Matinicus Isle MaineATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Matinicus Isle, Maine.
1. Matinicus Rock Light Station
HISTORIC LIGHTHOUSE LANDMARK
Matinicus Rock Light Station was built in 1827 and features a pair of 41-foot towers, a boat house, a keeper's house, and a shed. The lighthouse gained fame through the story of teenager Abbie Burgess, who maintained the light for several weeks during the winter of 1856. Today, only one of the two towers is active as the light station is now fully automated.
2. Puffin Colony at Matinicus Rock
UNIQUE BIRD WATCHING
The Puffin Colony at Matinicus Rock offers visitors a chance to see Atlantic puffins in their natural habitat during June and July. Matinicus Rock is maintained as a bird sanctuary specifically for protecting the puffin nesting colony. Visitors can take boat tours around the island to view the puffins, though landing on the island is not permitted as it's a protected area.
3. South Sandy Beach
SERENE COASTAL RETREAT
South Sandy Beach is one of two sandy beaches on Matinicus Isle where visitors can enjoy pristine ocean views. The beach offers a peaceful setting for relaxation, though swimmers should be prepared for very cold water temperatures throughout the year. Despite the cold water, children and brave souls often enjoy taking a refreshing dip in the ocean.
4. Markey Beach
UNSPOILED ISLAND SHORELINE
Markey Beach is the second sandy beach on Matinicus Isle, providing visitors with another option for enjoying the island's natural coastline. Like South Sandy Beach, the water tends to remain very cold year-round, but still attracts hardy swimmers. The beach offers a quiet escape with beautiful ocean vistas and opportunities for beachcombing.
5. Congregational Church of Matinicus
HISTORIC COMMUNITY CENTERPIECE
The Congregational Church of Matinicus, built in 1906, has been a major community gathering place on the island for over a century. The church is steeped in tradition, hosting evening services, a Christmas Eve feast, weddings, funerals, farmer's markets, chili cook-offs, and musical performances. In 2006, the church received a significant update when running water was installed in its kitchen for the first time.
6. Island Bird Watching Tours
YEAR-ROUND WILDLIFE VIEWING
Island Bird Watching Tours on Matinicus Isle provide visitors with opportunities to observe diverse avian species throughout the year. The island's remote location makes it an excellent spot for bird watching, with species varying by season. Guided tours can help visitors identify the colorful birds that make the island and surrounding waters their home.
7. Matinicus Island General Store
ESSENTIAL ISLAND PROVISIONS
The Matinicus Island General Store serves as the island's primary retail establishment with a limited inventory of essential goods. Visitors to the island should note that the store's offerings are modest, and bringing additional supplies is recommended for extended stays. For a fee, Shaw's Supermarket in Rockland will deliver groceries to the island via airplane for those needing more extensive provisions.
8. Matinicus Excursions
ISLAND TRANSPORTATION SERVICE
Matinicus Excursions, operated by George Tarkleson, provides essential water taxi services connecting Matinicus Isle to the mainland at Rockland. The service also offers boat trips to Matinicus Rock, about five miles from Matinicus Island, where visitors can view the lighthouse and abundant wildlife. During summer months, these excursions provide opportunities to see puffins, various bird species, and seals sunning themselves on the rocks.
9. Stargazing on Matinicus
PRISTINE NIGHT SKIES
Stargazing on Matinicus offers an exceptional celestial experience due to the island's complete lack of light pollution. Visitors can stroll the dirt roads at night and enjoy unobstructed views of stars, planets, and cosmic phenomena rarely visible near populated areas. The remote island setting creates perfect conditions for amateur astronomers and those simply wanting to connect with the night sky.
10. Island Biking Tours
SCENIC DIRT ROAD EXPLORATION
Island Biking Tours provide an excellent way to explore Matinicus Isle's charming unpaved roads and natural beauty. With no paved roads on the island, cyclists can enjoy a peaceful ride away from vehicle traffic while taking in coastal scenery and wildlife. Biking allows visitors to cover more ground than walking while still maintaining an intimate connection with the island's rustic character.
11. Grimes Park
LOCAL RECREATION AREA
Grimes Park offers visitors a pleasant outdoor space for relaxation and recreation on Matinicus Isle. The park provides a gathering place for community events and casual enjoyment of the island's natural environment. Visitors appreciate the park's tranquil setting and opportunity to connect with local island life.
12. Basin Preserve
NATURAL WILDLIFE AREA
Basin Preserve is a highly-rated natural wildlife area located on nearby Vinalhaven island. The preserve features well-maintained trails through diverse coastal ecosystems where visitors can observe local flora and fauna. Nature enthusiasts particularly value this destination for its pristine environment and opportunities for wildlife viewing.
13. Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse
ICONIC COASTAL LANDMARK
The Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse sits at the end of a nearly mile-long granite breakwater extending into Penobscot Bay from the mainland at Rockland. Visitors can walk the breakwater to reach the historic lighthouse, enjoying panoramic views of the harbor, islands, and passing boats along the way. The lighthouse and its unique approach make it one of the most distinctive and photographed maritime landmarks in Maine.
14. Farnsworth Art Museum
CELEBRATED AMERICAN ART
The Farnsworth Art Museum in Rockland showcases an impressive collection of American art with a special focus on artists associated with Maine. The museum is particularly known for its extensive collection of works by the Wyeth family - N.C., Andrew, and Jamie. With multiple galleries housed in beautiful buildings, the Farnsworth provides cultural enrichment for visitors to Maine's midcoast region.
15. Owls Head Transportation Museum
VINTAGE VEHICLE COLLECTION
The Owls Head Transportation Museum houses an extraordinary collection of antique aircraft, automobiles, motorcycles, bicycles, and carriages. Many of the vehicles are maintained in operating condition, with regular demonstrations and special events throughout the year. Located near Rockland, the museum celebrates the evolution of transportation technology with exhibits spanning from the late 1800s through the mid-1900s.