river or ocean; if you like nature in its rugged beauty; if you like salty sea air tinged with the smell of blueberries; or if you like peaceful coves for some quiet time, then the Downeast & Acadia Region is for you. Here there are freshwater lakes, whitewater rivers, the highest tides in the country along with their crashing surf, and those peaceful coves. History abounds here: St Croix Island, the landing site of the French in the New World; the first naval encounter of the Revolutionary War took place here; architecturally historic homes cover the area. Spend time in friendly villages, browse in shops and galleries, venture in nature's preserves and wildlife refuges, go fishing, canoeing, or kayaking. Most of all enjoy yourself. You will! Things to See and Do Historic Sites Burnham Tavern in Machias, oldest building in eastern Maine (1770); where patriots schemed in the capture of the British ship Margaretta in 1775. Cherryfield Historic District has 52 historic buildings. Tours available. Porter Memorial Library in Machias built in 1892 whose fireplace was constructed from the stones used as ballast on the British ship Margaretta. Sawyer Memorial Congregational Church in Jonesport-built in 1877 having Tiffany-styled stained glass considered among the finest in America. Locations Eastport is the easternmost city in the U.S. and home to some of the largest tides in the world. It's Downtown Historic District is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Lubec, the easternmost town in America. Perry has a roadside picnic area where stands a small red granite marker denoting the 45th Parallel, midpoint between the Equator and the North Pole. Outdoor Activities Norton Puffin Tours from Jonesport to Machias Seal Island 10 miles off shore. Bold Coast Charter Company out of Cutler to Machias Seal Island and lighthouse. Parks & Trails Acadia National Park, established in 1916, a 44 square mile scenic park on Mt Desert Island. The oldest national park east of the Mississippi River. Cadillac Mountain, the park's highest elevation, early risers can be among the first to see the sunrise in America. Quoddy Head State Park off of Route 189 in Lubec. Features 4.5 miles of hiking trails, extensive forests, two bogs, rare plants, and the red-and-white striped lighthouse tower of West Quoddy Head Light. Rocky Lake Public Reserved Land on Route 191 out of East Machias. More than 10,000 acres of forested ridges, meandering rivers and streams, wetlands and shallow, rocky lakes dotted with islands. Roosevelt Campobello International Park off from Lubec on Campobello Island and was Franklin D. and Eleanor Roosevelt's summer home. Shackford Head State Park off of Maine Route 190. Enjoy 90 acres of undeveloped peninsula with beaches, protected coves, and a bold headland. A hiking trail from the parking area through the woods to the rocky headland allows for beautiful views of Cobscook Bay. St. Croix Island International Historic Site at Red Beach south of Calais, site of the first European settlement in North America north of Florida. Established in 1604 by Samuel de Champlain and Sieur de Monts. Scenic Drives Acadia Byway - Route 3 on Mount Desert Island. A portion of this 40 mile drive is within Acadia National Park. There is a toll on part of this road. Schoodic Scenic Byway - Take Rt. 1 from Ellsworth to Hancock. The 29-mile Scenic Byway begins in Hancock, continues on Rt. 1 to West Gouldsboro, where it turns right on Rt. 186. Rt. 186 loops through Winter Harbor and back up the peninsula to Prospect Harbor Light. State Route 182. This 12.5 mile drive takes place between Franklin and Cherryfield. This area is known for its blueberry barrens, rugged granite coastline and unspoiled New England character. Turnouts along the route have trailheads and great views of lakes and ponds. Science & Nature Related Beals Island Regional Shellfish Hatchery (Beals Island) is the world's only soft-shell clam hatchery and Maine's only public shellfish hatchery. Petit Manan National Wildlife Refuge - 1991 acres where a variety of wildlife van be viewed from foot trails over rugged, wind-swept terrain covering 10 miles of ocean shoreline

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